The 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 work at startups and established businesses, going into the weeds on data and revenue.
My journey has featured launching businesses leading to success and failure, including stories of moving to new cities, setting up new offices, and going through mergers, acquisitions, etc.
I’m part of a lucky few who have rode the rollercoaster of growth, including all the drops, dips, and turns.
Creating a framework to make business success repeatable is my main motivation of this blog. I seek the stories and experiences from leaders in the field to reinforce what I learn, demystifying the luck that surrounds successful companies.
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