Arlene Dickinson is a visionary entrepreneur and leader with a remarkable track record of success. She is the Founder and General Partner of District Ventures Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies in the food & beverage and health & wellness sectors. Under her leadership, District Ventures Capital has become a leading force in the  industry, with a portfolio of ground-breaking companies that are transforming the way we live  and eat.

Dickinson is also the Co-Managing Partner of Believeco: Partners, an independent Canadian-based owner, operator, and builder of the foremost marketing, communications, and engagement agencies in North America. It was Dickinson’s vision that brought this platform to life, resulting in the creation of a powerhouse marketing consolidator. 

Beyond her business ventures, Dickinson is a sought-after speaker, three-time best-selling author, and philanthropist. She is widely recognized for her role as a Venture Capitalist on the hit television series Dragons’ Den, where she currently has starred for over 15 seasons.

Dickinson’s leadership and entrepreneurial prowess have earned her numerous accolades over the years, including induction into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame, the Marketing  Hall of Legends, recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame,  and the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Awards. Dickinson served as an honorary captain of the royal canadian navy for over ten years visiting our troops overseas numerous times.

With her unwavering commitment to excellence, her passion for innovation, and her deep dedication to her community and country, Arlene Dickinson is a true Canadian icon and a  shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and vision.

Every one of us will feel stuck at some point in our lives. One day, you recognize that you have followed a path — personal or professional — that suddenly seems closed off or unfulfilling. Whether it’s a relationship that doesn’t connect in the way it used to or a job that started out being exciting but now feels unrewarding, suddenly you look up from your life and realize there is something else you want to do or be. You’re ready for a reinvention.

Can anyone be an entrepreneur? Arlene Dickinson’s answer is “yes!” In this talk, Arlene distills a lifetime of experience to reveal everything you need to know—and do—start, run and grow a business. On stage, as on the TV screen, Dickinson is an inspirational speaker. She displays a palpable and infectious belief in the entrepreneurial spirit. Arlene reminds your audience of the major contributions Canadians have made to international business and the entrepreneurial tradition. This keynote is highly requested by parties who are looking to hire Arlene as a speaker.

“Like laying bricks to build a house, each dollar you spend on marketing should measurably build your business.”  Marketing plays a fundamental role in all businesses- yet it is seldom held accountable the way other departments are. Dragon’s Den star, Arlene Dickinson,  teaches your team why marketing must be a top concern of leadership. Additionally, she explains why creativity and accountability must go hand-in-hand. Otherwise, why bother with marketing at all? 

Success is often taken for granted; few stop to think about where it came from, what shaped it, what trials were involved. In this refreshing business talk, keynote speaker Arlene Dickinson tells her story, providing a rare look into the making of one of Canada’s most powerful businesswomen. Brimming with lessons in self-doubt and self-confidence, this refreshing talk is underscored by modesty, grit, and enormous heart.