Judge Business School Alum on the Value of Experience in Entrepreneurship
The business of entrepreneurship isn’t just a millennial’s game, as evidenced by an alum of Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge.
Stephen Tordoff received his postgraduate diploma from Judge in 2011, and formed Energy Canvas (whose website is currently under construction) in 2013 at the age of 38. By this time, he had gained nearly 15 years of work in the renewable energy sector. Stephen is a strong believer in the value of experience.
Tordoff said:
“I love the willingness to take a risk that comes with youth. But with age, you can understand the concerns of your customers maybe a little bit better, as you have that life experience. So it’s all about finding that happy medium while you’re still young enough to have that belief you’re going to be successful.”
After studying structural design at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, he moved to Australia where he received an undergraduate degree in renewable energy engineering from Murdoch University. While in school, he gained valuable experience in the design of sustainable energy systems, and he observed the shift in use of renewable resources from an experimental solution to an essential one.
It was this transformation that led Tordoff to found Energy Canvas, which focuses on implementing effective and innovative renewable energies. Operating as a consultant gave Tordoff a vital foundation, though he is now seeking to fund the business so that it can grow to the next level: that of creating as well as consulting. He says, “I’ve always dreamed of starting my own business and going after my own ideas.” Energy Canvas has two main initiatives in the tropical and arctic regions. The goal is to establish renewable systems in these areas in order to reduce their substantial carbon footprints.
“When I started out, in 2001, nobody was really talking about renewable energy yet,” said Tordoff. “15 years later, it’s on everyone’s lips… We don’t know what the future holds, but it’s been a really neat journey so far.”
About the Author
Maggie Boccella
Maggie Boccella, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, is a freelance writer, artist and photographer. She has consulted on various film and multimedia projects, and she also serves as a juror for the city's annual LGBTQIA Film Festival.
