With just two weeks to go until Sunrise Aotearoa, we’re excited to introduce some of our most inspiring speakers.
Meet Cameron Adams
Cameron Adams, a name synonymous with Canva, has been steering the creative ship there for a decade. Combining tech expertise with a touch of human insight, Cam’s leadership is marked by a commitment to purposeful action and positive impact. Beyond the boardroom, he finds joy in music, climate activism, and the occasional chocolate indulgence.
Ready to learn more? Secure your tickets for Sunrise Aotearoa now – they’re selling out FAST, and you don’t want to miss this event (get yours here).
Blackbird: If you were to summarise your career in a single sentence, what would you say?
Cam Adams: 20 years of merging creativity and technology, bringing along as many people as I could find.
Blackbird: What are some of the key values that drive your approach to creativity, innovation, and leadership?
CA: Listening is paramount, whether to users or team members. It’s essential to explore multiple possibilities and stay open to changes along the way.
A well-communicated vision is powerful for inspiring and motivating teams, but it must be backed by individual actions to be effective.
In creativity, I aim to create “collisions” between ideas and people, finding unexpected solutions to user problems or new ways to engage audiences.
These principles align with Canva’s values, particularly the ethos of being a force for good and empowering others. Many of our decisions consider their broader impact on the world.
Blackbird: As a co-founder and chief product officer at Canva, how do you balance your creative vision with the practical aspects of building and scaling a global company?
CA: Balancing creative vision with practical growth is challenging and often requires focusing deeply on one area before shifting to another. Reflection and vision-setting are crucial, even as the practical demands of running a company continue. Personal time for activities like reading, exercising, or hobbies helps maintain emotional balance and prepares me for the day’s challenges.
Blackbird: Outside of your role at Canva, what other passions or interests fuel your creativity and inspire you personally?
CA: Music is my main creative outlet. I also enjoy reading sci-fi and encouraging my kids to be creative. Environmental causes are another passion, both personally and at Canva. Recently, my wife and I launched Wedgetail, a climate-focused venture fund. And when all else fails, chocolate is a reliable source of inspiration.
Blackbird: Thinking about the current NZ start-up community, what is one thing you’re excited to discuss or learn more about at Sunrise Aotearoa?
CA: I’m eager to learn how NZ startups are defining their identity and trajectory on the global stage. Identity is crucial at both the individual founder level and collectively. We’ve valued our engagement with the Australian startup community and believe that working together to highlight a city’s or country’s successes can significantly contribute to a thriving ecosystem.
Cam Adams has much more wisdom to share, and we’re thrilled to host him at Sunrise Aotearoa ✨
Haven’t got your tickets yet? Hurry, they’re selling out QUICK!