Education: Bachelor of journalism, Carleton University (2006)
Biggest business achievement: Helping to create an amazing work culture built on bravery and contribution, and leveraging that culture to grow business and further Rebel.com’s mission.
Biggest obstacle overcome: Fear of being vulnerable as a leader. Leading with vulnerability and heart (especially in the tech industry) took courage and is the backbone of the work I’m most proud of. Supporting other leaders to do the same is a big part of my path ahead.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
![Stonefields Estate barn](https://assets.obj.ca/2024/06/Stonefields-barn-20240624_115231_0000-300x169.jpg)
Stonefields Estate will make your next corporate event unforgettable
Stonefields Estate feels like the kind of place where time stands still. It may be the idyllic countryside location or the historic farm buildings dotting the property that give it
![A happy family with young children](https://assets.obj.ca/2024/07/Deloitte-20240705_102801_0000-300x169.jpg)
Smooth moves in the modern service era
A veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy, Darren Hawco’s life in the Canadian Armed Forces brought him from coast to coast, with command postings at sea, to top level positions
Biggest influence: My six-year-old daughter. More than anyone, she’s challenged me to evaluate how I spend my time and energy – and that’s driven me to do and be and create more for her and our world than I ever imagined possible.
Most important lesson I’ve learned in business: As in life, the only thing we truly control in business is how we show up and react to whatever is in front of us. I’ve been lucky to work with amazing leaders and mentors who’ve shown incredible grace, guts and resiliency in tough times.
First job: I washed horse blankets. Yep.
Advice I’d give the younger me: Dare to fail spectacularly – that’s what it takes to become the best that we can become.