Taking into consideration, the drive to transform the environmental startup ecosystem, formulation of contemporary business strategies, possession of reformative, democratic and compassionate entrepreneurship qualities, and a profound knack for innovation, Connie Linder has been recognized as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in her field.
Connie is the Founder and President of Intengine.com, formerly known as GreenPages Directory, which is the fastest-growing database and one of a kind business platform for sustainable purchasing. She is also a co-founder of Agora Energy Technologies, an innovative company that is building the world’s first redox flow battery that uses carbon dioxide as feedstock.
Connie knew there was a need for an efficient, pro-business and pro-solutions platform that allowed people to make healthier informed decisions and she recognized that the changes needed to be made within the marketplace and that’s when the original platform, GreenPages Directory was born.
With Connie’s strong corporate and business background and focused intention for healthier ways of doing business, she became a bridge and leader in the sustainability movement in Canada. For her work, Connie has received numerous awards, including an award from the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Counsel; the Tech Green Award from the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC; the Women of Worth Sustainable Living Award; a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal; the Minerva Leadership Award; the BC Innovation Council’s New Ventures Award; and she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women as a Trailblazer/Trendsetter.
The Torchbearer’s Masterpiece
Intengine is positioned to be the leading information source, database and global marketplace for healthier procurement and its name rings true to this. Intengine blends ‘intention’ and ‘engine’, making it the engine for good.
Intengine has the world’s most comprehensive and relevant database of responsible businesses for good and the largest database in the world of social and environmental accreditation organizations with certifications and business listings. Intengine’s Directory Listings includes all industry sectors and business listing types that can be filtered for local application with a global reach.
Acting also as an aggregator of in-depth knowledge, Intengine is constantly expanding to deliver meaningful, multi-sourced information to its users, empowering them to educate themselves and make real changes by providing them with all they need in one place. The organization also makes it possible for listing companies to highlight their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reflect their social and environmental commitments.
“We are also collaborating with PwC to build baseline tools so businesses can see how they rank with key metric indicators in the industry against their peers,” says Connie. By including quantifiable metrics with products, Intengine helps differentiate and communicate the social and environmental benefits of products and services offered. The organization believes in collaboration and Intengine seeks to promote others who are also working towards a better Earth.
Surpassing Adversities
“The toughest part of my journey was holding the dream for Intengine, when it was difficult to raise money,” Connie expresses. Years ago, when she realized there is a need for an online aggregator for her sector of expertise, she didn’t have someone to go to who had done it. “I had to attract the right people and that took some time. I worked on other contracts through my sustainable consulting company, Insight Creative Communications, to pay the bills to keep Intengine going,” she adds.
According to Connie the best part of her journey is definitely where she is at right now. “We have great financial partners, a new brand and a Team of dedicated and talented technicians, developers and marketers. They’re augmented by a world class group of advisors who I believe will turn Intengine into the world’s premier resource for sustainable purchasing,” says Connie. Connie comprehends that creating something in sustainability is not just finding a product, address or website and asserts that Intengine is finally able to educate people to make better choices.
“Being the best takes focus and a pragmatic vision. When you aspire to something better, there is added stress because the market will demand more from you. I meditate every day to keep my head clear and focus on next steps so as not to get lost in the clutter of so much to do,” Connie expresses.
Bequeathing Values of Excellence
According to Connie, although it is important for a leader to be able to reflect honestly, it is also important to deal with things and move on. “I have often been treated differently than my male counterparts, especially earlier in my career. It is important not to fall into the trap of being the victim. This will keep you down. Stay true to your values, treat people as you would like to be treated and do your best with an open mind and open heart,” she adds.
Asserting upon the essentialities which an entrepreneur or a leader should possess, Connie says, “Entrepreneurs need to have vision, strength, patience, focus and perseverance. Compassionate entrepreneurs need to base their vision on a foundation of integrity and an intention for outcomes that benefit people and the environment. Face everything with a strong vision and the resilience to keep going despite challenges.”
Promising the World a Stable Tomorrow
When asked to throw light over her future endeavors, both professional and personal, Connie expresses, “My plans going forward are focused on being a good mother to my daughters who are 17, 23 and 26 and focusing on building Intengine into a global brand that helps transform the marketplace. We will most certainly be the centralized place individuals and businesses will come to, for the new economy.”
“We have an important role as facilitators and educators for the new economy. I am also focused on my work as a co-founder of Agora Energy Technologies to bring this important technology to life. I don’t think I will ever think I am ‘done’. I think I will just keep adding higher visions with bigger goals,” she adds.
Connie promptly comprehends and exhibits gratitude on how contented she is with the way her life is right now. She unfalteringly promises to work incessantly on her dream that Intengine will connect those seeking a healthier way to live with those who have the solutions, so that the world can be a happier, healthier and more stable place to live.
Connie Linder
