Owen Sagness, ICD.D

Trailblazer

DISC Type : DI

Board of Governors | Governor | Member of the Finance, Audit, Investment and Risk Committee at Dalhousie University

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Overview

Owen Sagness is the CEO of Digital Nova Scotia, with over 20 years of experience building major online businesses for companies like Microsoft. He holds post-graduate certificates from Harvard and the University of Toronto and is described by colleagues as professional, thoughtful, and a great leader.

Outside of work, Owen mentors software founders and CEOs, which led him to create "The Minimum Viable Podcast" to share insights on hiring and leadership. He previously spent four years living and working in the UK, an experience he describes as a fantastic learning adventure.

He turned his mentoring sessions with software founders into a public resource by creating "The Minimum Viable Podcast. "

Personality Overview

Informal

Achievement-Oriented

Assertive

They will bat for you if they come to believe in you. They are more likely to be open to unproven but exciting technologies. They do not mind taking risks and can make hard decisions, if necessary.

Topics They Care About

Startup Mentorship

He spends significant time mentoring software founders and CEOs, which led him to start his podcast to share these learnings more broadly.

Building Winning Teams

A dedicated topic on his podcast, he focuses on the formula for hiring, managing processes, and developing successful teams in early-stage companies.

Leadership & Mindset

He frequently discusses the importance of having a growth mindset and its direct impact on leadership and achieving success in business.

Startup Mentorship: He spends significant time mentoring software founders and CEOs, which led him to start his podcast to share these learnings more broadly.

Building Winning Teams: A dedicated topic on his podcast, he focuses on the formula for hiring, managing processes, and developing successful teams in early-stage companies.

Leadership & Mindset: He frequently discusses the importance of having a growth mindset and its direct impact on leadership and achieving success in business.

Media Appearances

Owen has no verified media appearances

Work History

12-2025

Board of Governors | Governor | Member of the Finance, Audit, Investment and Risk Committee at Dalhousie University

1-2024

Board of Directors | Non-Executive Director | Member of the Innovation Committee at Property Valuation Services Corporation

10-2023

Board of Directors | Non-Executive Director | Member of the Governance Committee at Association of Industry Sector Councils

2023

Chief Executive Officer at Digital Nova Scotia

11-2022

Board of Directors | Non-Executive Director at OverVue Planning Systems

Education

1-2024 - 5-2026

Post Graduate Certificate from Harvard University

ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program (DEP) from University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 41 Location : Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Board of Governors | Governor | Member of the Finance, Audit, Investment and Risk Committee at Dalhousie University

<div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="DISC profile is one of the most popular behavioral assessment frameworks in use. It is especially useful in understanding workplace behavior and how different people approach similar situations differently.">DISC Profile : Owen's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="disc_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">DI</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed." style="position: absolute;top: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f1828d, #d2527f); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">D</div><div class="disclabel1" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general." style="position: absolute;right: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(270deg, #fad859, #f7ca18); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">I</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Steadiness(S) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to focus on cooperation, support and taking everyone along. Those scoring high tend to be consistent and calm, are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and partner and could sometimes be indecisive or overly accommodating." style="position: absolute;bottom: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #b7f4d8, #66cc99);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">S</div><div class="disclabel2" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical." style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #848ccf, #524eb7);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">C</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="disc_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Dominance</div>Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Influence</div>Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general.</div></div></div></div><div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="OCEAN personality assessment, or Big 5 personality traits model, is the second most well-known behavioral assessment framework after MBTI. It provides a holistic way of understanding how people are and what to expect of them.">OCEAN Profile : Owen's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="ocean_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">Ace</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Openness(O) reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek new experiences and a preference for novelty and variety. Those scoring high tend to be inventive, curious and open to trying new things whereas those scoring low tend to be consistent, cautious and more realistic in their approach." style="position: absolute;top: -7%;left: calc(50% - 12px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #963694, rgb(175,79,173));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">O</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times." style="position: absolute;right: 4%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f15a22, rgb(255,115,59));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">C</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings." style="position: absolute;bottom: 3%;left: calc(50% - -93px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(270deg, #bf55ec, rgb(216,110,255));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">E</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude." style="position: absolute;left: 17%;top: calc(50% - -127px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #be5683, rgb(215,111,156));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">A</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)" style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f62459, rgb(255,61,114));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">N</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="ocean_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Agreeableness</div>Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Conscientiousness</div>Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Extraversion</div>Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings.</div></div></div><hr class="divider-hr" style="margin-bottom:20px"></div>

Owen Sagness, ICD.D

Board of Governors | Governor | Member of the Finance, Audit, Investment and Risk Committee at Dalhousie University

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Overview

Personality Overview

Topics They Care About

Media Appearances

Work History

Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Share

Insights For Selling To Owen

During A Call Or A Meeting

When Cold Calling

Pattern Interrupt: Confident style, with a mix of informality and formality gets their attention.

Pace: Speak slightly fast. Sound like a ‘gets shit done’ person.

Tone: Do not sound too eager, as if you have met a friend suddenly after a long time. Keep the tone calm but confident.

Tactics To Win: Strong words, focus on results, respectful confidence

Mistakes To Avoid: Apologizing, nervousness, information overload, social proof

Making The Ask: Confidently, ask for 10-15 minutes. Allude to the results and outcomes that are possible. They care about the ends more than the means.

Subconscious Driver: Results and outcomes are what matter to them. Any credible shot at getting results will appeal to them quickly.

Greeting: Owen, this is [user_fname] at [user_companynamefirsttwowords].

Opener: In 30 seconds if I could share how 100% of your sellers could kick ass this year, can I go for it?

Introduction: We have built an AI that predicts exactly what would matter to your buyer before you even meet them.

Ask: Can I put 15 minutes on your calendar to show you how this changes outcomes for you?

Close: [time1] on [date1] sounds good? Or would you prefer [time2] on [date2]? And [prospect_email] works well?

When Writing An Email

Subject: Exciting, direct

Salutation: No

Greeting: No (Or say something unique)

Emojis/GIFs:

Bullet Points: Could use

Closing Line: Informally state your ask

Complimentary Close: Unique, casual

Tone of Words: Informal, direct

Overall Messaging: Focused on personal achievement

Length of Mail: Short

While Negotiating & Closing

The secret to closing fast with Owen is

Will you ever get a clear answer from Owen

Insights For Deal Planning

How fast (or slow) will Owen move?

Can Owen take some risk or not?

You And Owen

Personality Compatibility

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