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If you’ve worked with Scott Carpenter at ventureLAB, you probably know him as thoughtful, strategic, and always willing to lend a hand. What you might not know is that he’s also a lifelong soccer player, New York Times crossword enthusiast, and a dedicated learner on and off the court.
Scott’s journey to ventureLAB is anything but ordinary. He grew up in New Brunswick, studied civil engineering at Queen’s University, and launched his career on the East Coast in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. There, he managed large federal infrastructure projects and learned how to stay organized, communicate clearly, and keep things moving forward, skills that later helped him thrive in the innovation ecosystem.
“I didn’t really know what I was applying for when I saw the ventureLAB posting,” he admits. “But I was drawn to the idea of supporting entrepreneurship, especially after growing up watching my dad run his own business.” His father founded a successful custom file folder company, serving clients like hospitals and government offices. Watching the ups and downs of entrepreneurship up close gave Scott a deep respect for building something from scratch and the people behind those efforts.
Scott joined ventureLAB in 2019 as a project manager for two major FedDev Ontario programs. A few months later, everything went remote. “Being the last person hired before COVID hit was definitely a unique experience,” he says. “But it also gave me the chance to jump in, adapt quickly, and support different teams.” His proactive mindset led him to take on new challenges and expand his scope, eventually transitioning into business analysis, operations, and now a leadership role in People and Culture.
“I’ve always enjoyed working across different areas,” he says. “People are dynamic, and no two situations are the same. That keeps things interesting.” His approach to people leadership is grounded in empathy, structure, and a clear focus on culture and growth. “The People and Culture team supports the entire organization. We want our colleagues to feel empowered, heard, and supported, not just in their roles, but as people.”
When he’s not leading strategy sessions or shaping workplace culture, Scott stays active with soccer and basketball. He’s played soccer since he was four and recently returned to basketball after a long break. “Basketball’s been a lot of fun to pick up again, learning something new while staying active is a great combo. And the pace is non-stop, which makes for a great workout.”
Scott’s also a longtime gamer and puzzle enthusiast, something most people wouldn’t guess at first. “Crosswords, especially the New York Times ones, are my thing. It’s the kind of problem-solving I genuinely enjoy. I completed every single crossword in February and April which I may or may not brag about,” he jokes.
These personal routines aren't just hobbies, they’re key to how Scott manages balance and focus. “Having that time outside of work is what helps me show up better inside of work,” he says. “Whether it’s playing soccer, relaxing with a game, or spending time with my wife, those outlets keep me grounded.”
As someone who leads by example, Scott brings a calm energy to a fast-moving organization. “I want people at ventureLAB to feel excited and proactive about their work, but also like they can fully unplug at the end of the day. That balance isn’t just nice to have, it’s necessary.”
From engineer to MBA grad, from startup support to people operations, Scott’s journey reflects a deep curiosity and commitment to growth. And while his career may have taken a few turns, one thing has always stayed the same: his belief in the power of people and the value of doing work that matters.
So, whether you’re looking for a teammate who can untangle complex strategy, rally a basketball squad, or quietly dominate a crossword challenge, Scott is your person.
