Who or What is responsible for your work ethic?
I am a proud first-generation Indo-Canadian. My parents emigrated from India in search of a better life for themselves and their family and had to work hard to establish themselves. This strong work ethic, which has been key to my journey, was instilled in me from a young age.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Reality TV!
What is the best book you would recommend?
Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime. A quote that resonated: “People love to say, ‘Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.’ What they don’t say is, ‘And it would be nice if you gave him a fishing rod.’ That’s the part of the analogy that’s missing.”
Now that you are (or are close to) entering your forties, what goals have you set for yourself?
Continue to make a positive impact on the business community and mentor young professionals with diverse backgrounds to pursue their career aspirations.
What was your childhood career dream?
Not quite a childhood dream, but in Grade 11, I took accounting and I loved it and knew I wanted to be an accountant. That was a pivotal moment for me.
Name your happiest place.
My home. “A house is made out of wood and stone but only love is what makes a home.” That quote exemplifies what my home means to me and the strength I feel within it.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
Deciding whether to continue on my path to partnership.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
View each learning opportunity and experience as an investment in yourself as a professional and your career. It’s critical to face challenges head on.
What is your best habit?
Solving problems… all different types!
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
When I was growing up my sisters and I loved dancing and singing.
Best piece of advice ever received?
The importance of taking ownership of my career and being proactive about seeking new opportunities to further develop my skills as a professional and business leader.
Biggest learning (about life or business) during the pandemic?
We are all agile and resilient and adapt quickly to challenging situations. It is important to take the opportunity to reflect during these challenging times on how you live and work differently to achieve a better way of life and balance.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
Being the first female Indo-Canadian partner in the B.C. region at PwC Canada.
