BIV is recognizing Dan Gamble, founder and CEO of DGPR, and 39 other exceptional business leaders as part of the 2023 Forty Under 40 Awards cohort.
Longer Q&As with each recipient are included in BIV's annual Forty Under 40 Magazine (out in print Dec. 11). Award winners will be celebrated at an awards gala Feb. 7, 2024.
This profile may have been edited for length and clarity.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
I've now worked in the tech public relations and communications space for almost 20 years, so I have a lot of standout moments that have really shaped my career. The most proud career highlight would be launching DGPR just two years ago. We've grown incredibly with fantastic clients, great team members on both coasts and we're having a great time doing so. I'm thoroughly enjoying the ride, which I take as a sign that I'm doing exactly what I should be doing!
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
Looking back, it was probably when I took the decision to leave London, in the U.K. I was climbing the professional ladder at a global tech public relations agency and I remember being exactly where I wanted to be in my career. A very unplanned opportunity came along to move to Canada and here I am 13 years later. The move ultimately accelerated my career progression, but it was very much an unknown at the time. It's tough to let go when you have what you've been looking for.
How do you lead?
We all know that many employees make a decision to move to new roles due to manager issues. I always keep that front of mind with my team and I put a lot of focus and value on leadership. I'm completely in the trenches with the team on every project and campaign so it's really a case of being a good team member and a solid business leader that people want to work with. We ultimately work in a people business so I try to combine emotional intelligence with solid, fast, strategic delivery, and with respect at the core of everything.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned in business?
I think my journey has many learnings, there isn't necessarily one major lesson. That said, I do really trust my instincts. When I haven't followed them, I've been disappointed. Major lesson? Follow your instincts.
Best piece of advice ever received?
"Timing is everything." You can have two very different outcomes if the timings are poles apart. Don't rush, be smart, approach activity strategically, and activate when you're ready.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Both personally and professionally, I'd tell my younger self to really lean into my strengths and remain very true to them. My biggest wins have come from being 100 per cent authentic to who I am.
What's left to accomplish?
Professionally, it's about building something truly meaningful. We're already making a positive impact through the work that we do but there's much more to come on that front. I also want to illustrate that you can have a successful business that leads with its values, built from a happy team and great clients.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
There are so many people that I'd like to thank and I won't name them all individually as they absolutely know who they are! To date, all of our clients and team members have joined us through referrals and recommendations, which is truly testament to the great work that we do every day. I'd like to thank all of them for being part of our story. Also, my friends, family and partner are all instrumental in our success and they know how grateful I am for their love and ongoing support.
Read Q&As with all 40 award recipients here. Tickets to the 2023 Forty Under 40 Awards gala on Feb. 7 are now available.
