Forty Under 40 2022

Recognizing excellence

Congratulations to the 2022 BIV Forty Under 40 recipients

Innovation, vision and determination lead to great results. We applaud this year’s award recipients for their outstanding achievements.

fasken.com

— CONGRATULATIONS TO

Nejeed Kassam | 30 Tasneem Khimani | 31 Angie Lamarsh | 32 Tejas Madhur | 33 Graham Manders | 34 Chris May | 35 Travis McPherson | 36 Tala Mobayen | 37 Carly Moir | 38 Marian Ngo | 40 Josh Plamondon | 41

Mehrsa Raeiszadeh | 42

Ramtin Rasoulinezhad | 43

Samantha Rayner | 44

Ben Samaroo | 45

Barbora Samieian | 46

Sabrina Spencer | 47

Benjamin Thiede | 48 Chris Thom | 49 Sushant Trivedi | 50

David van Hemmen | 51 Richard Vandegriend | 52

Adrian Wan | 53 Yajing Wang | 54 Cory Wright | 55

PRESIDENT: Alvin Brouwer PUBLISHER AND EXECUTIVE

EDITOR, BIV; VICE-PRESIDENT, GLACIER MEDIA: Kirk LaPointe

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Hayley Woodin DESIGN: Petra Kaksonen PRODUCTION: Rob Benac

SALES MANAGER: Laura Torrance

ADVERTISING SALES: Blair Johnston, Corinne Tkachuk, Chris Wilson ADMINISTRATOR: Katherine Butler

Forty under 40 is published by BIV Magazines, a division of BIV Media Group, 303 Fifth Avenue West, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J6, 604-688-2398, fax 604-688-1963, biv.com

Copyright 2023 Business in Vancouver Magazines. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or incorporated into any information retrieval system without permission of BIV Magazines. The publishers are not responsible in whole or in part for any errors or omissions in this publication. ISSN 1205-5662

Publications Mail Agreement No.: 40069240. Registration No.: 8876. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Department: 303 Fifth Avenue West, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J6 Email: subscribe@biv.com

Going green while staying in the black banks with us

Congratulations to Angie Lamarsh, Head of Sustainable Finance, Commercial Banking here at HSBC Bank Canada on her recognition as a leader in the Vancouver business community. HSBC, like many of our commercial customers here in Canada, is committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions for a more sustainable future. Today we finance a number of industries, including those that significantly contribute to these emissions. Through our expert team along with our full suite of finance products, we have a strategy to support our customers in their transition to sustainable business models while also focusing on reducing our own operational and financed emissions.

Visit: business.hsbc.ca/sustainability

Issued by HSBC Bank Canada.

RECOGNIZING THE EXCELLENCE OF B.C.’S EMERGING BUSINESS LEADERS

KUDOS | Congratulations to the 2022 cohort of B.C.’s brightest business minds

BY HAYLEY WOODIN

In truth, the 40 individuals featured in this magazine are already leaders. Their leadership is not “emerging” – it is out in full force and actively shaping business in British Columbia. But most if not all of our 2022

Forty under 40 Award recipients will tell you (as they do in the pages ahead) that they are just getting started. Their track records and resumés are long, but their lists of goals and to-dos are longer.

This in and of itself is remarkable.

We are lucky to have these 40 individuals contributing to the growth, progress and sustainability of our economy. This year’s winners are leading by example across a wide range of sectors, and in public companies, private firms, institutions and not-for-profits.

If they are just now hitting their stride, the future of business in this province is in good hands.

Annually, BIV recognizes 40 individuals who have risen up through the ranks of their companies and industries at a relatively young age. They are awarded for their career achievements, for their involvement in their communities and in the broader business community and for their innovation, leadership and vision.

I’d like to also acknowledge the individuals who did not make the cut this year. This is a highly competitive awards program, and there are many leaders in our communities who are doing great work and positively impacting their teams, clients, stakeholders and neighbours. We’re grateful for their efforts, and thank them and their nominators for

putting their names forward.

Five people had the difficult task of determining who to recognize this year. Joining me on the panel were: Kirk LaPointe, publisher and executive editor of BIV and vicepresident, editorial, of Glacier Media; Sharon Singh (2019 winner), partner at Bennett Jones; Jon Conlin (2020 winner), partner at Fasken; and Rhogene Dadashzadeh (2021 winner), associate director of business banking market development, commercial banking, at Scotiabank. We are thankful for our judges’ time and insight.

For the first time since the pandemic began, BIV is excited to honour Forty under 40 Award recipients at an evening awards gala on February 23, 2023. More information is available at biv.com/forty-under-forty.

I encourage you to take the time to get to know this year’s cohort of recipients by reading through the Q&As in this magazine. These short profiles don’t capture all of the winners’ successes, but they do showcase some of the brilliance, ambition and compassion of those who are stepping up to lead business in B.C.

THE 2022 JUDGING PANEL

KIRK LAPOINTE PUBLISHER AND EXECUTIVE EDITOR, BIV VICE-PRESIDENT, EDITORIAL, GLACIER MEDIA

HAYLEY WOODIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, BIV

SHARON SINGH PARTNER, BENNETT JONES

JON CONLIN PARTNER, FASKEN

RHOGENE DADASHZADEH

CELEBRATING PAST FORTY UNDER 40 WINNERS

After pandemic conditions and restrictions eased, BIV was able to celebrate 2021 Forty under 40 winners in person at a luncheon event last June. Recipients and their friends, families and colleagues attended a celebration at the Fairmont Waterfront. The event included an onstage interview with actor Zach Smadu, whose character on the Global television series Family Law gets nominated for a fictional Forty under 40 Award.

Forty under 40 Award winners celebrate BIV’s first in-person gala event since the start of the pandemic

2021

PHOTOS: CHUNG CHOW

FROM TOP: Crystal Hung, founder and CEO of Icon Marketing, with Fasken representatives; Jessica Prince, executive director of strategy, intelligence, marketing and industry in B.C.’s ministry of jobs, on stage with her family

FROM TOP: Actor Zach Smadu stars in the TV series Family Law. His character is a Forty under 40 Award nominee on the show; Drew Munro, cofounder and CEO of UpMeals, celebrates his achievement with his team

Alexa Young, vice-president of government and public affairs at the BC Council of Forest Industries, takes a selfie with friends and colleagues

Forty under 40 Award winner Ziad Boustany, principal and co-founder of RAM Consulting, takes a photo with his wife and event guests

KICKING OFF THE FUN

Weeks before the awards luncheon at the Fairmont Waterfront, BIV brought together many of its 2020 Forty under 40 Award winners for an afternoon of socializing and networking.

Families, colleagues, guests and recipients took in a Whitecaps FC game against Real Salt Lake June 4 from the Edgewater Lounge at BC Place.

The event was a first. Typically, award winners are recognized at a large gala event with hundreds of guests. But the pandemic, along with restrictions on gatherings, delayed any formal, in-person celebration until 2022. Winners and their

guests enjoyed a pre-game interview between Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster and BIV publisher and executive editor Kirk LaPointe.

After several years of event disruption and uncertainty, BIV will recognize 2022 Forty under 40 winners at a gala event February 23, 2023. For more information, visit biv.com/ forty-under-40.

2020 Forty under 40 Award winners with their families at BIV’s Whitecaps networking social in June 2022

FROM TOP: Award recipient Braam Jordaan (right) with fellow event attendees; BIV publisher and executive editor Kirk LaPointe with 2020 award winner Reza Sanaie

Award winner Ramin Estifaie, co-founder and CEO of CSN Pharma (right), with guests at the Whitecaps game

ABOVE: Ramin Estifaie holds his Forty under 40 Award and smiles for a photo with guests

LEFT: Award winners and their guests listen to a conversation with Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster

ASHIQ AHAMED

Managing partner, SolvedAF Consulting Inc.

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My dad deserves the credit for instilling a good work ethic in me. Immigrating twice during his lifetime, he always considered hard work to be the key to success in a new country. An accomplished finance professional, he’s all the proof I ever needed that hard work pays off.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

My passion for entrepreneurship drives me. With SolvedAF, I’m not only able to satisfy my own entrepreneurial goals, but I have the opportunity to work with an exceptionally talented team to support other entrepreneurs as they pursue their passions and grow their businesses. It’s really fulfilling work.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

I love a good fiction novel. Favourites include the Harry Potter series and Star Wars. When it comes to non-fiction, Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins and Adults in the Room by Yanis Varoufakis are excellent and highlight the challenges created by our current banking, government and corporate systems.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

A few years ago, I made the difficult decision to step away from a tech startup I founded just as we achieved positive cash flow and began expanding. Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t right for me personally, so I turned over leadership to someone I felt could succeed.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Don’t worry so much about the future. Focus on the present.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Walking my dog in the middle of the workday – it gets me away from screens and gives me an opportunity to reflect on the day and decide how I want to close it out. I also find being outdoors to be incredibly relaxing.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I’ve visited 45 countries so far and my

A PRODUCT OR SERVICE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT TO BE SUCCESSFUL. WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT IS THAT IT GETS INTO THE HANDS OF THE RIGHT CUSTOMERS

goal is to make it to all 195! My love for travel has always helped me find clarity and perspective. It’s a passion I share with my wife, Gina, and something we hope to pass on to our son, Dominic.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Don’t settle for the status quo – challenge it and take risks. Even if it doesn’t work out, you’ll learn from the experience and learn about yourself.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON

YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

A product or service doesn’t have to be perfect to be successful. What’s more important is that it gets into the hands

of the right customers.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Being elected president of the PeaceGeeks Society, a non-profit that creates digital tools that support connection, peace and safety for displaced individuals and groups. My family was displaced from Uganda in the 1970s, so this organization’s mission means a lot to me.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

This is just the beginning. I’d like to continue to grow SolvedAF and pursue my personal goals, too. I’m focused on giving back through my volunteer work, and I still have 150 countries to visit!

Leadership on the Rise

Fasken is pleased to join Business in Vancouver in congratulating the winners of the 2022 Forty Under 40 Awards.

Fasken recognizes that the resilience of today’s young leaders ensures a robust future for all. Young business professionals are doing their part to move business forward, bringing steady leadership to an unsteady world. The ones who stand out are highly motivated and passionate about their work.

