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Forty under 40 Award winner profile: Jacky Chan

CEO, BakerWest Real Estate
jackychan-biv-40

BIV is proud to recognize Jacky Chan, CEO of BakerWest Real Estate, and 39 exceptional business leaders with 2022 Forty under 40 Awards.

Each recipient is featured in BIV's annual Forty under 40 Magazine, and will be celebrated at an awards gala Feb. 22. Profiles of each award recipient – originally published in the magazine – will be available at biv.com in the days ahead.

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 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.

Read the profiles of all 40 award recipients in BIV's annual Forty under 40 Magazine. Register to recognize this year's winner at the Forty under 40 Awards gala on Feb. 22.