Shawn McNaughton. Global insight, local impact.

Shawn McNaughton brings a wealth of experience in cross-cultural business management to Portage Innovations. With experience assisting international companies, he is adept at resourceful problem-solving and generating inventive solutions. Passionate about cooking and running, Shawn fosters inventive solutions for Portage Innovation's clients.

Describe a time when you had to think outside the box to solve a problem.

I encountered a unique challenge while working with a company that wanted to establish a cheese business in Canada through the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program... The idea I developed was to create a circular economy model... The experience reinforced the importance of creative problem-solving...

Who has been your biggest professional influence and why?

I have been fortunate to work with some incredible leaders in my career... However, I would say my wife is the biggest professional influence. There is no one more dedicated to and authentic to making this world a better place than she is.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I was once told that you have two choices in life: you can let setbacks knock you down and anger take over, or you can choose to smile, rise again, and keep trying. Life is not easy. It does not get any easier if you are angry at the world.

What does the perfect Saturday look like to you?

I make the mundane fun. A perfect weekend would be to get up at 6am and go for a run around the seawall, then take the family to Granville Island via water-taxi, have lunch grab a few groceries and make a nice dinner for friends…with a bottle of wine, of course.

What inspired you to help create an incubator?

We live in a privileged country. Canada's beauty, relative safety, and high quality of life make it an attractive destination, but adapting to its culture can be a complex process... My inspiration to create an incubator in Canada stems from a deep appreciation of our country's unique advantages and a recognition of the challenges newcomers face.