BIV is recognizing Mahin Rashid, director of change management, learning and process optimization at Vancity, and 39 other exceptional business leaders as part of the 2023 Forty Under 40 Awards cohort.
Longer Q&As with each recipient are included in BIV's annual Forty Under 40 Magazine (out in print Dec. 11). Award winners will be celebrated at an awards gala Feb. 7, 2024.
This profile may have been edited for length and clarity.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
My career journey reflects a conscious effort to pivot across industries, while keeping a focus on social purpose. From fundraising and accessible hiring to banking, I’ve worked with people and at organizations that prioritize reinvesting in our communities and promoting diversity and gender equality, which aligns to my personal values. During my time with the Presidents Group, I worked alongside business leaders dedicated to building accessible workplaces. Through various initiatives, we substantially increased the percentage of B.C. employers committed to diverse hiring, providing meaningful employment opportunities and fostering diversity of thought within companies, in turn unlocking innovation and powering growth.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
I was pregnant with my daughter at a time where the work I was engaged in at Vancity was exactly what I had always wanted to focus on and I’d also been accepted into a global leadership program. The decision to pause a career I loved to become a mom was tough – and a choice I was privileged to make, especially given Vancity’s parental program. Though it was the best decision I've ever made, there continues to be many impacts that mothers (and other primary parents) disproportionately face, such as finding childcare and navigating the return-to-work transition.
How do you lead?
I actively assume I don't know the most in the room – but more importantly, I don't want to! As a leader, I want to discover the unique strengths each person brings to the table. My goal is to be a champion and advocate, fostering an environment where team members are empowered to share their ideas and given the autonomy and support they need to excel. A key part of this leadership style is trusting your team’s expertise and skill. When there is trust, clear and open communication, and a diversity of perspectives, you can achieve amazing things together.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned in business?
No one achieves anything alone – and who would want to? Success in business (and life) is about creating strong relationships. For me, a key part of building relationships is acting with integrity – focusing on the “why” behind your decisions and consistently following through. You have to trust the people you work with, and they have to trust you.
Best piece of advice ever received?
Don’t be worried about the linear path. In addition to pivoting industries, and specializing in different technical skills, I’ve had so many jobs (or experiences) people would be surprised by, from organizing children’s birthday parties, to bookkeeping, or running a call centre. Each one gave me experience and insight I wouldn’t have otherwise. If your interest is piqued by a role, project, company or leader – go for it, and don’t worry so much about the “where to from here.” If you’re enjoying what you do, you’ll do it well and the opportunities will follow.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Who you work for is everything – they can make or break your experience. Follow people who share your values and who will advocate for you when you’re not in the room. And be that person for other people.
What's left to accomplish?
There are a lot of terrible events happening in the world right now – politically, socially and environmentally. There is so much more I can do to use my voice, resources and actions to provide meaningful support to the issues I care about.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
I am incredibly grateful for my family, friends and community. I learned tenacity from my parents and brother, patience from my husband, and how to find joy in the little things from my daughter. I’ve benefited from mentors who have taken their valuable time to stay connected with me, and I continue to learn so much from my colleagues, friends and people I have had the honour of mentoring. I have an incredibly talented network of people that I lean on for advice – and I feel so grateful for their generosity.
Read Q&As with all 40 award recipients here. Tickets to the 2023 Forty Under 40 Awards gala on Feb. 7 are now available.
