Member Spotlight: Laurie Dmytryshyn on Equity, Growth and Leadership

Grounded Growth: Laurie Dmytryshyn on Courage, Community, and Building Companies That Last 

 Some careers are carefully charted. Others unfold through unexpected opportunities, smart risks, and a deep commitment to growth. For Laurie Dmytryshyn, Chief of Equity Investments at PIC Group, the path into private equity wasn’t predictable, but it was meant to be—offering a lens into the kind of grounded, long-view leadership that’s increasingly vital in today’s investment landscape. 

Raised in Saskatoon, Laurie earned both her Commerce degree and MBA from the University of Saskatchewan. Early on, she planned to pursue a career in healthcare administration and imagined herself entering the pharmaceutical field. But when a friend mentioned an opening in agribusiness with the Saskatchewan government, she decided to explore it. That decision opened the door to a decades-long journey supporting entrepreneurs, shaping investment strategy, and helping companies grow across the Prairies. 

Her early career spanned both public and nonprofit sectors, including twelve years at the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan, where she oversaw federal grant programs and worked closely with emerging businesses. Over time, Laurie found herself asking a new question: what would it mean to not just support businesses from the outside, but to help grow them from within? 

That question led to a pivotal turning point. Laurie chose to leave the security of the nonprofit world and enter the private sector—a move that demanded both courage and clarity. 

“It was a big leap,” she says. “I had three young kids, and I was deeply established in the nonprofit space. But I knew I had more to learn, and I didn’t want to look back and wonder what if.” 

She battled imposter syndrome and questioned whether she would fit into the faster-paced, investor-driven world. But the risk paid off—and, she notes, it reshaped her view of leadership entirely. 

“You don’t need to have all the answers to belong in the room. What you need is curiosity, a willingness to ask questions, and the courage to learn as you go.” 

She joined PIC Group as a portfolio manager and eventually became Chief of Equity Investment. Today she manages PIC’s Minority Equity Portfolio with 34 minority equity investments across a diverse mix of sectors, bringing her values of humility, realism, and long-term thinking into every conversation. 

From Public Sector to a Family Office 

“I’ve never aimed to be the smartest person at the table,” Laurie says. “What matters is surrounding yourself with people who bring different strengths and perspectives—and knowing how to listen.”  

It’s a philosophy that guides how she leads and how she invests. She encourages founders to adopt the same mindset. 

“One of the most common mistakes early-stage entrepreneurs make is thinking they need to have all the answers. But the best founders are the ones who know where their gaps are and bring in people who challenge and complement them.”   

For Laurie, success is about collaboration, not control. “You don’t need to be the expert in everything. You need to build a team that sees what you don’t—and trusts you to do the same.” 

Honesty and humility are foundational to how she works. “We all make mistakes. I’ve certainly made my share. But the ability to own them, learn from them, and keep moving forward—that’s what builds trust,” she says. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing the right thing, especially when it’s hard.” 

Investing with Purpose in a Shifting Economy 

 As the economic landscape evolves, Laurie’s focus has shifted toward supporting existing portfolio companies as they raise new rounds and navigate increasing complexity. 

“It’s a tough environment out there for entrepreneurs,” she says. “We’ve had to adjust. There’s a lot more uncertainty, so we’re focusing on the companies we already believe in.” 

She’s especially proud of stories like: 

• TinyEYE Technologies, co-founded by Greg Sutton, delivering online speech therapy and occupational health services 

• Coconut Software, led by Katherine Regnier, modernizing the appointment and lobby experience for financial institutions 

• Three Farmers, founded by Natasha and Elisha Vandenhurk, producing healthy, traceable snacks grown in the Prairies 

“Some of these success stories are twenty years in the making. They remind you what’s possible when you combine steady capital with sharp, values-driven founders.” 

Practical Innovation and the Power of Place 

Laurie is especially tuned into how Canadian entrepreneurs must tailor their approach differently than their Silicon Valley counterparts.  

“People here are pragmatic. They’re builders. But sometimes entrepreneurs pitch like they’re in Silicon Valley and forget who they’re really talking to,” she says. “You need to know your audience. Dream big, but stay grounded.” 

She sees meaningful innovation happening in areas like logistics, robotics, and applied AI. Not in flashy tools, but in systems that increase productivity and strengthen operations. “We’re seeing robotics in warehousing, AI assisting workflow. It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about building better-functioning companies.”

She’s also energized by the momentum around “made in Canada” solutions, as global supply chain uncertainty opens the door for renewed domestic production and resilience. 

Rooted in Community and a Passion for Sport 

Laurie’s leadership is deeply community-minded. A lifelong advocate for education and access, she’s proud of her ongoing involvement with the University of Saskatchewan, an institution that runs deep in her family. 

“We’re all U of S grads,” she says. “It’s a special place for us.” 

Now a member of the U of S Huskie Athletics Board of Trustees, she’s helped with events like the U of S Huskie Women of Influence Breakfast, which raised over $134,000 in a single morning this past February for female athletic scholarships.   

She believes athletics play a powerful role in preparing women for leadership. “Female athletes gain resilience, discipline, and the ability to work in teams. Those are skills that show up again and again in the boardroom,” she says. “And yet men’s sports often get more support. We’re working to change that.” 

Courage, Culture, and Career Wisdom 

Throughout her career, Laurie has drawn guidance from the leadership teachings of Brené Brown. “Her work helped me name what I already knew—that vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s where real leadership begins.” 

That belief has helped Laurie speak up in rooms that might once have felt intimidating. 

“Be courageous,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable. Ask the question that feels too simple. Let people know what you actually think.” 

Her advice to her younger self, and to anyone feeling stuck, is clear.  

“Work hard. Take the risk. If something doesn’t feel right, make a change. I had imposter syndrome when I was considering the move from nonprofit to for-profit. But it’s the best decision I ever made.” 

 And after decades of experience: 

“You stop worrying so much about what other people think. That’s the gift of time. What matters is acting with honesty and integrity and helping others do the same.”