Ron Shlien, M.S.M.

Co-Founder

Canada40 yrs 1 mo experience
Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

  • Co-founded a globally recognized STEM organization.
  • Advised Canadian government on innovation and technology.
  • Received multiple awards for contributions to education and entrepreneurship.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in Education and Innovation sectors with a strong entrepreneurial focus.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

EntrepreneurshipLeadershipInvestment StrategyTechnology AdvisoryInnovation PolicyCollaborationCreative DevelopmentPartnership DevelopmentAudience EngagementEarly Childhood EducationOperations ManagementContent Development

Other Skills

STEMBusiness StrategyStrategic PartnershipsInnovationBusiness DevelopmentDigital TransformationMarket AnalysisAdvisoryGovernanceTheatrical ProductionSustainability InitiativesCrisis ManagementManagementNegotiationIndigenous Education

About

I am an entrepreneur, innovator, and institutional builder with more than four decades of experience building organizations that combine creativity, education, and public impact in Canada and internationally. As co-founder of Mad Science, I helped build a small educational initiative into a globally recognized STEM organization operating in more than 25 countries and inspiring millions of children each year. Over the course of my career, I have focused on developing programs, partnerships, and platforms that make science, creativity, and innovation accessible to the next generation. My work has also included advising governments and emerging technology companies on innovation and commercialization. I served as Canada’s inaugural Entrepreneur-in-Residence, working alongside the Office of the Chief Science Advisor to help strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem and support forward-looking technology and policy initiatives. Beyond entrepreneurship, I have been deeply involved in public service. I regularly preside over Canadian citizenship ceremonies, welcoming new Canadians and speaking about the responsibilities and opportunities that come with citizenship. I was honoured to receive the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) and the King Charles III Coronation Medal for contributions that brought distinction to Canada. I have also been recognized with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Ernst & Young and the Canadian Export Achievement Award from Export Development Canada. Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of entrepreneurship, education, innovation, and public service, helping connect ideas, institutions, and people to build meaningful impact. I remain passionate about supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders, and about building organizations and initiatives that help Canada innovate, grow, and inspire.

Experience

Government of canada

Entrepreneur in Residence

Mar 2019May 2021 · 2 yrs 2 mos · Ottawa, ON · On-site

  • As Canada’s inaugural Entrepreneur-in-Residence, I worked closely with the Office of the Chief Science Advisor and senior leaders across government to identify and accelerate science, technology, and innovation initiatives. The role was non-partisan and designed to bring entrepreneurial insight and private-sector experience into government to help strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem and advance collaboration between public institutions, researchers, and industry.
  • Highlights
  • Identified and accelerated opportunities for collaboration between government, academia, and industry partners as part of a Canadian-first program focused on strengthening innovation outcomes.
  • Advised senior officials across multiple federal institutions—including Health Canada, Natural Resources Canada, the Canadian Space Agency, Indigenous Services Canada, and the Bank of Canada—on emerging technologies and complex policy questions spanning medical devices, financial technologies, nuclear energy, and digital identity.
  • Contributed to initiatives supporting digital innovation, diversity and inclusion, technology adoption, and organizational modernization across federal institutions.
  • Organized and chaired an expert panel bringing together industry leaders and Health Canada officials to examine advances in automated insulin delivery technology and their implications for Canadian health policy.
  • Helped foster dialogue between government and Canada’s innovation community, supporting collaboration across academia, entrepreneurs, and technology companies.
  • Provided entrepreneurial perspective on the commercialization of scientific discoveries and the scaling of Canadian innovation.
  • Supported dialogue at the intersection of science, innovation policy, and science diplomacy, strengthening connections between Canadian institutions and global innovation networks.
Innovation PolicyCollaborationAdvisory

Tiger 21

Member and Advisor

Dec 2013Mar 2020 · 6 yrs 3 mos · Montreal Chapter · On-site

  • TIGER 21 is a private peer-to-peer learning network of accomplished entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders who meet in confidential forums to exchange insights on investment strategy, governance, wealth stewardship, and philanthropy.
  • As a member and advisor, I participated in structured peer discussions focused on long-term capital stewardship, strategic decision-making, and leadership in complex economic environments.
  • Highlights
  • Participated in confidential peer advisory forums with leading entrepreneurs and investors, sharing perspectives on investment strategy, governance, and long-term value creation.
  • Contributed to chapter initiatives related to strategic leadership, government relations, and digital innovation.
  • Collaborated with fellow members to exchange mentorship and strategic guidance across industries.
  • Provided strategic perspective to prominent Canadian families and business leaders navigating evolving market environments.
Investment StrategyGovernanceLeadership

Yes / know magazines

Director, Co-Owner

Jun 2009Jun 2013 · 4 yrs · Montreal, Vancouver · On-site

  • YES and KNOW were educational children’s magazines designed to engage young readers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through interactive articles, hands-on experiments, and accessible storytelling, the publications aimed to spark curiosity and encourage scientific thinking among young learners.
  • The magazines received recognition for their contributions to STEM education and were distributed to families, schools, and educational institutions across Canada.
  • Highlights
  • Co-led the development and growth of nationally distributed children's science magazines focused on making STEM concepts accessible and engaging for young audiences.
  • Partnered with educators and organizations to expand access to science content for schools and underserved communities.
  • Provided complimentary subscriptions to schools and at-risk youth to help promote educational equity and broader access to STEM learning resources.
  • Developed partnerships to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and environmental education into editorial content.
  • Introduced sustainability initiatives including recycled paper usage and magazine recapture programs to reduce environmental impact.
Content DevelopmentPartnership DevelopmentSustainability Initiatives