The BIV Forty Under 40 award recipients are role models who make outstanding contributions to their workplaces and communities. With personal dedication and perseverance, they excel in the ever-changing business landscape.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2022 BIV Forty Under 40 Awards. We look forward to seeing what you achieve next.

William Westeringh, K.C. Managing Partner, BC Region Fasken

SHAEZ ALLIDINA

Managing partner, Evergreen Hospitality Group

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My parents have shaped my work ethic. As new immigrants, they exemplified the meaning of hard work, and always instilled in me that the combination of hard work and education will lead to endless opportunities.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

To be in a position where I have the time, skillset and financial capacity to help others in my community and to make positive contributions to society.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. A quote that resonated: “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: The fear of failure.” This is a reminder to keep pushing forward no matter what adversities we face.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Strive to be a better version of myself and learn as much as possible from those around me. Continue to be engaged in work that has a positive impact on the community, focus on my family and health and work towards being a scratch golfer.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

Star athlete.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

In 2017, I made a significant shift in transitioning from a professional career to becoming an entrepreneur. It was a major pivot and transformation, which required me to fully leverage my experience and skillset. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Work hard. Build a diverse network of mentors to hear different perspectives and learn as much as possible. Focus on the things that are in your control. Did I mention work hard?

BEING GRACIOUS AND COMPASSIONATE IN ALL SITUATIONS IS CHALLENGING TO ACHIEVE, BUT ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND, AND FOR THE RESPECT AND TRUST OF OTHERS

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

I call my family every day regardless of where we all are.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” Pursue experiences. Travel the world. Call your loved ones. Follow through on your commitments. Don’t leave things unresolved.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Being gracious and compassionate in all situations is challenging to achieve, but essential for your peace of mind, and for the respect and trust of others. The people I’ve come to admire most are the

leaders who consistently model this way of being. This practice can generate immense trust and loyalty.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

During the pandemic, the hospitality industry faced significant challenges. I played a pivotal role in navigating our hotel portfolio to creatively establish partnerships that allowed the company to maintain financial viability and retain 100 per cent of its long-standing hospitality staff in an extremely challenging year.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

A lot. Focus on working on the business instead of in the business. Build a family. Travel more. Contribute and serve the community. Work on the golf game.

Forty under 40 2021 winners

Mark Adams

Humaira Ahmed

Maryam Antikchi

Tara Ataya

Rattan Bagga

Ziad Boustany

Joel Bradley

Dani Bryant

Joseph Cooke

Alan Cosgrave

Darcie Crowe

Laura Cundari

Rhogene Dadashzadeh

Ty Duperron

Sam Gharegozlou

Jeffrey Golby

Kevin Hatch

Rajveer Hunda

Crystal Hung

Kendra Johnston

Jason Kiselbach

Ben Lightburn

Taylor MacDonald

Shannon Malovec

Mitchell Miller

Drew Munro

Christopher Naismith

Jeanne-Marie Owens

Sophia Park

Jessica Prince

Tom Rossiter

Adam Segal

Muneesh Sharma

Michael Tan

Amy Tanner

Mike Thiessen

Dennis Thomas-Whonoak

Jessica Verhagen

Vikramaditya Yadav

Alexa Young

— CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU.

BCIT Business + Media congratulates all recipients of the Business in Vancouver Forty under 40 distinction as well as BCIT graduates Ashiq Ahamed, Maxime Charron, Carly Moir, and Chris Thom.

We are proud of our alumni who have demonstrated excellence in business and received this distinction, fast-tracking into their careers with the skills, hands-on experience, and industry connections they gained at BCIT Business + Media. You are all an inspiration.

Find stories about our alumni at bcit.ca/news

For being recognized as a BIV Forty under 40.

Anna is celebrated for being the legal industry fixer, while tirelessly advocating for sexual assault survivors.

SHERRY AULIN

CFO, Xenon Pharmaceuticals

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

Definitely my mother – I watched her tackle the hardships of life as an immigrant and single parent for many years. I dealt with a fair amount of adversity growing up and found a great deal of motivation in those early challenges.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Achieving goals despite the odds. I am passionate about the work we do at Xenon – developing innovative medicines to address areas of high unmet medical need. Biotech is a tough business and there are more failures than successes.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Currently reading “Indian” in the Cabinet: Speaking Truth to Power by Jody Wilson-Raybould.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Be more present in my day-to-day. Travel more. Have more fun.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

To be a chef. As a child, I watched cooking shows on TV instead of cartoons –The Urban Peasant and The French Chef I would cook with my mom and pretend I was hosting my own show.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Xenon’s IPO was completed two weeks after my daughter was born. I was back at the office when she was seven months old. The decision to leave her and my toddler with a nanny was extremely hard.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Slow down and enjoy the process – it’s not about the destination, but how you get there.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Early morning pilates and spin.

YOU NEED MENTORS, TEAMS, PARTNERS, INVESTORS, PEERS AND A SUPPORTIVE FAMILY. LIFE AND BUSINESS ARE ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS AND TEAMWORK

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I have an artistic side – I grew up drawing and painting.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Find a good mentor. I am lucky to have found smart, driven and successful individuals who advocated for me and pushed me outside my comfort zone.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

It’s impossible to achieve anything on your own. You need mentors, teams, partners, investors, peers and a supportive family. Life and business are all

about relationships and teamwork.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Being one of the youngest (female) executives of a publicly listed biotech company.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

As an R&D company with no commercial product and revenue, we rely on investor dollars to fund our research and development activities. I want to see us get a drug across the finish line to patients. That goal is finally in sight.

ANNA BAIRD

Head of culture and innovation, customer experience for Google Cloud, Google

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My family is the driver of my work ethic. My mom worked in early childhood education helping to normalize neurodiversity. My dad worked in inter-government communications with First Nations and Aboriginal communities. From my early years, my parents ruthlessly prioritized, harmonizing family dinners and life events with work demands.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I bring real-world awareness to my two children through leading by example. We are sadly not all born equal into life, so how can we help close gaps to inequity?

I will provide business executives a view of how cloud technology will help them drive a more inclusive working world.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Measure What Matters by John Doerr and The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life by Piero Ferrucci.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Be a chief culture and people officer. Sit on the board for Canuck Place because it is one of my favourite volunteer experiences to date. Get one particular startup past a Series A.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I thought I might be a lawyer (there are many in my family) or an actress (I have a flair for the dramatics). Both have some common links around public speaking, a desire for knowledge through experience, the art of influence, reasoning and advocating.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

To be open about failure when I have had to make a hard career decision. I had to leave a manager who was creating a toxic environment for my team despite my own success as a leader. No one really likes to admit failure in a circumstance like that.

THE BEST LEADERS CELEBRATE AND RECOGNIZE. NO ONE EVER SAYS, “THAT PERSON THANKED ME TOO MUCH”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Everyone has opinions and you’ll never please everyone. At Google, we say, “Data not opinions” and that has changed my decision making. If you can look at your blind spots and find ways to be transparent about those areas of development, good people will help you learn and achieve.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Sending thank-you cards/emails whenever someone or people have stepped in or up to help me.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Not everyone believes in human-centric leadership and to that end, being nimble,

agile and strong in advocating for yourself is important. Only you can truly make your own goals and objectives a reality. Keep pushing and find new ways to get where you want.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

The best leaders celebrate and recognize. No one ever says, “That person thanked me too much.” Recognition and reciprocity are key to raise as you rise.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Being invited to speak at a conference where my old mentor was also speaking.

MATT CARLSON

Co-founder and CEO, Board member, Vancouver Entrepreneurs Forum

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

I’m not 100 per cent sure when it started, but at some point I realized that the extra effort and hours you put in every day will compound your results over time.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I’m an innovator at heart and I’m always looking for new solutions to common problems. In my current role I have the unique perspective of observing how we can positively impact our team and our customers with new products and tools. Seeing this change keeps me energized every day.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

My previous role was very much focused on helping people on a one-to-one basis. The next decade for me will be about helping our team and our customers on a larger scale.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I’m from a family of archaeologists and teachers. I respect what they do, but it wasn’t for me. I’ve always been interested in creative businesses – I originally thought about advertising or film production. In my current role, my product management responsibilities allow me to stretch my creative side.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Leaving my (comfortable) position at a large commercial real estate firm for an entrepreneurial journey.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Your health and the health of your family is the most important thing in the world.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Most mornings you’ll find me on a trail in North Vancouver. It clears my head and gives me energy for the day.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

MY PREVIOUS ROLE WAS VERY MUCH FOCUSED ON HELPING PEOPLE ON A ONE-TO-ONE BASIS. THE NEXT DECADE FOR ME WILL BE ABOUT HELPING OUR TEAM AND OUR CUSTOMERS ON A LARGER SCALE

My friends know me as someone who is always planning ahead. In college, I once booked an eight-week backpacking trip to Europe on two weeks’ notice.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

An old saying that has stuck with me: A river cuts through rock, not because of its power but because of its persistence.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, it’s a key part of life. Just make sure you learn from them and that you don’t make the

same mistakes over again.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Being the youngest person to be promoted to executive vice-president at Colliers. I hit this milestone in 2020, and I was fortunate to be the top office adviser in Canada during this period.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

So many exciting things. My co-founder and life partner Lindsay and I are passionate about leading change in our industry and shaping the future for our team. We’re just getting started with Floorspace!

JACKY CHAN

CEO, Board director, Social Diversity for Children Foundation

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

The Creator of the universe, my family and those who love me and care for me have given me the knowledge and power to endure the hardest challenges in life and work. They have also taught me the sacrifices and embrace it takes to be a true leader.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

The very limited time of life. The constant urge of always wanting to experience more, achieve more, to be able to give more, with the one and only truly non-renewable resource of time. The fear of not doing enough, for myself, and for others.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

The Holy Bible: My No. 1 of all times, containing the secrets of creation, human nature and a glimpse of what and how God thinks. It gives me the answers and refuge I need to face all my troubles. The Art of War teaches me how to survive.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

Time traveller: Being able to go back and forth in time to learn and know everything I need to know. However, as I grew up, I discovered that time travelling would actually take a lot of the mysterious fun and unpredictability out of life, thus I kept dreaming on.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Realizing that you cannot help and lift those who don’t want to be lifted. Realizing when certain goals and dreams are not in sync with others and having to separate personal friendships with business and draw the fine line between heart and reality.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Life is about giving. Go above and beyond and make a positive difference as the sky is not the limit.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Everyday before I open my eyes, I run through my day in my head, read for 10

LIFE IS ABOUT GIVING. GO ABOVE AND BEYOND AND MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE AS THE SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT

minutes, write down any ideas I have, go through the day in detail and then start executing my plans.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I am a 19-year-old with 20 years of experience. I was a valedictorian who fainted after playing StarCraft for three days straight.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

When times are good, don’t feel too good. When times are bad, don’t feel too bad. When the water runs dry, the clouds will come, and there will always be sunshine

after the storm.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Having the privilege to represent the sales and marketing of the tallest residential high-rise in Vancouver, which is also the tallest passive-house building in the world: CURV by Brivia Group.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

To empower the world with love and end homelessness globally. To create and leave good memories in the lives of others and make a positive difference for our world and for generations to come.

