Katrina German, Co-Founder of OneStory Inc.
Katrina German, a social entrepreneur, is the co-Founder of OneStory.com, a platform to create and share video interviews. She worked for many years as a television producer, and is also the owner of Lifetime Productions, a communications company. A regular speaker about social enterprise and women entrepreneurship, she been included on the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s Top 40 Under 40 list and nominated for a Canadian Digi Award.
We were introduced through a mutual friend (another Canadian), who said in his email introduction that “we had to meet.” Sure enough, our mutual love of laughter and a preference for social media over TV made for a fast connection. Curious about the future of privacy and, in her own words, “addicted to hummus,” this entrepreneur opines that she would pick being on the cover of Inc. magazine over Rolling Stone. And Social Enterprise World Forum, if you’re reading this interview, Katrina says she’s your future keynote.
Katrina’s bio in her own six words: “Social Entrepreneur. Mother. Traveler. Canadian. Optimist.” You can read more about her achievements and work at katrinagerman.com.
Who are your heroes? I know it’s trite, but I love Oprah. She uses her multiple platforms to make other people’s lives better and she built her empire against all odds.
What is your current challenge? Work/life balance.
What is your motto? Learn the rules, so you know how to break them properly.
Why are you an entrepreneur? I live my passion. I love pursuing a vision and all the highs and lows that come along with the adventure. (Editor’s note: She says she looks for people who live their passion too).
What problem are you solving? OneStory has eliminated the barrier to editing videos and collecting interviews from multiple people in one place.
What problem would you like solved? I strongly feel that there need to be more women in technology leadership roles.
Biggest regret? Losing early clients, due to an inexperience with the sales process.
Which talent would you like to have? I wish I could play the guitar!
Best pat on the back you’ve ever received? I got to meet and chat with one of my heroes, Arlene Dickinson, a well-known Canadian female entrepreneur.
Advice you wish you’d had (or had followed)? From my mother: “Never trust someone who says ‘trust me.’ They are trying to convince you of something.”
Your pitch in 140 characters. “Maximize the power of your story with OneStory, a crowdsourcing platform to create and share video interviews.”
The Twitter follower you can’t live without? @DaleZak (my business partner).
Your nails on a chalkboard moment? Not meeting deadlines.
The job you’d actually like? Doing it!
Biggest misconception about being an entrepreneur? That we’re rich.
What are you reading? Three books: Game of Thrones, Love in the Time of Cholera and The Ultimate Sales Machine.
What book is your must read? Roots.
If I wanted to do what you’re doing…what’s your advice? Work hard, play hard, and surround yourself with people who teach and challenge you.
Short cut, long route, or road less traveled? Road less traveled.
Podium you’d like to stand on? The Webby Awards.
One place in time you’d like to visit. The future, in 10 years.
Part of the trick to staying focused is? Prioritize your prioritizing!
Tell me one thing I don’t know. Always high-five while looking at the other person’s elbow. It’s a sure-fire way to nail the high-five.
TAGS: entrepreneurs Kelly Hoey WiB