Award-winning case highlights the impact of the QuantumShift™ program, powered by Ivey and KPMG Private Enterprise
More than 20 years ago, Ivey and KPMG Private Enterprise created QuantumShift: a tailored leadership development experience for Canada's most promising entrepreneurs. The two organizations had a common goal - to accelerate the growth of Canada’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Ivey entrepreneurship professor Eric Morse, now Executive Director of the Western Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship, was teaching an executive development program for KPMG where he met Dave Cook, who at the time was a partner with KPMG’s Enterprise practice. The two discussed how each of their organizations had resources for entrepreneurs, but needed a different approach to drive transformative impact.
That conversation was the start of a lasting collaboration – one that led to the creation of an unparalleled learning experience for entrepreneurs called QuantumShift™. The intensive five-day program combines case studies, peer learning, and expert advice to help entrepreneurs scale operations, diversify their offerings, and explore new markets. Ivey and KPMG Private Enterprise recently won EFMD Global's Excellence in Practice Award in Ecosystem Development for a case study demonstrating the program’s impact over the past two decades. The award recognizes outstanding collaborations in executive learning and development.
Education that contributes to society
“QuantumShift™ exemplifies the shared commitment of both Ivey and KPMG Private Enterprise,” said Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of The Ivey Academy, Ivey’s executive learning and development institute that delivers the QuantumShift™ program. “Programs like this create a unique community of practitioners with the perspectives, tools, and networks needed to drive real impact for their organizations, for the Canadian business landscape, and for our society.”
The case demonstrates how QuantumShift™ combines KPMG’s industry acumen with Ivey’s leadership education expertise to empower high-growth entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and innovate, thereby contributing to job creation, community development, and the economy. QuantumShift™ is also proving to be filling a gap in entrepreneurship education given the high demand for the program. Since 2003, more than 900 entrepreneurs have completed the program and there are typically around 100 applications for up to 50 spots. Among other things, program participants have cited the benefits of making connections with other entrepreneurs for support, expertise, and sometimes even business opportunities.
“It [the program] was important to us, but we didn’t know at the time how important it would be to the entrepreneurs,” said Morse, who is now Executive Director of the Western Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship Powered by Ivey. “The feedback has been exceptional – these leaders clearly see deep value in stepping back from their businesses, getting perspective, and planning for the future in a carefully crafted learning environment.”
New perspectives on leadership
Tim Coghlan, CEO of Keller Construction Ltd. and a member of the QuantumShift™ Class of 2023, said the exposure to other leaders facing similar challenges gave him a new perspective and changed his approach to leadership.
“It's humbling, because hearing different perspectives from intelligent people does set you back a bit. It reminds me that I don't have all of the answers and the way I look at something isn't necessarily the right way to look at something,” he said.
Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be done in a vacuum
Fellow classmate Vanessa Heim, president and CEO of Brenco Industries Ltd., also appreciated the chance to meet and learn from a diverse group of entrepreneurs from numerous industries and said it made the entrepreneurship experience less isolated.
“It gives you the opportunity to bring up your problems and talk to people who you would not otherwise have the opportunity to speak with so you don't have to try and do entrepreneurship alone. It doesn't have to be in a vacuum,” she said. “When you surround yourself with the best of the best and the brightest, it's just one way to make you better, make your business better, and really take advantage of the people around you.”
A virtuous circle
Evidence of the program’s impact is shown through the steady stream of referrals and high engagement in post-program alumni events. The QuantumShift™ alumni community has also inspired the creation of three additional programs: CommunityShift for non-profit leaders, FamilyShift for family business leaders, and the Senior Executive Program for QuantumShift™ entrepreneurs’ top management teams.
“As the program and its alumni network have grown, it has created a cycle of success: referrals from alumni bring in new participants, which benefits everyone involved,” said Pat Madden, Vice President at KPMG Private Enterprise. “KPMG contributes to an important sector of the Canadian economy, the entrepreneurs’ businesses improve, and the QuantumShift™ program and the Ivey Academy strengthen. Everyone benefits from the effort and the mission that went into this.”