JACK CHANG

Physician, Pollock Clinics

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

I still remember seeing my mom flip burgers on the streets of LA as an undocumented immigrant, just to make ends meet for us, while simultaneously running a pick-up/drop-off service for children before and after school, delivering newspapers and operating a daycare – all as a single mom.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I’ve always been a problem solver. I love figuring out how to fix things or make things better.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer was the first “fat” fiction book I read in college. It’s about two people born on the same day, on opposite sides of the world near the turn of the century, who end up crossing paths. A lot of life lessons from this book.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Each year I would like to ask, “What would future Jack thank present Jack for doing,” then commit to making it happen – whether it’s habits, relationships or business.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I used to run around the house with a fake badge arresting family members, so policing was apparently an instinctual inclination. When I was a bit older, I became obsessed with airplanes and belugas – I suppose I would have made a good pilot or marine biologist.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Love yourself more and forgive yourself for mistakes in the past. Accept yourself the way you are. Don´t waste your energy being with anybody who is not seeing your worth.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

I love learning. In the last decade I have taught myself how to play new instruments, how to take and edit interior and

exterior architectural photos professionally, how to do home renovations, how to paint abstract art, how to make the best omurice, and more.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

When I was a student at Yale, I was a member of a competitive intercollegiate bhangra dance team. I became really good at turban tying as we travelled the East Coast performing and competing.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Whenever there are critical decisions to be made, instead of asking, “What am I leaving behind?” it’s important to reframe

to, “What bigger impact can I have now?”

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I’m buoyed by the evolution and the ongoing clinical impact we have had, and continue to have, on patients who benefit from our surgical skills, techniques and protocols around the world, increasing access to care and reducing wait times and operative risks.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

I’m looking forward to more life adventures and to trying new things, to growing professionally and spiritually and engaging in causes my wife and I care about.

I LEARNED THAT YOU MUST BELIEVE IN YOUR WORTH SO STRONGLY THAT THE WORLD STARTS BELIEVING IT TOO

MAXIME CHARRON

Founder and CEO, LeadingAhead Energy

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

Work ethic has always been in me. Give 120 per cent or don’t start. It was reinforced by my time in the military in my early 20s. Waking up early and staying physically active definitely helps to keep up the energy required to push through when needed.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I lost my dad at a very young age. Realizing that life can be short, I understood that there’s no time to waste on things that aren’t productive or joyful.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Red Notice by Bill Browder; Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink; New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins; The World by Richard Haass; Limits to Growth by Dennis Meadows; The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Professionally: Expanding LeadingAhead Energy (LEA) across North America and getting into other vertical markets while building a self-supporting structure. Personally: Start a family and stay physically active.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Starting! People think too much before starting a new venture, then they get paralyzed. Actions always speak louder than words. Perfection will never be reached – just make the first move and keep improving along the way.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I’ve never seen Star Wars and celebrity names and faces are lost on me unless they are business-related figures.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Always follow your gut feeling and fight for your ethics and values. Many opportunities to make money faster or take a

shortcut will come up. It always comes with strings attached. There is no better feeling than a clear mind without having to look over your shoulder.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Reading too many books or going to too many seminars or motivational events will become entertainment instead of getting the work done. Nobody really knows what they are doing when starting their first company. Embrace your failures. The most important thing a business has is its values.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Starting a company from scratch with $5,000 and no outside investment, which is now allowing us to work with national clients across Canada and the United States. Building a sustainable and profitable business model was crucial for me. The company is still self-funded today.

WHAT’S

LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

Open an office in Los Angeles and grow our U.S. portfolio. Aside from LAE, I have many other business ideas in mind.

PEOPLE THINK TOO MUCH BEFORE STARTING A NEW VENTURE, THEN THEY GET PARALYZED. ACTIONS ALWAYS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

KEN CONROY

Director of data science, Glia

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

Family. Dad worked so many different jobs while I was growing up, while mam raised five kids and countless grandkids. All the siblings worked from age 16 as wait staff in the local pub – the Salmon Leap.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Family! My daughter Éabha and my wife Doireann. I’m driven to support them for the future.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Goodnight Moon . That’s the book I’ve read the most in my life, especially in the last two years. After a hard day’s work, it’s nice to settle down and read to my baby girl.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

I’ve had my fair share of challenges with a cancer diagnosis a few years ago, so I’m grateful for every single day and take each day, and each year, as it comes.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

My dad was a TV technician and ran his own business, so I was always exposed to technology at some level. As technology continued to evolve, this morphed into a focus around computers, software engineering and, finally, AI.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Deciding to move to Canada from Ireland in 2014. At the time, Ireland’s tech scene was pretty good but the recession was affecting my wife’s prospects working with the neurodiverse population. We had just gotten married and had the flexibility to move so I suggested Vancouver.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Consistency. If I say I’m going to do something I always do it.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I dyed my hair bright red in college. This

FINDING A PRODUCT-MARKET FIT FOR THE TECHNOLOGY YOU DEVELOP IS KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF THAT UNDERLYING TECHNOLOGY. SOMETHING LIKE AI CAN PROMISE THE WORLD BUT NOT DELIVER

also had the direct impact of meeting my wife in a nightclub.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

My sister and brother-in-law suggested I apply for computer science at university. I did, and now I’m here.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Finding a product-market fit for the technology you develop is key to the success of that underlying technology. Something like AI can promise the world but not deliver: Focus on a business problem and you have the code to success.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Probably the acquisition of Finn AI. It was many years of hard work recognized, and to be acquired by a successful and rapidly growing international startup provided the validation for the team and everyone who contributed throughout the years.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

Professionally: Continue to implement the latest applications of AI while advocating for ethical AI implementations. Personally: I feel fortunate to have a treatable cancer, but would love to one day be in full remission.

RYAN D’SOUZA

President, Jim Pattison Lease

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My parents. They worked tirelessly to achieve their dreams, building their own business from the ground up, then giving it up so they could give their kids all the opportunities that Canada has to offer. I’ve also been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my career.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I’m a problem solver by nature. Even when I was a kid, I would constantly be taking things apart and figuring out how to put them back together (not always successfully!). In everything I do, I ask myself what’s important and what are the best next steps to move forward.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

It’s all about expanding my roots, spending time and energy with the people that are closest to me and helping to pay it forward. To help support and mentor the next generation of business leaders.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I always dreamed of being involved in car racing. It’s been a long time since I started on the shop floor, but I still love to get my hands dirty and am very fortunate to be able to mix my passion for cars with work as I’ve grown throughout my career.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL

DECISION?

Making the decision – within 24 hours –to leave my then-current role and move across the country for a new company. Twelve years later, I’ve learned the hardest decisions are often the ones that work out best.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Take calculated risks, don’t be afraid of failure and align yourself with good mentors who share your values.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Connecting with my team. Early in my career, I made it a point each morning to make time to say hello and catch up with my colleagues. It’s a simple gesture that helps me keep in touch with what’s going on with the team and the business.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I have a Guinness World Record hanging in my office. Actually, it’s more a certificate of participation for the most bottles played in a musical performance.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Lead with empathy and vulnerability.

A leader’s job is to understand both the needs of the business and the team. That means putting yourself in other people’s shoes and being able to consider other perspectives.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

The importance of relationships.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

It’s an honour to have the opportunity to lead a founding company within the Jim Pattison Group, Canada’s largest privately held company. , I feel exceptionally fortunate to help expand Jim Pattison Lease’s legacy nationally and internationally.

THE IDEA THAT THE WAY SOMEONE LEADS WHEN THEY’RE NOT BEING WATCHED, OR WHEN THEY’RE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAD, HAS ALWAYS RESONATED WITH ME

ANNA DIBELLA Founder and CEO, ProFix Accounting & Strategy

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My work ethic is driven by my desire to experience life to the fullest. My family nicknamed me “Full-throttle Anna” because everything I do in my life, I dive in with all the energy and enthusiasm I have.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

To contribute positively to society and be a leader who uses their voice and influence to bring real change that helps people. My ultimate goal is to create a safer world for everyone, both in the business world and in my community.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Revolutionary Witchcraft: A Guide to Magical Activism by Sarah Lyons.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

As I look to the future, I am excited to sell my business in a few years and become a full-time advocate on behalf of survivors of sexual assault and rape, with specific focus on police and justice reform. I am determined to make this world safer for everyone.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

Growing up I dreamed of a having a career that would allow me to explore the world. I still do!

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Not to give up. I started PROFiX Accounting in March 2020 as a single mom with a baby and a toddler right before daycares closed. I had to adapt my life and business strategy from day one and it was really hard to not quit.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Meditating at least 20 minutes daily. Meditating everyday ensures I prioritize my mental health and have one moment of still quiet time to myself everyday without distractions from clients, employees or kids. I’ll skip lunch over meditating if I need to. My workday is most productive

if I prioritize meditation.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I never wanted to be a CPA because I thought it would be boring. After university, I worked on a sailboat in Colombia and came home broke. I took a law firm bookkeeping job for the money and the rest is history. Turns out being a CFO sure isn’t boring!

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Celebrate your wins. Life moves fast and if you don’t take time to celebrate your achievements, then what’s the point of

working so hard everyday?

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Adapt or die. Those words are on my wall; I look at them everyday. Because I launched my firm in March 2020. I have been adapting my business strategy from day one, and we are more competitive than ever as a result.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

My goal from the start was to grow PROFiX into a national accounting firm with more than 1,000 clients, and I’m well on my way.

