How to Leverage Diversity for Innovation

Tue Oct 21 2025 at 12:00 pm to 02:00 pm UTC-04:00

DMZ Sandbox | Toronto

DMZ
Publisher/HostDMZ
How to Leverage Diversity for Innovation
Advertisement
Let's dive into the power of diverse perspectives to cook up some fresh ideas at the DMZ Masterclass!
About this Event

Workshop Outline

Canadian businesses can no longer afford to think only locally or rely solely on the US for markets, capital, or talent. To grow and thrive, we need to go global, and that means learning how to collaborate with people who see the world and do business differently.

This workshop explores two critical dimensions of cultural awareness:

  1. Understanding others: how people from different parts of the world communicate, make decisions, and approach problems.
  2. Understanding ourselves: recognizing our own cultural tendencies, especially within Canada’s multicultural context.

By bringing these perspectives together, participants will discover how cultural awareness drives innovation, strengthens teams, and sparks creative solutions both globally and here at home.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • See how cultures differ in key dimensions and learn how to identify your cultural tendencies
  • Learn how to map cultural differences to understand each other better
  • Leverage differences as innovation fuel and use our diversity as a creative advantage



About DMZ Masterclass

Whether you're taking the first step into entrepreneurship or looking to sharpen your skills, the DMZ Masterclass is tailored to provide you with actionable insights and practical knowledge.

For more information and to register and stay informed on more workshops, visit DMZ Masterclass. Space is limited, so secure your spot today!



About the Speaker
Darren works at the intersection of culture, creativity, and innovation. Based in both Toronto and Tokyo, he is a faculty member at GLOBIS University, Japan’s largest business school, where he teaches MBA courses on cross-cultural management, design thinking, global virtual teams, and innovation.
Darren spent 12 years at Ricoh leading global teams, and earlier in his career, worked for over 15 years supporting Canada’s innovation ecosystem with the federal government. He is also a startup mentor with the Founder Institute, helping entrepreneurs scale their ventures.
As a past TEDx speaker, IDEO U instructor, and regular contributor to Forbes and Fast Company, Darren partners with organizations worldwide to design workshops and programs that transform cultural diversity into a catalyst for collaboration and innovation.
Agenda

🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Networking

Info: Arrive early to sign in and expand your network, as we have a 30-minute networking session from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready for a seamless sign-in experience.


🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Masterclass Workshop
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

DMZ Sandbox, 341 Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada

Tickets

CAD 0.00

Sharing is Caring:

More Events in Toronto

Black Pistol Fire
Mon, 20 Oct Black Pistol Fire

The Danforth Music Hall

The Sound of Engagement \u2014 Design Your Sonic Brand Playbook
Tue, 21 Oct at 05:00 am The Sound of Engagement — Design Your Sonic Brand Playbook

Centre for Social Innovation - Spadina

Global Conference on Ph*rm*cy & Pharmaceutical Science (GCPPS)
Tue, 21 Oct at 08:00 am Global Conference on Ph*rm*cy & Pharmaceutical Science (GCPPS)

Chelsea Hotel Toronto

Workplace InSights
Tue, 21 Oct at 08:00 am Workplace InSights

Haworth Toronto Showroom

Integration Piano Method Workshop
Tue, 21 Oct at 09:30 am Integration Piano Method Workshop

Heliconian Club

Investing in Mining's Future
Tue, 21 Oct at 10:00 am Investing in Mining's Future

The Quay

LIFE AS WE KNOW IT screening of short films
Tue, 21 Oct at 01:30 pm LIFE AS WE KNOW IT screening of short films

Toronto Public Library - S. Walter Stewart Branch

Arabic Calligraphy
Tue, 21 Oct at 02:00 pm Arabic Calligraphy

Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library

Pass the Torch:  Succession Planning 101
Tue, 21 Oct at 02:00 pm Pass the Torch: Succession Planning 101

Toronto Public Library - Lillian H. Smith Branch

LusoFuture:  Meeting with Portugal\u2019s Top Business Schools
Tue, 21 Oct at 05:00 pm LusoFuture: Meeting with Portugal’s Top Business Schools

Revival Event Venue

From Startup to Momentum:  50 Lessons from Scaleup Founders
Tue, 21 Oct at 05:00 pm From Startup to Momentum: 50 Lessons from Scaleup Founders

Hart House Music Room

CSC Toronto's October 21, 2025 Dinner Meeting & Presentation
Tue, 21 Oct at 05:15 pm CSC Toronto's October 21, 2025 Dinner Meeting & Presentation

Fantasy Farm Event Venue

Toronto is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Toronto Events