Q&A with Christopher Naismith, Forty Under 40 Winner 2021; CEO, Audette, Age 38
Who or what is responsible for your work ethic?
My parents, who built an amazing life for us after immigrating to Canada.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I love ‘The Great British Bake Off.’
What is the best book you would recommend?
The Vorrh by Brian Catling.
Now that you are (or are close to) entering your forties, what goals have you set for yourself?
Grow a game-changing business that has a significant impact on global carbon emissions. Start angel investing.
What was your childhood career dream?
I wanted to be a marine biologist, but was much better at math and physics than biology.
Name your happiest place.
The patio of my grandmother’s house in Greece.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
Leaving the comfort of a 9-to-5 to pursue entrepreneurship.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Keep it up! And invest in Bitcoin.
What is your best habit?
Getting to ‘inbox zero’ as often as possible.
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
Pre-pandemic, I loved to throw large electronic music dance parties. I will likely do it again soon.
Best piece of advice ever received?
A startup is not a business, it’s a search for a business model.
Biggest learning (about life or business) during the pandemic?
The work-from-home Zoom call exposed us all as the humans that we are. Lean into that.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
Launching Audette and recruiting an amazing team that feels like a family.