BECAUSE I LAUNCHED MY FIRM IN MARCH 2020 (ARGUABLY THE WORST TIME TO START A BUSINESS) I HAVE BEEN ADAPTING MY BUSINESS STRATEGY FROM DAY ONE, AND WE ARE MORE COMPETITIVE THEN EVER AS A RESULT

JOSHUA GAGLARDI

Founder and president, Orion Construction

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

I come from a family that has an incredibly strong work ethic. At a very young age I learned the value of focus and determination as tools to achieving your goals.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I’ve always dreamt of what it is that I wanted to do with my life, and there is much more to achieve in that dream. Luckily for me my dreams align with my passions.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Red Notice by Bill Browder and Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton are two of my all-time favourites.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

There is a still considerable runway for Orion – a business still in its growth stage. We have expanded outside of the Lower Mainland throughout B.C. This will be a focus over the next several years. I have a wonderful family and daughter that are also a top priority.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

An architect.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Taking the leap to start a new company with little savings and a couple of credit cards in an industry that is traditionally capital intensive and operates on tight margins.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

The journey matters more than the destination.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

I like to take 24 hours before any major decisions. Time to think, to get over the emotional response.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, BUSINESS IS PEOPLE. IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TEAM, AND ALIGN YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT EXTERNAL TEAM, THEN YOU ARE SET UP FOR SUCCESS

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I failed calculus at university!

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Persistence is the key to success.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

At the end of the day, business is people. If you have the right team, and align yourself with the right external team, then you are set up for success.

WHAT CAREER

HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

This year we were recognized as the No. 1 fastest-growing company in Canada. This is a tremendous achievement and I am incredibly proud of my team, partners and clients who helped to make that happen.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

I want to continue to be a leader in the construction and real estate industry locally, and throughout this amazing province that we are all so blessed to live in. I will leverage our skills and abilities to be able to give back to the communities in which we work.

NICOLA HARPER

President, Columbia Learning Group

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My parents. I have had opportunities in my life because of the work and the sacrifices that they have made. When we immigrated to Canada, they left behind what was familiar and comfortable. I want to honour that with the work that I do.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

To be a part of something bigger than myself. I started in the non-profit world because I needed to know that what I was doing was going to have an impact beyond just me. Now I find ways to do that but from a business angle.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Nudge by Richard Thaler. It was the first book I read that really shone a light on how psychology is intertwined with economics.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

To slow things down. The last few years have been at a break-neck pace, trying to manage a newly growing business while adapting to operating in COVID. I recently made some tough decisions to step back from some roles I loved because I was getting stretched too thin.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

To be a journalist. I loved writing and reading. I still do, but it just manifests itself differently now.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Taking on the business. I left a secure, stable job at a place where I loved to work, with an amazing team of colleagues, and jumped into an industry where I had no technical knowledge whatsoever. Plus, all the risk and responsibility now rested with me.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Enjoy this time. Try the things that you aren’t good at, or that scare you, and make mistakes. The stakes aren’t as high as you think they are.

I STARTED IN THE NON-PROFIT WORLD BECAUSE I NEEDED TO KNOW THAT WHAT I WAS DOING WAS GOING TO HAVE AN IMPACT BEYOND JUST ME. NOW I FIND WAYS TO DO THAT BUT FROM A BUSINESS ANGLE

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

I don’t check work emails on weekends. Sometimes I break this rule, but I try to keep that time for my family and other commitments.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I am super squeamish – not great for the head of a paramedic training institution.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

It’s all cash flow, cash flow, cash flow (thanks, dad).

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

You are nothing without your people. Finding the right people who believe in what you’re doing is so important for a business like ours. It’s been a huge challenge in the current labour market; we are so fortunate to have the incredible team that we do.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Securing grants that our primary care paramedic students have used to help cover the cost of their training. This has been especially important in the more rural and remote areas of B.C. where the financial barriers to training are generally higher, and yet the need for training is so great.

BARRY HARTMAN

Co-founder and CEO, Board director and treasurer, Small Business BC

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

A drive to provide limitless opportunity for the people that work at 505-Junk. Our team is full of bright and energetic people, and I am responsible for providing opportunities that help them grow. Seeing my business partners, Scott and Alex, show up every day with their A-game really motivates me.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I honestly just love business. I love working with people, I love building a brand – I enjoy the competition and the challenge of growth, and I really enjoy building partnerships.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Traction by Gino Wickman, Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger, Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I kid you not, when I was a child, I wanted to be a garbage man. In my teenage years, I wanted to become a professional snowboarder. I ended up doing that between the ages of 18 and 22 before launching 505-Junk. Entrepreneurship is now my dream. I am living my dream.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

To pull back on franchising. We launched two locations and decided it was not the future that we wanted for 505-Junk. It was the toughest, most analytical decision I’ve had to make, but it has turned out to be the right one.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

I’ve changed a lot of habits over the years and developed some strong ones – mostly inspired by wanting to be the best version of myself so I can show up every day. I get up at 6 a.m. and exercise, take cold showers, have no caffeine, no alcohol and meditate. Stay present.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I started working at 13 and my resumé

includes: Dog walker, McDonald’s, dishwasher, janitor, pizza maker, fuel-tank cleaner, construction labourer and pizza delivery. I’m a college drop-out, and for the last 12 years, have fulfilled my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. I love it.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

I told my parents at 16 I was moving to Whistler to become a professional snowboarder. Their response was: “Have fun, we support your decision.” I told my parents at 22 I was dropping out of college to start a business. Their response was: “Have fun, we support your decision.”

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

You have to genuinely care about the people that you do business with. People instantly know when you don’t care, and you can bet that that will ruin your relationship.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

The individual efforts each of our team members contribute daily, and how our team has bought into the company vision.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

Everything. Our vision is to become an industry-leading recycling company by diverting hundreds of millions of pounds of waste from local landfills each year. My fiancé, Jenna, and I will be getting married in Australia in February.

YOU HAVE TO GENUINELY CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT YOU DO BUSINESS WITH. PEOPLE INSTANTLY KNOW WHEN YOU DON’T CARE, AND YOU CAN BET THAT THAT WILL RUIN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

NATASHA JESHANI

President

and CEO, Founder, Training Arch

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My father taught me that anything could be accomplished with hard work and a strong foundation of experience and education. My mom taught me to always do the right thing (not the easy one).

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

We have changed the way HR, recruitment and learning and development are being accessed and I am excited to see our success celebrated. Seeing my success through my kids’ eyes is something I will never take for granted.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

The E-Myth was transformational for me. It wasn’t enough for us to be a successful company – we had to be sustainable and ready to do more with our success.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

My motto in life and in my career is to raise as I rise. As I continue to find success and grow Career Contacts and Training Arch, I want to continue to give back to those who did not have access to the same support I did.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I always thought I was going to be a teacher. I kept a lot of that desire to teach in my current roles and volunteer work. Whether I am supporting 10 leaders, 400 employees or 10,000 people in a conference, the end goal is the same.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Deciding whether I had what it took to build a business, hire a team and create something that, for many years, people told me would never work. I had to learn to trust my instincts and that took a lot of time.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Block out the noise. Don’t take criticism from people that you would not take

advice from.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

My ability to practise gratitude. I have zero doubt in my mind that I am where I am today because of the ones that believed in me, trusted me, pushed me, loved me. I never let myself forget that or them.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

You have to slow down to speed up. (I eventually took the advice, but wish I had done so much earlier.)

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

That nothing in life comes easy or alone. I

am lucky to have people that understand my passion and drive. I hold a lot of titles and mom is by far the most important (and the one I get the most help with from my incredible husband and family).

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Growing our team during the pandemic and being able to expand into the U.S. Building our Career Contacts mastermind is truly one of the most fulfilling career decisions I have ever made.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

To raise my kids and build my business the same way I am now, without ever compromising who I am or what I stand for.

IT WASN’T ENOUGH FOR US TO BE A SUCCESSFUL COMPANY – WE HAD TO BE SUSTAINABLE AND READY TO DO MORE WITH OUR SUCCESS

NEJEED KASSAM

CEO, Keela

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My grandfather. He built his businesses twice, on two different continents (starting from nothing, twice). While he passed away when I was only two, his legacy (and maybe his DNA) lives on and inspires me to work harder and be better everyday.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

A visceral belief that anything and everything can be made better. From a business process, to a product, to how we imagine civic engagement – I firmly believe that change isn’t only possible, it’s an incredible opportunity.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

A nearly impossible question so I’ve divided it into three categories. As a dad: The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. As a CEO: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. As a human: Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

I aspire to prioritize being a father and a husband, as well as building for generations to come. For Keela, the next decade will be centred on making the company a household brand and transforming how every non-profit fundraises.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

To be a paleontologist. At my core, I yearn for discovery. The thought of spending a life discovering seemed inspired.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Letting people go. The ebbs and flows of growing a business require us to make heartbreaking choices. The first time I terminated someone’s employment, I couldn’t keep my lunch down. It still is one of the worst feelings in the world, even when I know it’s the right business decision.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Leadership is almost always character over knowledge; don’t be scared to fail,

FROM A BUSINESS PROCESS, TO A PRODUCT, TO HOW WE IMAGINE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT – I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT CHANGE ISN’T ONLY POSSIBLE, IT’S AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY

but don’t ever make the same mistake twice; build EBITDA-positive businesses; and enjoy the grind, it’s never going to get easier (and you shouldn’t want it to).

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Be comfortable being uncomfortable. If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re probably not pushing your own boundaries and growing.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Culture eats strategy for breakfast. The value of building a team that is aligned, engaged and working (ideally in lock-step)

towards an agreed-upon and measurable goal is nearly impossible to stop.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Our customers at Keela raise almost $1 billion per year. The scale of this impact is remarkable and humbling.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

Almost everything. Help non-profits unlock tremendous generosity; work on my one-handed backhand; help build for our children the tools to build stronger societies and democracies; grow our family; 10x Keela’s revenue; see the Northern Lights; hit a hole-in-one.

TASNEEM KHIMANI

Co-founder and managing director, operations, Next Prep Academy

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My parents. They immigrated to Canada from South Africa and Uganda and had to work extremely hard to be able to provide me with all of the opportunities I had growing up. They instilled their work ethic in me and encouraged me not to waste the opportunities presented.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

My passion for educating young children between the ages of three and five. Watching them succeed in a program and environment that we’ve created makes me want to be able to provide this opportunity to as many children as possible.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

I have spent my 30s building businesses from the ground up and working in every role, from teaching to administration to marketing. I want to spend the next phase of my career scaling our business model and being an asset manager versus an owner-operator.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

Being born into a Montessori family that was passionate about early childhood education, my childhood dream was to be a teacher.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Leaving my job at a prestigious Montessori school to open my first business, Seeds and Roots Montessori, at the age of 29. I was confident in my teaching abilities, but was new to the business side of early childhood education, which had a steep learning curve.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Putting things back where they belong after I use them (something my husband is still learning!).

