Stephen Warnica
Stephen Warnica (Class of 2012) embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship. His journey began collaborating with high-end brands, including Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Volkswagen, and MINI, to create online video content. Stephen saw an opportunity to transform this work into his own company, Project 7 Media Group Inc., specializing in video production and marketing. The company forged on to produce impactful medical training videos in partnership with institutions like the University of Calgary, Alberta Health Services, and the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta.
In 2017, Stephen set out on a new venture, transitioning to finance and starting Theory Capital Partners Inc., where he initially focused on corporate advisory services. Theory evolved into a prominent private equity and convertible debt financing firm in just two years, and now extends beyond finance. Stephen now guides entrepreneurs in various aspects of business development, from pitch decks to marketing strategies.
Beyond his professional life, Stephen is deeply committed to community service. As Co-Chair of the Advisory Board for the Raising Spirits charity fundraiser, he has contributed significantly to supporting child and adolescent mental health initiatives at the Alberta Children's Hospital, helping to raise over $300,000 since 2017.
Early in 2024, Stephen added another milestone to his career by joining the board of the Risk Management Association Alberta Chapter. In this role, he creates networking opportunities and promotes industry education for risk management professionals. Stephen's dedication to both professional excellence and philanthropy reflects the values instilled by his academic success, grit, and confidence.
Stephen's journey is one of many remarkable stories within our alumni community. Keep the momentum going by sharing your own experiences and achievements. Together, we can inspire and empower future generations of alumni!
Connect with Stephen on Linkedin today!
Inside Look: Interview With Stephen
Reflecting on your journey from creating automotive videos with companies such as Porsche, Jaguar, landrover, BMW, Volkswagen and MINI to managing Theory Capital Partners, what key skills or lessons did you learn at Mount Royal University that played a significant role in your entrepreneurial success?
“The most consequential thing I learned while at MRU is not to be afraid to get out there and seek out opportunities for yourself. Several of my broadcasting teachers taught me this while making news content, and it laid the foundation for when I began on a whim to approach companies such as Porsche, MINI, Jaguar, etc. and ask if I could do professional reviews of their cars on my YouTube channel. This mindset also allowed me the confidence to transition into finance, reaching out to people in the industry who didn’t know me or my company, and being able to sell who I am and what I aim to achieve to them.”
By starting Project 7 Media Group and later Theory Capital Partners, you've worn multiple hats as an entrepreneur. Can you share a memorable challenge you faced and the valuable lesson it taught you about leadership and resilience?
“One of the most important skills you can have as an entrepreneur is to be able to think on your feet. A specific challenge I remember well was when we were filming a series of PSAs on the causes, risks, and treatment for heart failure for the Government of Guyana. We had spent several days filming content and putting these videos together at our accommodations each night, and when the time came near the end of our trip to present them to the Minister of Communications and her colleagues, they requested changes to how we showcased the people and the communities in Guyana that we had never even considered. This not only taught me a lesson in asking for advice on these types of things beforehand from the clients (especially when working abroad) but also how to adapt on the fly and make it work. Luckily, we had a day or so left, and we made the most of it, came back, and they loved our final product.”
Transitioning from private equity to restarting Theory Capital's advisory business, what motivated you to return to assisting small-to-medium-sized businesses? How do you see your role evolving in empowering businesses in the current economic landscape?
“One of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my career has been assisting small-to-medium sized businesses. This is because I feel my experience as an entrepreneur in multiple industries gives me valuable insight and helps me relate to my clients in their struggles and their goals. So I would say my main motivation for returning to the advisory space is that it allowed me to return to a type of work that can be extremely rewarding.”
Your involvement in the Raising Spirits annual charity fundraiser showcases your commitment to community welfare. How do you believe CFIS alumni can leverage their professional networks to create positive change and support charitable initiatives in their local communities?
“I think it is tremendously important to be able to give back, and Raising Spirits has given me an opportunity to do so through my professional network. There are many charitable endeavors out there that are led by businesses/professionals and doing this type of work. One way to start is to first find a cause that is important to you, and find out if there is anything being done to support it in your industry or your network. That’s what happened when I first went to a Raising Spirits event in 2018, which is a networking event aimed at supporting child and adolescent mental health, a cause that is very near and dear to my heart.”
As someone who has successfully navigated both the entrepreneurial and advisory realms, what insights can you share about the importance of mentorship and networking in shaping one's career trajectory, and how can CFIS alumni create meaningful mentorship opportunities within the school community?
“I cannot overstate how essential both mentorship and networking are to one’s career, no matter what stage it is at. My mentor, the late Larry Day, had a profound and lasting impact on my career and my life. His thoughtful guidance helped me build and grow my media career, and I still use those teachings today in my career in finance. I believe alumni can and should be available in some capacity within the school community to share their experiences and offer guidance to students who are looking to follow similar paths. This could be by coming in to talk to students, running workshops, or just being available to chat over a coffee. My door is always open if any current or former students are looking for advice on careers in finance, non-profit, and media. Networking is so important to having a lasting and successful career. Building meaningful connections in your industry, and even outside of it, can help you in so many ways; whether it be deal flow, job hunting, fundraising, etc. Always remember to make time for it, and to maintain those relationships the best you can, you never know how or when they will come in handy.”