Edition #12: Ashley Proctor

Here at GCUC we are immensely fortunate to cross paths and work with so many amazing people. Through our work, we’ve cultivated a global community of people we think you should know about. 

Community of Cultivators is a new blog series to introduce you to coworking game changers and connectors. Each month, we’ll release new interviews that we hope inform and inspire you.

We are back again but this week we had the pleasure of interviewing Ashley Proctor. If you have ever been to a GCUC- you have likely encountered ashley. She is the Producer of our GCUC Canada event as well as the Founder of COHIP and Creative Blueprint. She is one of the industry’s true OG’s. Keep reading to see what she had to say.

Name: Ashley Proctor
Company and title: Founder, Creative Blueprint & COHIP and Executive Producer, GCUC Canada

What in your life are you most proud of cultivating or creating? Why?

It takes many different forms, but I suppose I’m proud of my work to protect and elevate the core values of the Coworking Movement. I don’t want the human elements to get lost in the all the industry noise as different versions of coworking become more mainstream. I don’t want us to forget why we started working together in the first place.

Changing our relationship with ‘work’ and making coworking an option for millions of people was just the first step. Imagine what else we could do if we continue to believe that we CAN make a difference…

Where do you personally feel the most sense of community?

Toronto’s Kensington Market has always welcomed me, even before I lived there. There is such a strong sense of community, where ‘neighbour’ means so much more than location. There is a strong history of co-location and collaboration between a diverse mix of shopkeepers, entrepreneurs, resident families, artists, new Canadians, musicians, students, tourists and visitors. It’s a creative and complex entrepreneurial ecosystem, and it’s always evolving. Such a glorious nest.

I also feel deeply connected to and rooted in the global coworking community. I feel truly welcomed by the people I work with and the spaces I visit around the world. It’s an honour and a privilege to have such an incredible network of friends and coworkers who are pushing the boundaries as changemakers.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming an entrepreneur?

Know your purpose. Keep your values and your vision front and center.
Do something you really love because some days that’s all you will have to guide you.
And get used to hearing no. Learn patience. Big ideas take time.

What podcast would you recommend to others and why?

I’d recommend ‘Disruptive Conversations’ by Keita Demming. Keita does fantastic interviews with inspiring folks who are disrupting different sectors and systems – one of my favourite topics!

You can also hear Keita speak at GCUC Canada 2019 in Toronto.

If you had $500 to spend – what would you buy?

A ticket to the next global coworking conference or retreat.

I truly believe the people you meet, the connections you make, and the things you learn at coworking meetups are invaluable. It’s why I decided to bring GCUC to Canada. When you are surrounded by people from all over the world who really get it, other connectors and community organizers – it’s pure magic.

If you had to put a quote on your gravestone what would it be?

 “Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” —Leonard Cohen

Thats a wrap. More to come next week. See you then!