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT

ABOUT YOURSELF.

I live in Vancouver and don’t eat seafood.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Going from one location to two, I was having difficulty not being at both places as I was used to being on site. I was given the advice to trust in what we built and to allow our team to manage and implement the best practices we had put in place

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Transitioning from teacher to business owner, I am no longer only responsible for the care and education of the children: I

am also responsible for the livelihood of my teaching staff, and have to ensure a high-quality program so we are able to attract families who believe us.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Opening the doors to my first school, Seeds and Roots Montessori.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

I am proud of the momentum and scale that has been achieved with Next Prep thus far, but don’t feel that my goal will be complete until we are considered the gold standard for early childhood education in Greater Vancouver.

I WANT TO SPEND THE NEXT PHASE OF MY CAREER SCALING OUR BUSINESS MODEL AND BEING AN ASSET MANAGER VERSUS AN OWNER-OPERATOR

ANGIE LAMARSH

Head of sustainable finance, commercial banking, HSBC Bank Canada

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

I have always looked up to my brother William. Throughout my life he has set the example of applying yourself to every challenge without losing sight of having fun along the way.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Curiosity. I am energized by how much there is to learn and discover. A highlight of my career has been the opportunity to work with clients across various sectors and get an inside view of their businesses and industries.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

I have a passion for leveraging governance and leadership to drive impact and leave lasting change. I hope to reach an executive leadership position while serving on diverse non-profit and corporate boards to advance these values.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

Marine biologist – inspired by countless trips to the Vancouver Aquarium.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Pursuing a career in a field where I had no formal education. My degrees are in the humanities and working in banking was initially intimidating. In the long run it has taught me the value of learning on the job and asking for help.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth and opportunity often come from complex, messy challenges.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Saying “Yes” to opportunities. If something seems exciting I tend to jump in

with both feet and iron out the details along the way.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I played soccer competitively growing up and won the Canadian Championship representing B.C.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

No matter how overwhelming something

may seem, it can always be broken down into manageable increments. Being able to see progress (no matter how small) along the way can make all the difference to achieving a stretch goal.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Being elected chair of the Simon Fraser University board of governors. The university has been a constant in my life and it is an incredible honour to be able to serve in this role.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

Everything! To make up for lost time by travelling, meeting new people and attending every in-person event I can.

MY DEGREES ARE IN THE HUMANITIES AND WORKING IN BANKING WAS INITIALLY INTIMIDATING. IN THE LONG RUN IT HAS TAUGHT ME THE VALUE OF LEARNING ON THE JOB AND ASKING FOR HELP

TEJAS MADHUR

Lawyer, JFK Law LLP

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My mom. She is regal. She accomplishes a lot while carrying out work in a manner that doesn’t put her in a rush. I seek to emulate this.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Fostering a sense of belonging. I am aggrieved when people are left out or made to feel like their suffering is acceptable.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat. You can read it cover to cover without cooking any of the recipes, and still learn a lot about how to cook.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

I aspire to sing in a choir for the next 30 years. I sang in choirs in Vancouver, Ottawa and Halifax from 1995 to 2014. After an eight-year break, I recently joined Elektra Women’s Choir. It feels so good to be singing again.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

When I was asked this question in preschool, I said I wanted to be a reader. I came pretty close as a lawyer.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

I mostly advise decision-makers who do the heavy lifting of making tough decisions on a regular basis. Professionally, it was very tough for me to decide to leave working in-community at Tsawwassen First Nation.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

It will all come together. One day you will be able to connect the dots going backwards.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

I am a light packer.

I WANTED TO BE A READER. I CAME PRETTY CLOSE AS A LAWYER.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I am a lifelong Vancouverite, but had never been to the top of Whistler until 2022.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

People will always remember how you made them feel (which is a paraphrased Maya Angelou quote).

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS? Be yourself.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Coaching for Nunavut Youth Parliament. It combined three of my favourite things: Listening to great ideas from teenagers, demystifying institutions of power and building people up.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

I feel like I’m just getting started.

GRAHAM MANDERS

Co-founder and CTO, DarkVision

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My parents. They instilled a sense of responsibility and hard work that has carried me through my career.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Working on new and exciting technology is what gets me excited to come to work. I love exploring problems and finding creative solutions. If the tech is the carrot, the fear of failure is the stick. A feeling all true entrepreneurs experience.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries and Zero to One by Peter Thiel.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Building DarkVision into a billion-dollar tech company over the next five years.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I wanted to work for NASA and design Mars rovers. I loved taking things apart to learn how they work and building things out of old electronics – engineering was a natural fit.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Quitting my job to start DarkVision. There were countless reasons not to as I had a job that I liked, a stable income, a new baby at home and a wife on maternity leave, but it turned out to be well worth the risk.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Focus on learning and improving, and stress less about the short-term results.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Procrastination. It isn’t all bad as it can give you time to think through a problem, to keep an open mind and often it leads to unexpected innovative solutions.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I live in North Vancouver and have never done the Grouse Grind.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Never go by any one person’s opinion, no matter how experienced they are. Instead, find out why they believe what they believe, gather multiple opinions and make your own decision.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

If you have an innovative business idea, don’t expect it to resonate with most people. The best opportunities aren’t

obvious and are likely unpopular or undervalued. If you really believe in it, do it anyways.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Receiving the Deloitte Fast 50 award. DarkVision was recognized as one of Canada’s 50 fastest-growing tech companies in 2022. This was a huge milestone for our team and an honour to receive.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH? Developing new technology and product lines at DarkVision. Longer term, I would love to support and advise other entrepreneurs with their startups.

I LOVE EXPLORING PROBLEMS AND FINDING CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. IF THE TECH IS THE CARROT, THE FEAR OF FAILURE IS THE STICK. A FEELING ALL TRUE ENTREPRENEURS EXPERIENCE

CHRIS MAY

General manager, BC Place

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

“The show must go on” is the tagline of our industry and it’s been my reality for as long as I can remember. I’ve been around this industry forever; my parents have pictures of me at age five putting on shows in the living room, and, yes, I sold tickets.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I want to provide a good place for good people to have a good time. That’s the North Star, and that is what drives me forward in work, in volunteerism and in life.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

I’ve just started Bob Iger’s book Ride of A Lifetime. I’m only part way through and it’s fantastic.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

My goal is ensuring BC Place reaches its full potential with the incredible team that works there. Broadly, I want to make a bigger difference in my community. Improving things for all residents of Vancouver, especially those living on the margins, who need support and opportunity.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

At a young age it was to be a pilot. Once I turned 14 or 15, putting bums in seats and managing large-scale entertainment was the dream. Lucky me!

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS

OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Leaving Cirque du Soleil and joining a marketing agency. I needed a crash course in sales and marketing (which I got) but stepping away from the greatest entertainment company in Canadian history was not easy. It was, however, the right decision for me long term.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

It’s a marathon not a sprint. When you’re 35 and down on yourself for not making

this list, you need to chill out – it’ll happen.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

I’m an early riser. I nail off key pieces of work before my husband or son are awake, and well before I get to the office. And I go to bed early: I might be the only person in major events and entertainment that believes nothing good happens after 10 p.m.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I can breathe fire.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Be careful who you tick off on the way up, because you’ll probably need to kiss their butt on the way back down (edited for appropriate language).

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Be honest. It’s stunning how many difficult conversations and big problems can be solved by being honest and showing some vulnerability.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Working with the incredible team at BC Place and getting us ready for the busiest year in our history in 2023.

I WANT TO PROVIDE A GOOD PLACE FOR GOOD PEOPLE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME. THAT’S THE NORTH STAR, AND THAT IS WHAT DRIVES ME FORWARD IN WORK, IN VOLUNTEERISM AND IN LIFE

TRAVIS MCPHERSON

Senior vice-president, NexGen Energy Ltd.

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My grandma, who always spoke about wartime and the sacrifices made during those years. This had a huge impact on me in terms of what I viewed as hard work. Everything seemed easy compared to those efforts and sacrifices made.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

My family and in particular my children. I want them to be proud of who their father is and have doors open – not close – for them in life.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Indian Horse and Ego Is the Enemy.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

To help the mining industry become an industry that attracts the world’s most talented people. The mining industry, when done right, can impact lives (particularly remote communities) positively and generationally more than any other industry. I want future generations to bring the industry forward.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

To make an impact. Working at NexGen to develop the world’s largest uranium mine – which will remove 70 million cars worth of carbon dioxide annually – is my childhood dream realized.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

When the mining markets got tough in 2010, staying in the mining industry wherever and however possible. I had lots of opportunities to leave for better pay, however I fell in love with the industry and this proved to be the right call.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Don’t be different for the sake of it, but be okay with being different in doing what’s right over the long-term.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Perspective. I’ve worked on ensuring everything can be put into perspective so that nothing becomes overwhelming and therefore anything becomes possible.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I love design – furniture, fashion, colours, architecture, cars, etc.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Things don’t happen to you, they happen for you. Making the conscious choice to take the positives away from any situation (good or bad) has changed my life for the better.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Seeing students in high school in northern Saskatchewan come to site and then advance through university and change the trajectory of their lives for the positive. Thinking about the chain of events that can happen as a result of those young people’s choices.

WHAT’S

LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

Lots! Raising compassionate, intellectually curious, honest children. Using mining to create awareness and voices for those that, perhaps, otherwise wouldn’t be heard.

THE PANDEMIC MADE IT EVEN MORE ABUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT OPPORTUNITY AWAITS THOSE WILLING TO CREATE IT

TALA MOBAYEN

CEO, Victoria Pulse Trading Corp.

