Managing director, Connect Hearing
Age 39
What career highlight are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of leading a growing organization in an industry that improves the quality of life for our clients, while also achieving our shareholders’ objectives. With nearly one million client interactions annually, our products and services have life-changing impacts for our clients and it’s a privilege to be a part of that experience.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
Changing industries in my career was challenging and ultimately rewarding. It required adaptability, agility and not only strengthened my resilience but also opened doors to unexpected opportunities.
How do you lead?
To me, leadership means having a vision for where you’re trying to go, clearly communicating how to get there, and building and inspiring the right team to make it happen. My leadership style is built around curiosity, empathy and accountability. I believe curiosity is a fundamental leading indicator of success and, when connected with individual perseverance, has a higher likelihood of achievement.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Planning is critical but the more valuable skill is execution, both in the short- and long-term. Being able to overcome the inevitable obstacles, either internal or external, and make the plan happen is what separates success from failure.
Best piece of advice ever received?
Life isn’t happening to you; it’s happening because of you. While you don’t control everything that happens, you do control your response and your perspective. By focusing on your own actions and mindset, you create the agency to take ownership in all things, tiny or huge.
What is your definition of success?
My definition of success is prioritizing the things that matter most, whether that be corporately or personally, and then dedicating the resources to make it happen. Yes, timing and luck both play a part, but more important is the discipline of prioritizing what you really want to happen, and consistently—even on those “bad” days—doing the hard work to see the progression over a longer period of time.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work I spend my energy proudly being a husband and a dad to my two young kids. We spend a lot of time on the water exploring this terrific coast and having fun.
What’s left to accomplish?
Lots! Professionally, I have ambitious growth plans to achieve for Connect Hearing, delivering success for our clients, our team members and our shareholders. Personally, I’m fanatical about daily learning.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
Thank you to my wife for being incredibly supportive, caring and a constant sounding board in my life.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
Everything is figure-outable
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
Variety – The Children’s Charity
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
Some sort of exercise with music is a must
Favourite place in the province?
Desolation Sound
Favourite restaurant(s)?
Any backyard BBQ
A book or podcast you would recommend?
Atomic Habits by James Clear: “You don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems”
What is your best habit?
Commitment to finishing something I start, despite obstacles and challenges
A B.C. business leader you admire?
Darren Entwistle. Before it was mainstream, he believed in the value of culture as a sustainable competitive advantage
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
Competitively racing sail boats of all types, big and small
