EY Announces Laurie Schultz as Entrepreneur of the Year 2019

Laurie Schultz, CEO of Galvanize, a provider of SaaS GRC software, has been selected as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner. Schultz, who joined Galvanize in 2011, was presented with the award at the annual gala hosted by Ernst & Young at the Vancouver Convention Centre on October 3.

For the past 26 years, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award has recognized the achievements of the world’s top entrepreneurs who keep local and global economies moving forward. The award honours excellence in areas such as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to businesses and communities.

“Receiving this award is an honour, and I’m humbled to be recognized alongside so many remarkable entrepreneurs,” said Schultz. “There is no doubt that we’ve seen tremendous success at Galvanize. We’ve transformed our financials, but what I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built as one of Canada’s most admired cultures.”

Since taking over as CEO in 2011, Schultz has grown Galvanize by focusing on three key pillars: mobilizing talent, disrupting the category, and transforming the business model. Her unique one-page strategic plan has led the redefinition of the Company’s target market, with the vision that Galvanize users should be the most sought-after people in their organizations. In 2017, Schultz pitched this strategic plan and category consolidation agenda to secure a $50M minority investment from Norwest Venture Partners. In 2019, her plan catalyzed Galvanize’s February acquisition of Rsam—a New Jersey headquartered and analyst-recognized leader in vendor and cyber-risk management.

Schultz’s innovative leadership style has been the driving force behind the Galvanize approach to a culture-driven workplace. She encourages an open and transparent work environment, with employee Town Hall meetings and live storyboards that give employees and board members real-time visibility into how they are performing against core goals. Her conviction that employee engagement is the first prerequisite to sustained financial success is exemplified through Galvanize’s “Change Agent” program, in which game-changing employees are rewarded with equity, CEO mentorship, personal development funds, and quarterly strategic workshops each year.

Schultz’s purpose-driven leadership style has made her an active voice for technology, growth-oriented CEOs, and women. This, along with her volunteer activity on the Boards of McKay CEO Forum, BC Technology Association, and Dress for Success Vancouver, has led to wide recognition as a pillar of the technology community in the Pacific region.