Experiences and opportunities that make a difference
Experiences and opportunities that make a difference
"The youth that I mentor, who are the generation above [my kids], are going to be their mentors. It's in my best interest to help build that group up because they'll take care of my kids."
For Andrew Bromfield, mentorship isn’t just a responsibility — it’s a calling shaped by the profound impact others have had on his own life. As the CEO of Formative Innovations, a Toronto-based technology consulting firm, Andrew spends his days helping organizations spot and adapt to emerging trends. But beyond the boardroom, he’s makes waves in the community as a passionate supporter of youth outreach, contributing his time to initiatives such as The Children’s Breakfast Clubs, WoodGreen Community Services, and the 100 Strong Foundation.
Andrew’s motivation to give back is rooted in gratitude. “I think it’s our duty to impart whatever teachings, learnings, insights we can to the younger generations,” he reflects. His commitment to youth mentorship often brings to mind his own children. “It’s not just about my kids … the youth that I mentor, who are the generation above [my kids], are going to be their mentors,” he explains. “It’s in my best interest to help build that group up because they’ll take care of my kids.”
Through his work with Leadership by Design (LBD), Andrew has become affectionately known as “The Technology Guy” to students. LBD brings STEM subjects to life through engaging mentorship, connecting youth with leaders who share real-world experience and industry know-how. Since the program’s inception, Andrew has been there, guiding students as they grapple with the changing landscape of technology — especially with the rise of artificial intelligence.
Over the years, Andrew has witnessed incredible growth among LBD participants. “I’ve seen young people come in very shy and reserved, and leave, confident,” he shares. He’s been especially inspired by the diversity among students, who bring their own unique strengths — whether in music, athletics, or mathematics — to collaborative events like the annual Hackathon. “To see them as one unit, as diverse as they are, is really cool,” he says.
Andrew’s goal is to prepare students for both the opportunities and challenges of the tech industry’s rapid evolution. He encourages them to ask important questions: What career do you want? How might technology transform that role in the coming years? Also, will that job even exist in two decades’ time?
This exercise isn’t meant to intimidate, but to empower. Andrew sees the fluidity of technology as an “opportunity to develop transferable skills that will make individuals valuable in a broad range of environments.” It’s this mindset that he hopes students will carry forward — one of curiosity, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
Andrew also recognizes that building connections can be one of the most daunting hurdles for young professionals. He encourages students to embrace discomfort and take risks. “Put yourself in positions that cause you to break out of your shell,” he advises. “It may be uncomfortable at first, but then there’s a point in time where you can’t believe you used to be shy.”
He stresses the importance of maintaining and growing your network, both in person and through platforms like LinkedIn. “Skills are one thing. But who you know is going to be the biggest differentiator in terms of the opportunities that you get,” Andrew notes.
Leadership by Design succeeds because of dedicated mentors like Andrew Bromfield — individuals who not only share their expertise but also inspire students to step confidently into the future. As Andrew continues to listen, learn, and lead, he is helping to ensure that the next generation is ready for whatever comes next.
Danielle Reid, LLI Intern, December 2023 – May 2024
Bachelor’s degree, Journalism 2020 – 2024, Toronto Metropolitan University
Story updated September 2025