Celebrating a Decade of Export Excellence and a Milestone for Us!
The first time I walked into the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), I’ll be honest, I was completely intimidated.
Surrounded by established founders and CEOs, I wondered if my quirky work, built around people and connection, truly belonged in a room focused on international expansion.
By the time I finished the program, I felt more confident than ever in my export strategy, my plan for Starfish Synergies, and the importance of the relationships that grew along the way. TAP didn’t just help me create a roadmap, it connected me to people who are just as passionate about building something meaningful.
A Night to Remember
Last week, the World Trade Centre Toronto and Toronto Region Board of Trade celebrated 10 years of TAP; Canada’s leading program for helping businesses go global.
The Leaders in Export Excellence event was more than a celebration of the past decade—it was a powerful reminder of the bold ambition, strategic growth, and entrepreneurial leadership shaping Canada’s future.
The energy in the room was incredible: a packed house, a vibrant exhibitor showcase, alumni reconnecting, and new partnerships taking root. Collaboration wasn’t just talked about, it was alive in every conversation.
Export Plan of the Year
I am deeply humbled to have been recognized as the 2025 Export Plan of the Year award winner for Starfish Synergies Inc.
This award reflects not just my vision for international expansion, but the creative, human-centered approach we bring to corporate training. It’s proof that connection and imagination are just as powerful on the global stage as they are in the boardroom.
Thank you to Paro Centre for Women’s Enterprise for offering me the opportunity to participate in the TAP program, and to AIR Canada who partnered with World Trade Centre Toronto help honour all the leaders behind Canada’s export success.
A Decade of Impact
The event also celebrated other inspiring leaders, including Megan Shallow, Founder of BNL Media Consulting, who was named Exporter of the Year for her pioneering digital storytelling that has amplified voices globally.
Looking Ahead
TAP is about more than strategy. It’s about collaboration, resilience, and thinking bigger than you ever thought possible.
For me, the next chapter is all about bringing Starfish Synergies’ creative approach, rooted in imagination, play, and connection, to even more teams across North America and beyond. As we soft-launch our Accredited Partnership Program – tailored to offer skilled facilitators and trainers the opportunity to use our methods, resources, and PlayDoh Power Solutions with their own clients, I’m excited about what comes next.
I left last night’s event inspired, grateful, and more certain than ever that we are just getting started.
Here’s to the next decade of Canadian businesses making their mark around the world. 🌍
Theresa Bailey is a bestselling author and the exclusive North American provider of Play Doh Power Solutions Corporate Training.
