Global Connections, Local Roots: Building the Global Bluenosers Community - Sean Meister

Sean Meister is the founder of Global Bluenosers, a grassroots community of Nova Scotians coming together driving economic impact for the province.

In this episode Sean shares how his upbringing, travels, and professional experiences have led to the creation of Global Bluenosers. We also dive into entrepreneurship, the power of community, and how identity can help shape purpose-driven careers.

Follow Sean:
🌐 Website 👉 https://globalbluenosers.ca/
🎙️ Podcast (Spotify) 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/1BPKHrFrw8U5lS81E1C84y
🎙️ Podcast (Apple) 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-bluenosers/id1682535772
🎙️ Podcast YouTube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@globalbluenosers 
🔗 Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/globalbluenosers/
🔗 LinkedIn (Sean) 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmeister/
🔗 LinkedIn (Global Bluenosers) 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-bluenosers/

Today Sean will cover:
🔹Differences between community and network
🔹Why founders need peers who challenge, not flatter
🔹The importance of understanding your market and validating your idea
🔹Using community to drive economic growth

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:31 Growing up in rural Nova Scotia
00:05:12 Power of food to make connections
00:09:20 Nova Scotia and its strong pull home
00:12:12 Finding “home” abroad
00:16:16 Confidence and mental challenges of entrepreneurship
00:22:07 Returning to Nova Scotia
00:24:59 Finding meaning in work
00:26:29 Experience working with entrepreneurs
00:29:47 Don’t fall in love with your idea
00:37:56 What is Global Bluenosers
00:39:49 Entrepreneurial journey of Global Bluenosers
00:46:21 Importance of value in the community
00:58:09 Global Bluenosers as an engine for economic growth
01:02:47 Why a not-for-profit company
01:09:31 The Global Bluenosers membership platform
01:11:55 The importance of talking to your customers
01:16:01 Pitfalls to avoid with a community or membership platform
01:22:01 Using LinkedIn to build an authentic brand
01:27:53 Building trust and personal connections
01:33:16 What’s next for Global Bluenosers