Little explorers childcare centers

Director, Co-Founder

Jun 2008Apr 2014 · 5 yrs 10 mos · On-site

  • Little Explorers Childcare Centres was a network of early childhood education facilities focused on providing high-quality learning environments designed to support the cognitive, social, and emotional development of young children. The organization grew into one of Quebec’s largest privately operated networks of subsidized childcare centres, distinguished by its strong emphasis on early learning and educational programming.
  • As Co-Founder and Director, I helped build and scale the organization before successfully exiting the venture.
  • Highlights
  • Co-founded and helped scale one of Quebec’s largest privately operated networks of subsidized childcare centres focused on early childhood education.
  • Worked collaboratively with provincial authorities and sector stakeholders to help improve aspects of Quebec’s subsidized childcare delivery model.
  • Led the growth and management of operations in a unionized environment while fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and professional development.
  • Oversaw real estate strategy and development, including site selection, permitting, engineering coordination, and construction of new centres.
  • Implemented information technology systems that improved operational efficiency and administrative coordination across multiple locations.
  • Promoted equitable access to quality childcare services while supporting diverse teams of educators and administrators.
Early Childhood EducationOperations ManagementCollaboration

Angel investor:

Independant

Jan 2008Present · 18 yrs 2 mos · Montreal, QC · Hybrid

  • Angel Investor & Technology Advisor · Permanent Part-time
  • Jan 2008 – Present · Montreal, Quebec, Canada · Hybrid
  • As a private investor, I focus on identifying and supporting companies developing breakthrough technologies and transformative business models. My investment activities complement my broader engagement with innovation ecosystems and emerging technologies.
  • Through this work, I remain closely connected to global developments in areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced communications, fintech, and space technologies.
  • Highlights
  • Maintain a diversified portfolio of investments in high-growth technology companies, including organizations such as Virgin Media, SoFi, Palantir, SpaceX, and Tesla.
  • Conduct ongoing analysis of emerging technologies, business models, and global market dynamics to identify long-term innovation opportunities.
  • Review shareholder disclosures, prospectuses, and financial materials to inform strategic insight into technology-driven markets.
  • Provide occasional strategic perspective to founders and early-stage companies on commercialization pathways and scaling innovation.
Investment StrategyTechnology AdvisoryMarket Analysis

Mad science productions

Co-Founder | Director

Jan 2000Sep 2019 · 19 yrs 8 mos · On-site

  • Mad Science Productions developed and produced large-scale live entertainment experiences for family audiences, specializing in theatrical performances and immersive shows presented in theme parks, museums, cruise ships, and public venues. As part of the company’s creative culture, STEM concepts were intentionally woven into many productions to inspire curiosity and introduce audiences to the excitement of science through live performance.
  • As Co-Founder and Director, I helped build the company into a recognized producer of science-inspired entertainment experiences that combined theatrical storytelling, educational engagement, and interactive audience participation.
  • Operating a network of touring productions and fixed installations, Mad Science Productions delivered performances to audiences across North America and internationally.
  • Highlights
  • Created and produced large-scale theatrical productions presented to more than one million guests annually at theme parks, museums, cruise ships, and fairs.
  • Developed partnerships with major entertainment organizations including Disney, Paramount, and Nickelodeon to expand programming and audience reach.
  • Led creative development and production strategy for immersive science-themed performances designed to inspire curiosity and family engagement.
  • Facilitated design-thinking workshops and creative development sessions to enhance audience experience and program innovation.
Theatrical ProductionCreative DevelopmentPartnership Development

Mad science group inc.

Co-Founder | Chief Innovator | Director

Mar 1986Present · 40 yrs · Montreal, Canada Area · On-site

  • Mad Science Group
  • Mad Science is a Canadian-born STEM education organization dedicated to igniting curiosity and a passion for science in children aged 3–12. For more than four decades, Mad Science programs have inspired millions of young learners and helped foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
  • As Co-Founder, Chief Innovator, and Director, I helped grow Mad Science from a small educational initiative into a globally recognized organization operating across 27 countries and inspiring millions of children each year.
  • Contributions over the years include:
  • Co-founding and helping scale Mad Science into a globally recognized leader in children's STEM enrichment.
  • Providing strategic leadership in governance, long-term planning, and international partnerships across a global educational network.
  • Contributing to the development of educational programming and experiences designed to inspire curiosity and age-appropriate STEM learning.
  • Leading initiatives in business development, stakeholder engagement, and customer experience across diverse international markets.
  • Championing digital transformation projects that reduced operational costs and improved organizational efficiency.
  • Hosting annual global conferences that strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the Mad Science network.
  • Helping inspire millions of young learners worldwide to pursue curiosity, scientific thinking, and future careers in STEM.
  • Contributing to broader conversations on innovation, creativity, and the importance of STEM education in preparing the next generation.
STEMBusiness StrategyEntrepreneurshipLeadershipStrategic PartnershipsInnovation+2

Education

McGill University - Desautels Faculty of Management

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) — Marketing and Entrepreneurship

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