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My parents. My father taught me resilience and my mother taught me how to create a network. They were immigrants living in a country where the most basic health requirements came at a cost and they needed a very strict work ethic to be successful.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Curiosity and sense of achievement.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Good to Great by Jim Collins. Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

To vertically integrate further down the value chain by creating ingredients to supply the plant protein sector, and by incorporating blockchain technology for traceability and transparency. This will fulfill my mission of feeding the world more effectively, with minimum waste along the supply chain.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I have always wanted a career that would enable me to see the world from a global mindset and be able to interact with different cultures internationally. I am very grateful to have achieved it.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Deciding to work in a family business while keeping the dynamics between the family members respectful and professional.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Believe in yourself and keep taking on a challenge to find your inner strength.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

Going to Burning Man for the first time in 2022. It was a place where I discovered a different part of myself that I would not

WE ARE ALL CITIZENS OF THIS PLANET. WORKING IN THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY HAS MADE ME FEEL PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY RESPONSIBLE TO CREATE A SUSTAINABLE PLANET AND TO BE CONSCIOUS OF OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

have in my routine life.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

If you have not failed in your life or career, you have not risked enough and tapped into your true potential.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Being laser-focused on your top main goal while still noticing the distractions around you.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I’m proud of being part of a global

industry leadership confederation that makes decisions involving food systems, global drought conditions and supply chains to ensure the world has access to basic pulse proteins.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

We are all citizens of this planet. Working in the agriculture industry has made me feel personally and professionally responsible to create a sustainable planet and to be conscious of our carbon footprint. Nourish the world by promoting sustainable agricultural products, and by being mindful of the carbon footprint along the global supply chain.

CARLY MOIR

Founder and creative director, White Canvas Design Studio

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

Both of my parents were entrepreneurs so I was exposed to this lifestyle from a young age, but I’d have to say my work ethic stems from playing competitive sport. Breaking down a big goal into smaller, achievable steps is a skill I still use and value.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Empowering young women and working mothers in the workplace is what really lights me up. I have a four-yearold daughter of my own who keeps me accountable to this. She’s my infinite source of inspiration to lead by example and create real change.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Untamed by Glennon Doyle was a lifechanging read for me. I’m a little biased as the co-author of this one, but The MomBabes: A Motherhood Anthology (Volume 1) is a special project near and dear to my heart.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Being intentional about how I spend my time seems to be a current theme for me. I’m working on setting a pace for myself where I don’t feel rushed, and where I can create the necessary space for creativity.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

To become a writer.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

To continue building the business without having a partner or investors. After years of reinvesting profits back into the business, looking back, I’m grateful I was able to do this on my own terms and timeline.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Not every business starts by marching in and quitting your corporate day job. White Canvas was 10 years in the making and started as a freelance side gig. Just

MY WORK ETHIC STEMS FROM PLAYING COMPETITIVE SPORT. BREAKING DOWN A BIG GOAL INTO SMALLER, ACHIEVABLE STEPS IS A SKILL I STILL USE AND VALUE

keep working on your side hustle passion project and be patient with yourself. It will all unfold as it should.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Generally being proactive, and prioritizing movement as part of my daily routine. I find it makes a huge difference in my mental health and the energy I bring to the day.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I played competitive softball, both at Simon Fraser University and as the starting third baseman and captain for Junior

Team Canada in 2007.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Make it a priority to celebrate the wins, and find joy in the everyday moments with the people who matter most.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Opening our new office this year. I took a risk during the pandemic to purchase our own space. It was a big moment for me to see it all come together and welcome our team and clients.

MARIAN NGO

Executive director,

Senior consultant, Sedgwick Strategies

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

The foundation of my work ethic is based on the examples set by my parents, who always persevered when faced with challenges and taught me that working hard also involves taking into account the things and people in life that are important. It is not a “self-centric” approach.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Setting a good example for my daughter in terms of work ethic and kindness, while preparing her to develop the ability and confidence to trust her gut when facing dilemmas.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

West with the Night by Beryl Markham.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

One: Growing projects I am involved with while setting aside time to enjoy each achievement as they occur. Two: Finding the time to fit in more travel.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

Christiane Amanpour was my idol. I wanted to be a journalist who travelled the world and was present during key moments throughout history as they unfolded.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

The hardest and best decision has been choosing to be a mom and figuring out how to balance that and a career. It has reshaped my approach in life for the better by expanding my perspective and making me more well-rounded and patient.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Stay open-minded so you don’t miss out on all the unexpected opportunities that will come your way.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

THE

I only recently learned the official term, but I have trypophobia. Honeycombs still make me very uncomfortable...

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

You do not need to have an opinion on everything.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

The relationships you forge are probably the most important and should never be approached as transactional engagements. Be genuine.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE

YOU MOST PROUD OF?

From supporting the work on the Squamish Nation environmental certificate, to the LNG electric drive rate and the creation of the Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association, there has been one continual and ongoing objective in my career: Problem solving. I am proud to be part of efforts geared towards doing things better.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

I don’t view it so much as what is left, but being open to all the opportunities that will come for as long as I can. I plan on enjoying the journey and where my career will take me.

RELATIONSHIPS YOU FORGE ARE PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT AND SHOULD NEVER BE APPROACHED AS TRANSACTIONAL ENGAGEMENTS. BE GENUINE

JOSH PLAMONDON

CEO, Aqua-Pak Industries Ltd.

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My parents instilled in me the importance of working hard and setting ambitious goals.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Several factors: Being a provider for my family and creating opportunities for my kids; I’m competitive and want to be the best I can be at everything I do; creating a positive impact on everyone around me. Those are things that drive me.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Start with Why by Simon Sinek changed my view on everything I’m doing in my career and gave me perspective on leading with a purpose. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg helped me understand the importance of working to serve others.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

A few fun ones that I can share: I want to drop my golf handicap to 10 and I want to exercise a minimum of 10,000 minutes annually.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

Growing up I was a huge Top Gun fan, and my dad worked in the airline industry, so I wanted to be a pilot. Then a professional football player as I got older. Somehow I ended up as an accountant.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

My toughest decisions are always people related. Building a high-performing team requires an uncompromising approach. I care deeply about our people so these types of decisions are always hard.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Don’t be afraid to set what might seem like unattainable goals, put your head down and stick with it. The road to get where you want is never a straight line, but if you stick with it, you will get there. Never be afraid to shoot your shot!

WE’VE GONE THROUGH TWO ACQUISITIONS IN THE PAST SIX YEARS – LEADING US THROUGH THOSE IS A CAREER HIGHLIGHT. ON A PERSONAL NOTE, ACHIEVING MY CAREER GOAL OF BECOMING CEO WAS A HUGE HIGHLIGHT FOR ME

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

How I plan out my day, week, month and quarter. This habit has become a strength for me and it helps me stay organized and get more done.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

When I first started my career, my mentor at the time took me aside and told me that if I wanted to climb the ladder, I needed to walk the walk from day one. She told me that how I carried myself and how I interacted with my colleagues mattered.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Be humble and treat people with respect: You will attract and do business with people who share these same values.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

We’ve gone through two acquisitions in the past six years – leading us through those is a career highlight. On a personal note, achieving my career goal of becoming CEO was a huge highlight for me.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

We’re only getting started. We want to revolutionize our insulated packaging vertical and grow the North American presence of our construction verticals.

MEHRSA RAEISZADEH

Co-founder and COO, MintList Technologies Inc.

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My parents – integrity, passion, perseverance and kindness.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

The love I have for our planet and what’s on it. I want to leave it better than how I found it, in any way I can. Building innovative solutions to make our lives better will always be a part of my life.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

For work: Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters. For life: 101 Ways to Transform Your Life by Wayne Dyer.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

A TED Talk!

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

To become an actress.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

To let go of an amazing team member for going against our company values.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Discover your unique ability and focus on that rather than focussing on improving your weaknesses.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Continuing to motivate myself to improve, even after a failure, regardless of how I may feel about things.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I was a professional swimmer with national records.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

If you have a choice to be right or to be

kind, always choose kind!

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS? It’s all about people.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Getting hooded by my PhD professor at my graduation ceremony when he whispered in my ear: You’ve made me super

proud. I finished my PhD in a different discipline in three years, with more than 20 publications and multiple patent applications, with a 4.0 GPA at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH? Make MintList a verb – I MintListed my car!

BUILDING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO MAKE OUR LIVES BETTER WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF MY LIFE

RAMTIN RASOULINEZHAD

Director of engineering, Shift Clean Energy

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

The desire to improve efficiencies in all aspect of the work and never stop learning.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Expanding the penetration of clean technologies and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Making the world a better place for the future generation by moving toward netzero-emission societies while enjoying time with my family.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I wanted to be a heart surgeon and helping people who are underprivileged.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Deciding to move to marine technologies, which is different than other sectors in many aspects. However, I have been so lucky to be trained by the best in this field.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Better things are yet to come.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Not lying to myself.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I love reading and listening to philosophy books.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Enjoy life every day and don’t give up.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Don’t let fear stop you from creating solutions without limitations.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I feel very fortunate to serve my career

making the use of clean technologies possible in a variety of sectors, such as utilities, oil and gas, marine and in remote communities.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

The goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. It needs immediate priority and sustained dedication.

I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE TO SERVE MY CAREER MAKING THE USE OF CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES POSSIBLE IN A VARIETY OF SECTORS, SUCH AS UTILITIES, OIL AND GAS, MARINE AND IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES

SAMANTHA RAYNER

Co-founder and CEO, Better Basics

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

I come from very hard working and self-made parents, but my motivation is also linked to my values and purpose. Early in my career, I realized that I had to feel connected to what I was doing, and when work doesn’t feel like “work,” I can seamlessly accomplish more.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I want to make a positive mark on this world. I want to challenge unhealthy consumption norms (like plastics and nasty chemicals in our home), delight people with wonderful products and change business to maximize people, planet and profit.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Just two years into the business, we will be ready for significant expansion, team growth, new product innovations and new business channels. Personally, I’d like to live abroad, teach yoga again and build a new home and garden.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

As a child I always wanted to work in business, and I had the vision of being a female leader in a large corporation full of men. I think the young feminist in my mind saw the lack of female business leaders and thought: I could do that.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Business decisions that may leave people disappointed are always the hardest to make. Letting employees go, whether a layoff or because the role just wasn’t the right fit, always takes most of my energy.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Pay attention to the things that light you up, and those that upset you. The sooner you can determine your values, you will align your career to a greater purpose and live with more satisfaction and success.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I have an identical twin sister, Olivia Hornby.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

To invest in yourself when you are young. Take a loan from your older self to do so.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Don’t worry about the competition, just worry about your customer. Consumers are intelligent and you can’t buy their interest. To make an impact you need to be authentic and transparent about the whole model: Product, internal culture and business operations.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I am proud of launching Better Basics, the standards we created and the amount of plastic we have diverted. I am extremely proud when I see people on my team thrive and accomplish their dreams.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

I feel I am still at the infancy of the impact I want to create. I hope to make Better Basics a household name, divert billions of plastics and create an incubator for the next generation of talent.

