Meet the 2023 Velocity CEO  

13 March 2023

Bachelor of Law and Arts student, Charlotte Print is this year’s CEO of the Velocity entrepreneurship development programme. As Velocity celebrates its 20th anniversary, Charlotte is responsible for leading a committee of 30 student volunteers who organise a year-long programme of competitions, inspirational seminars and workshops for the benefit of hundreds of University of Auckland students and staff.

Tell us about your background and what led to your interest in innovation and entrepreneurship? 

Throughout my schooling, I always loved trying new activities to learn more about the world around me. From athletics, to choirs, to debating and many other random activities which I still practice.  

I tried my hand at entrepreneurship under the Young Enterprise Scheme, working on the venture ‘Cane’ which worked closely with the Kiwi blind, low vision, and vision impaired (BLV) community to design a navigational device that would improve BLV’s independence in the New Zealand landscape. This experience truly showed me how innovative problem solving could make a meaningful difference in our community.  

Once you get involved in the entrepreneurial community, you won’t want to leave! I am so grateful to the mentors who helped me develop entrepreneurial skills, and the close, long-term relationships I have made with fellow founders and innovators. Putting my entrepreneurial mindset into action is fun, but seeing how problem solving can transform people’s lives is what interests me the most about innovation.  

How did you first get involved with Velocity? 

I joined the Velocity committees’ Events team in 2021 when I was in my first year of University. After participating in the Young Enterprise Scheme, Velocity was the perfect place to continue my passion for entrepreneurship, event management, and to make some new friends as a small fish in the big University pond! 

What are you most looking forward to for Velocity 2023? 

I am looking forward to so many things, but I have narrowed it down to just two things!  

First, I am looking forward to seeing the wonderful ventures that come through our challenges and having a victorious evening at our prizegivings. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of incredible changemakers for the 20th year of Velocity! 

Secondly, I am looking forward to spending time with the lovely Velocity student committee. The team is a diverse bunch of 30 students who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make the Velocity magic happen. They all make me smile and laugh every day, and I am cherishing every moment I get to spend with each of them.  

What is your elevator pitch for reasons to get involved in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship? 

Everybody, at some stage in their life, will need to be able to think like an entrepreneur. Innovation is about being a problem solver. It is about thinking through your bright ideas in a real-world context, with real-world consequences. Innovation encapsulates a wide range of professions: scientists, engineers, writers, business owners, artists, and many more! 

If you are searching for a way to leave a lasting legacy in your community, then become an entrepreneur. Improve the lives of those around you, come up with the next big commercial product, save the environment – bring to life any revolutionary idea you can think of! In doing so, you will find a supportive community with an abundance of knowledge to share. Let’s celebrate our entrepreneurial success together! 

What is an interesting fact that readers might not know about you? 

I hate the feeling of wooden popsicle sticks, wooden spoons etc. I don’t know why – I think it’s because they’re so dry and grainy. I’m all for saving the planet with less plastic, but I will be eating my popsicles as fast as I can so I can put down my wooden utensils! 

What is your dream job? 

My dream job would have to be a film director. Creating film is a beautiful way to show others your soul and how you view the world. To me, directors are the ultimate artists and storytellers. At their best, film directors are also wonderful innovators. Maybe one day I will put my film major to use, but for now, if you’re keen for a movie marathon I’m down!