Episode 8: Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs – A Journey with Colby Delorme

Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together Podcast, Rod Miller sits down with Métis entrepreneur and governance leader Colby Delorme. Colby talks about what pulled him into entrepreneurship, how culture shapes the way he leads, and the lessons he's carried through building Imagination Group. He shares why mentorship matters for Indigenous youth, including a story of unexpected support from Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. The conversation also digs into the role of boards in advancing Indigenous economic prosperity, and Colby's advice for the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways Starting young, starting scrappy: Colby launched his first company at 18 and learned early the value of professionalism—branding, marketing materials and showing up prepared. Leadership is a learned muscle: He evolved from a tough, exacting "early boss" to a leader who values preparedness, responsibility and setting teams up to succeed. What makes an entrepreneur: Entrepreneurship, for Colby, is identity and resilience—a mindset he links to Métis ingenuity and intergenerational experience. Culture at the core: Their tobacco line was launched with elders' guidance as a ceremonial, educational product—packaged and handled with intention to honour protocol and purpose. Bridging the mentorship gap: Co-founding Influence Mentoring Society, Colby targets Indigenous post-secondary/professional learners, creating "social capital" through protege-led, national mentorship. Catalytic philanthropy matters: A $250k gift from Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively validated the model and unlocked momentum—showing how first movers de-risk new, impact-driven initiatives. Boards as engines of policy (not tokenism): Real inclusion means embedding Indigenous worldviews across all corporate policies—not isolating them in a standalone "Indigenous policy."  Practical startup playbook: Learn how to start your entrepreneurship journey, wherever in the process you may be.  Guest Bio:  Colby Delorme is a distinguished Métis entrepreneur and governance expert who has dedicated over 30 years to building Indigenous economic empowerment through strategic business development, mentorship and innovative partnerships. As President of the Imagination Group Inc. and Co-Founder and Chairperson of Influence Mentoring Society, Colby has established himself as a transformational leader in advancing Indigenous prosperity across Canada. Host: Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward. Resources & Links: Learn more about Forward Summit → https://forwardsummit.ca/ Follow Foward Summit on Social Media: LinkedIn Read the Forward Magazine → Magazine Link Forward Summit Events and Pricing: Register Now!