Ideation Lab Pitch Competition

My name is Nik-Keisha (Nikki) Moodie, and I am a dedicated Visionary Growth Coach and Consultant with a strong foundation in finance and business development. I hold an Honours Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Operations Management from George Brown College and am currently pursuing a postgraduate certification in Financial Planning.

I began my career in hospitality, where I developed key skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and leadership. Transitioning to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and financial industry, I founded Nik-Keisha Moodie Coaching & Development (NMCD) Inc. in 2020, providing personalized support to entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses and manage their finances effectively.

I also launched The Higher Heights Experience, promoting financial literacy and awareness among Canadians. Through coaching, workshops, and events, I empower marginalized communities and entrepreneurs. With over four years of experience, I continue to impact the entrepreneurial and business support ecosystem, currently working on Building A Dream—a centralized hub connecting resources and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs. I am passionate about inspiring others to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and promoting financial empowerment and business success.

Hayley McKay is the Program Coordinator for SpinUp, UTM's newest startup incubator offering wet-lab space and entrepreneurial support for early-stage life science ventures. She is trained in molecular biology and genetics, earning both Honours Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from the University of Toronto, and has previously worked in the innovation ecosystem building and supporting research partnerships between academia and industry. A life-long learner, Hayley is passionate about science communication and enjoys teaching and writing about STEAM subjects to make them accessible to as many people as possible.

SLC Law was founded by Michael with the aim to provide assistance to individuals and businesses in their business law matters. Michael's practice is rooted in a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on various legal facets. His key areas of focus include corporate structuring, corporate governance, intellectual property, enforcement of intellectual property rights, drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, business sales, general business law, and litigation. Michael also has alternative dispute resolution experience in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

His keen understanding of commercial requirements assists him with serving businesses of diverse scales and sectors, including small businesses to ensure that their unique needs are met. Additionally, Michael's understanding of science and technology, specifically, physics, biology, and software development, significantly aids his practice when dealing with tech-based clients. His extensive experience spans a wide array of sectors, from e-commerce marketplaces to SaaS platforms, machine learning software, and beyond. Michael has honed a keen understanding of the commercial needs of technology companies of various sizes. Regardless of the industry or the size of the business, his versatile legal acumen makes him a crucial legal ally in an ever-evolving business landscape. Michael is also a Certified Information Privacy Professional/Canada (CIPP/C). He navigates privacy-related issues across public and private sectors, including health information privacy.

In addition to his commercial practice, Michael's practice as a trademark agent includes representing clients in front of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). Michael assists clients with prosecuting trademark applications, including certification marks, before CIPO, representing clients in trademark opposition proceedings, and representing clients in summary expungement s45 proceedings. Michael has been extensively involved with the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents (CPATA) in regard to the administration of the Trademark Agent Qualifying Examinations. He has served as a member of the trademark agent qualifying examination board, as well as the test specifications and skills exams development guide group. Michael is currently appointed to the trademark agent skills examination advisory group.

In addition to his private practice, Michael believes in giving back to the community and assisting entrepreneurs with getting their ideas out of their head and into motion. He has volunteered with Pro Bono Law Ontario to provide advice to various clients.

Prior to beginning his law practice, Michael gained industry experience by founding a software development company that was responsible for developing various apps, including the “Legal News” app, which provided comprehensive up-to-date legal cases, news, and changes to legislation.

Michael attended Bond University in Australia to obtain a Juris Doctor degree. During his time at Bond University, Michael specialized in Canadian law and legal systems. Before attending law school, Michael graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.