JUST TWO YEARS INTO THE BUSINESS, WE WILL BE READY FOR SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION, TEAM GROWTH, NEW PRODUCT INNOVATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS CHANNELS

BEN SAMAROO

Founder

and director, WonderFi

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

Mentors and public figures I’ve seen work with incredible speed and agility – I try my best to emulate them.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

The possibility of a making a difference in the world and standing up for people who don’t have a voice or a fair shot.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Ken Honda’s Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Surrounding myself with more people who are purpose-driven and aligned on values, and fewer people who are driven by fear and greed.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

F-18 pilot.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Leaving law was one of my toughest decisions. I knew it was the right move for me, but I was early in my career and many partners and co-workers told me I was throwing my career away, which made it more difficult.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Keep cultivating all of your creative interests and passions – never press pause on those.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Journaling.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

Believe it or not, I’ve never watched Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

LEAVING LAW WAS ONE OF MY TOUGHEST DECISIONS. I KNEW IT WAS THE RIGHT MOVE FOR ME, BUT I WAS EARLY IN MY CAREER AND MANY PARTNERS AND CO-WORKERS TOLD ME I WAS THROWING MY CAREER AWAY

“Take chances, make mistakes and get messy” – Miss Frizzle.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Not everyone cares about the same things you care about. Listening is so important and often opens up opportunities that don’t arise if you’re too invested in your own agenda or a particular outcome.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

WonderFi’s acquisition of Bitbuy. Our team put so much effort into the deal and it served as a landmark acquisition for the industry and a starting gun for consolidation in the sector.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

My next chapter is dedicated to fighting modern slavery, which is a cause that is close to home. Today there are more than 50 million slaves – the largest number in history.

BARBORA SAMIEIAN

Co-founder, Co-founder, Field & Social

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My family moved to Vancouver when I was 12. My parents re-started their careers from scratch at 40 in Canada, and I have always admired their resilience and work ethic.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Effortless by Greg McKeown.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Be present with my kids (four kids under seven means it’s often chaotic), spend more time outside and spend quality time with friends.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

To be a chef.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Temporarily closing all but one Field & Social location during three months of the pandemic, not knowing when or how we would re-open and re-building from there.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Travel and live abroad more and be comfortable knowing that your career won’t be linear. In fact, that is what will make it special.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

I’m an early riser. My husband has been waking up at 4:30 a.m. for years and I never understood it, but I started getting up early about six months ago, and it allows me two hours of solo time before the kids get up.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I was born and lived in Slovakia, but crossed the border to and from elementary school every day to attend school in neighbouring Austria from Grades 1 to 6 until our family moved to Canada. As a result I’m fluent in German.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Perfection is the enemy of good.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Sometimes, even when things seem difficult and tough, they will get harder before they get easier. But it’s all part of the journey. There is no silver bullet to a successful business.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE

YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Joining the United Nations’ Young Professional Program (it was a long twoyear application process) and working at UN Headquarters in New York with colleagues from all around the world for three years. It’s an experience I will treasure forever.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

Definitely just getting started. real estate agents in 160 countries using our platform.

SOMETIMES, EVEN WHEN THINGS SEEM DIFFICULT AND TOUGH, THEY WILL GET HARDER BEFORE THEY GET EASIER. BUT IT’S ALL PART OF THE JOURNEY. THERE IS NO SILVER BULLET TO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

SABRINA SPENCER

Vice-president, environment and regulatory, BC Council of Forest Industries

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

I come from a southern Alberta farming family so I grew up around hard work. My grandpa is in his 90s and he is still at the farm every day to putter around. He also still manages to out-drive me on the golf course.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I want to make the world a little better. There are so many challenges right now – climate change, reconciliation, poverty, inequality, conflicts. I don’t think there is a single answer to any of these issues but we need to create the space for the necessary conversations to happen.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

The Sushi Economy by Sasha Issenberg. It’s absolutely fascinating – a case study in the mechanics of globalization. Anna Karenina by Tolstoy is another favourite.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

I want to spend more time volunteering my time and professional skills to support organizations and initiatives that are working to make our communities better. I have benefitted from many mentors so it’s also time to start paying that forward.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Every career move I have ever made has been a tough decision because I have always been blessed to work with the best colleagues. It’s always tough to leave a team you love working with, but now I’m lucky to call many of those ex-colleagues friends.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Chill out. Life happens the way it’s supposed to. We can control our knowledge about our values and goals but we need to be flexible enough to let the universe do it’s thing, and be ready to recognize opportunities when they come.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

I am a faithful user of a paper agenda.

THE BEST WAY TO NAVIGATE LIFE IS TO BE UNABASHEDLY AND AUTHENTICALLY YOU. PEOPLE MIGHT NOT ALWAYS LIKE THAT APPROACH BUT THEY’LL ALMOST ALWAYS RESPECT IT

Even when my schedule is jammed, I find it very calming to be able to look at everything in one place.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I really love going to the dentist and getting my teeth cleaned.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

The best way to navigate life is to be unabashedly and authentically you. People might not always like that approach but they’ll almost always respect it. It’s much easier to live with challenges when you act in a way that is true to you.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

If someone says they have never had imposter syndrome, they’re lying. Everyone has had to learn what they know and I guarantee we’ve all made missteps along the way. Own your mistakes. Ask for help when you need it. We’ve all been there.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

I feel like I’m just getting started! I am passionate about climate change and reconciliation. I hope to continue to be part of those conversations, and maybe get a PhD.

BENJAMIN THIEDE

Senior director, business development and licensing, STEMCELL Technologies

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My parents and grandparents. Somehow my parents managed to raise three children and work full-time while my mom studied for her PhD part-time.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I’m passionate about playing a role in transforming scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that make the planet a better place.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss; Scaling Up by Verne Harnish; and Humor, Seriously: Why Humor Is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

I want to keep learning, grow professionally and continuously seek – not run from – challenges. Further, I would like to be a positive role model for my sons.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

In third grade, I read an obscure book that led me to want to be a geneticist at a biotech cloning dinosaurs. As I got older, I focused on the practical part of this dream and have always strived to stay close to scientific discovery.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

When I was making my career transition from academia to industry, I thought I needed a law degree to get to where I wanted to be. Right before enrolling, I decided instead to move to Vancouver and take a chance both on myself and on an exciting up-and-coming biotech.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

I suppose if I was the gambling sort I would say to put some money on the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks. But really, I’d say keep learning, keep exploring your creative

I THOUGHT I NEEDED A LAW DEGREE TO GET TO WHERE I WANTED TO BE. RIGHT BEFORE ENROLLING, I DECIDED INSTEAD TO MOVE TO VANCOUVER AND TAKE A CHANCE BOTH ON MYSELF AND ON AN EXCITING UP-AND-COMING BIOTECH

pursuits, never be afraid to try something new and embrace change.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Active listening and interjecting humour into the right situations.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF

The first date I had with my wife was a blacksmithing lesson. We were terrible but had the time of our lives. When it was time to propose I thought it’d be cute to forge a ring. The resulting slag was so hideous I went the traditional route.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Never underestimate the value of seeking out and cultivating relationships with experienced mentors.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Being senior director of the business development and licensing group at STEMCELL Technologies, where I work with a fantastic team focused on bringing cutting-edge technologies into the company and partnering with biopharma companies that will use our products in the clinic.

CHRIS THOM

Portfolio manager,

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My parents. They are both very hard workers and always told me that one of the only things I could control was to make sure I was the hardest worker on the field, ice or in the room.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I always want to make sure I do what I say. If I set a goal or make a promise, I make sure to accomplish it.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

To keep building great relationships and making an impact. I love what I do and working with my clients. If I can keep expanding on that I will be very happy. With wrestling there is still lots of opportunity for growth and I want to be a leader.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I knew I wanted to work in business, preferably in the stock market. As a young kid I would research penny stocks with my grandfather and check the paper in the morning to see where they were at. I learned a few lessons early and fell in love with it.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

I think just sticking with it. I started in the business in 2008, which was a very challenging time in the financial world. There were a few pretty lean years at the start and it was hard, but I knew there were good things to come.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Be patient. If you want something that will take a few years, you don’t need it to be done right now. Let things develop and don’t try to rush it.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Time management.

Board chair, BC Wrestling Association

I STARTED IN THE BUSINESS IN 2008, WHICH WAS A VERY CHALLENGING TIME IN THE FINANCIAL WORLD. THERE WERE A FEW PRETTY LEAN YEARS AT THE START AND IT WAS HARD, BUT I KNEW THERE WERE GOOD THINGS TO COME

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I can ride a unicycle.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

To focus on relationships. Surround yourself with good and smart people.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

If an investment looks too cheap, there could be a reason. The market often knows something that isn’t clear at first glance, so it is important to do you own

due diligence.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I am proud that I have balanced building a great business, having a loving family, growing a sport that means a lot to me and giving back to the community.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

Lots. I want to keep building great relationships and growing my business. With wrestling, I will rest once we have the biggest club in the universe so there’s still a long way to go.

SUSHANT TRIVEDI

CEO, Fresh Tracks Canada

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My mother always taught me that we may not have a lot of money, but we must always work hard and operate with integrity. It is a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

My No. 1 motivator is the desire to make a positive impact on the organization and the business.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

They All Laughed by Ira Flatow. The book shares stories behind the invention of everyday items like the light bulb, Vaseline or the first video game. Common between them is immense curiosity, persistence and luck – all of which are required to succeed in business and life.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

As life gets busier, I would like to take more time to go back into student mode: To learn or accomplish something new every year. This includes learning a new instrument, running my first marathon and diving deeper into meditation.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

I left management consulting very early in my career and quit my pursuit of a CFA designation after six months of intense studying. Both were tough decisions, but knowing what you don’t want to do is just as important as knowing what you do want to do.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Seek clarity over certainty. Accepting ambiguity, being clear in the midst of chaos and being open to constant change are superpowers that are not taught in school.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

Waking up very early in the morning – including weekends. I use the time to meditate, reflect on the day before and plan for the day ahead.

