An Active Study of Entrepreneurship and Business Development
A personal research project.
What really makes a business tick?
This is the research question at the heart of my writing.
It’s a question that’s led me to working at startups, established businesses, and helping guide growth through data and revenue.
It’s even led me to launching my own businesses of which some have succeeded, failed, and stall out (discontinuing operations).
Some leaders are naturally good at management while others are lucky, or have to work hard.
Understanding this subject thoroughly with supportive experience from the field is how I intend to master this subject.
Whether it be aligning to political priorities, the PR behind major projects and shareholder value, or exploring why some businesses fail… that’s the knowledge I’m really hoping to investigate and learn.
Current Projects
What I’m working on right now.
Cape Breton University
Manager of Business Intelligence, Chair of Data Governance, Advisor on AI Research & Strategy
- Enrolment Forecasting. Using trends and current market signals to project enrolment and inform capacity, staffing, and revenue decisions.
- Academic Performance Reporting. For specialized interests with Deans and Faculty, I connect teaching methodologies to performance indicators of students.
- Real-Time Reporting. Providing visibility into performance so leaders can act with confidence as conditions change.
- Data Governance. Establishing standards, ownership, and accountability so data remains trusted, consistent, and usable over time.
- Expansion Initiatives. Assisting special projects to expand operations on AI, extended learning, graduate outcomes, and other Federal/Provincial priorities.
Outside the Office
The routines, training, and interests that shape how I think and work.
- Endurance Training & Running Events. Training with longevity in mind, participating in race events to demonstrate my consistency, patience, and execution.
- Home DIY & Woodworking. Tackling projects that reinforce problem-solving, precision, and respect for process.
- Travel & Perspective. Experiencing new places and cultures to broaden perspective.
- Family & Legacy. Passing forward a belief in education, curiosity, and shared experiences as the foundation for what comes next.
“Execute. Learn. Adapt.”
Colin MacInnis
Manager of Business Intelligence
Cape Breton University