KNOWING WHAT YOU DON’T WANT TO DO IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS KNOWING WHAT YOU DO WANT TO DO

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I used to be an actor as a child and I’ve auditioned for TV shows and movies.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Stephen Hawking once said that the greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; rather, it is the illusion of knowledge. This made me realize the importance of being clear on what you don’t know. Accepting that helps suppress the ego as well.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

There is a lot of power in focus and focus requires you to be incredibly comfortable with trade-offs. In order to do something really well, you have to feel comfortable giving up something that might be very important. In an attempt to do everything, you will end up doing nothing.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I co-invented a product called Gillette TREO that ended up winning a TIME Magazine Innovation of the Year award. It is a razor designed for caregivers to shave and look after their loved ones, which in turn helps them feel confident and dignified. I have never felt more emotionally rewarded.

DAVID VAN HEMMEN

Vice-president, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

Likely my Dutch Protestant heritage. My grandparents immigrated to Canada and became farmers. Dairy cows don’t take vacation. A good work ethic was essential to put food on the table.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I feel a lot of gratification when a job is done and done well.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. We can’t all lead like Lincoln, but we can learn to get the most out of people.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

I want to be a good husband and good father to our three daughters, be a good friend to those around me and keep working on interesting things with good people.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I grew up in a remote town on Vancouver Island, so I wasn’t exposed to much. If I had to choose, I would say professional basketball player despite my 10-inch vertical.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Leaving a stable, interesting job in the public service in the federal government to return to Vancouver and eventually start my own consulting firm.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Become a lot more tech savvy.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT? Gratitude and curiosity.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I fought over 100 forest fires in B.C., which helped pay my way through university. If you are in school and like to be active, go get this job. You won’t regret it.

GOOD

IDEAS ARE MEANINGLESS IF YOU AREN’T COMMUNICATING THEM APPROPRIATELY TO YOUR AUDIENCE AND DECISION MAKERS

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

“When you aren’t sure what to do or what career path you should take, start by matching the gifts/skills you’ve been given with your passions” – Chuck van Hemmen.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Good ideas are meaningless if you aren’t communicating them appropriately to your audience and decision makers. While working for Indigenous communities, I had to reorient the way I communicated. If I didn’t change, I wasn’t actually helping at all.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Playing a leading role in the 2015 federal budget. It was a privilege to work with every department to solve problems and make investments for Canada’s future. I thought spending $290 billion was a big deal, though today’s budgets beg to differ.

WHAT’S

LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

I want to play a role in solving some of the big challenges facing Vancouver – housing, homelessness, a lack of human connection and community, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and economic development that supports families staying and thriving here.

RICHARD VANDEGRIEND

Co-founder, Cardiologist and director of heart failure services, Royal Columbian Hospital

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

One hundred per cent of the credit goes to my family for instilling my work ethic in me. I’m the youngest of four brothers and they set the bar pretty high with their own endeavours and accomplishments.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

It’s a feeling of, “If not me, then who?” It’s nonsensical to complain about your problems if you’re not meaningfully trying to solve them.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

The Fish That Ate the Whale by Rich Cohen. It’s a wild true story about a poor man who founded a banana empire with many lessons along the way about how –and how not – to do business.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

I realize that a renewed focus on my health is needed. As a cardiologist, I am seeing younger and younger patients present with heart disease and it serves as a constant reminder that I need to do better.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I played sports throughout my childhood and teens, and I aspired to one day become a professional basketball player. Fortuitously, a series of sports injuries in my youth led me to become interested in medicine.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Truthfully, as a cardiologist, I make difficult life-or-death decisions every day. The decision to pursue Arya Health, however, was different in that it forced me to move out of my comfort zone and dedicate time and money to a field that I had very little previous familiarity.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Take advantage of opportunities and expand your scope of interests. In my

I MAKE DIFFICULT LIFE-OR-DEATH DECISIONS EVERY DAY. THE DECISION TO PURSUE ARYA HEALTH, HOWEVER, WAS DIFFERENT IN THAT IT FORCED ME TO MOVE OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE

30s, I have made a concerted effort to learn about what my education lacked.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

With life moving as fast as it does, I rarely procrastinate.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

In my spare time, I am a landscape and fine art photographer and have won many awards.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

I was reminded recently that nothing good comes easy. Failures and setbacks are learning opportunities and often

turn out to be for the best.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Not allowing people to waste my time. Time is a precious commodity and it takes experience to determine if someone is truly sincere in their interests and intentions.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

The creating something we are proud of. The launch of Arya Health was a culmination of years of envisioning that we could produce an electronic medical records system that was efficient, intuitive and collaborative.

ADRIAN WAN

Partner, Fasken

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

Without a doubt: My parents. My mom and late father immigrated to Canada in the 1970s as teenagers. They had nothing when they arrived and built an amazing life for our family. Watching them struggle while I was a child made me appreciate the efforts needed to create something special.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Personal growth and a little fear of failure. I really enjoy challenging myself and trying new things that test my capabilities, whether mental or physically. I also have a natural fear of failure and always give my best efforts when I commit to something.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons. It’s a great read for any basketball fan.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Increase my community involvement and charitable pursuits. Help mentor the next generation of lawyers and business leaders. Be a good dad to my kids.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I wanted to be a professional basketball player. Being five foot eight and 135 pounds at the age of 18 – that clearly was not going to happen.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Walking away from my small business and deciding to go to law school. Throughout my 20s, I ran a small produce business. I had a lot of ups and down and learned a lot about myself during that time.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

I prioritize my health and fitness by exercising a few times a week. It helps to keep me focused and is a great stress reliever.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY AUTHENTIC. IT TOOK ME A LONG TIME TO REALIZE THIS IS FANTASTIC ADVICE

I almost died within 24 hours after I was born. The nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at BC Children’s Hospital saved my life. That place has a special place in my heart and we’re incredibly lucky to have it in Vancouver.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Be unapologetically authentic. It took me a long time to realize this is fantastic advice. It simplifies your life for the better and leads you to the right environment and people.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

Your reputation precedes you whether

it’s good or bad.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Being a founding member and director of the Forward Foundation. I, along with a few other amazing people, created this charitable organization that provides young adults with serious, life-limiting illnesses a meaningful experience of connection.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

Way too many things to list. I feel like my career has just started and I’m excited to continue learning from my clients, colleagues, mentors and many others within my village.

YAJING (CHICHI) WANG

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

I had a life-changing experience of saving a girl’s life when I was 10 years old. This experience taught me that I could make a difference in the lives of others and this led to me becoming a social entrepreneur, focused on doing good in the world.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

I believe we are given this life to learn about ourselves and others; to become enlightened. This motivates me to learn from life’s lessons so that I can develop a greater understanding of others and work collaboratively in the spirit of compassion and love.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

When Women Ruled the World: Six Queens of Egypt by Kara Cooney. I believe we should learn from history and I’m interested in exploring how these women built consensus in a collaborative way as leaders.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

My goal is to lead innovative and even unique projects that promote sustainability, unite people, support Indigenous communities and foster international development. Most importantly, I want to contribute to positive change and advance the public good.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

I always wanted to become a writer and documentary filmmaker. When I was 13, I wrote a novel about school children time travelling through the world.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

If you really want to go kite surfing, go kite surfing.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

I can sleep anywhere, any time. I am the master of sleep.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I’m an excellent reader of oracle cards and on a journey to becoming an energy healer.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

My grandfather’s advice was to always be true to myself, persevere in my ambition to become independent and be a light for others. He passed away last year so his words of advice are more important to me than ever.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

I’ve learned that trust is essential in business relationships.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I was the initiator and organizer for the UN Women gender equality conference and “HeForShe” campaign in Hangzhou, China. I established key relationships with UN Women and mobilized resources to engage over 50,000 supporters. I built this initiative from the ground up, developing strong relationships across the globe.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

As I get older, I am increasingly energized to share the compassion that is in my heart. For me, it’s about slowing down and taking the time to give back.

Vice-president, communications and external affairs, Sungiven Foods

MY GRANDFATHER’S ADVICE WAS TO ALWAYS BE TRUE TO MYSELF, PERSEVERE IN MY AMBITION TO BECOME INDEPENDENT AND BE A LIGHT FOR OTHERS

CORY WRIGHT

Founder and president, William Wright Commercial

WHO OR WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC?

My parents taught us at a young age that if you’re not the most talented person in the room, make sure you out-work everyone else and good things will happen.

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

My family and my amazing team of people at William Wright Commercial. A lot of people rely on me everyday and that is more motivation than I need as you have to deliver for your team.

A FAVOURITE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

Good to Great by Jim Collins. Good is the enemy of great. I remind myself of this everyday and encourage everyone to not settle for just being good at something –to push yourself to achieve great things.

NOW THAT YOU ARE (OR ARE CLOSE TO) ENTERING YOUR 40S, WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF?

Not to take success for granted. I feel we are just at the starting point of this journey and am looking to build on our success on a national level.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CAREER DREAM?

Always having a passion for building businesses, I started with my first card shop in my parents’ garage at the age of nine. Having a love for real estate combined with my drive for business led me to where I am today.

WHAT WAS YOUR TOUGHEST BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL DECISION?

Making the decision to expand our business rapidly during the COVID shut down and continuing to invest in our growth with little-to-no sales at the time.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Slow down and make sure you are doing the little things correctly.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST HABIT?

My morning routine: Up at 3:30 a.m.

to get a head start on the day and a 40-minute Peloton ride.

TELL US ONE IMPROBABLE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I’m a die-hard Nickelback fan.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

Don’t tell me, show me. My dad would tell me this all the time when I was growing up and playing sports. It wasn’t until I was in my late 20s that this really sunk in.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN BUSINESS?

It’s not where you start but where you

finish. The road to success has a lot of highs and lows, but staying focused on the task at hand usually results in a successful ending.

WHAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Building the amazing team we have assembled across the province over the past 10 years at William Wright Commercial.

WHAT’S LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH?

We would like to build on our success in B.C. and look to take William Wright Commercial to a national level in the coming years.

IT’S NOT WHERE YOU START BUT WHERE YOU FINISH. THE ROAD TO SUCCESS HAS A LOT OF HIGHS AND LOWS, BUT STAYING FOCUSED ON THE TASK AT HAND USUALLY RESULTS IN A SUCCESSFUL ENDING