Partner and national leader, capital advisory, Deloitte LLP
Age 36
What career highlight are you most proud of?
I don’t have a particular career highlight to point to, but I take great pride in my resilience and willingness to tackle challenges. I’ve discovered that I thrive in ambiguous and tough environments, where I feel most energized, engaged, and effective. A special thanks to David for encouraging me to push my limits.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
Navigating the corporate world and making career moves, whether within your organization or externally, can be intimidating. I’ve experienced this process a few times, and each time has been just as challenging as the first. I want to extend my gratitude to Paul for his invaluable guidance throughout.
How do you lead?
My colleagues describe my leadership style as open-minded. By adopting an individualistic approach and understanding people’s motivations, I can build trust with my team more effectively. Once that trust is established, it fosters openness to feedback and enhances performance. However, trust can be fragile, so it’s essential to nurture it continuously. I’d like to express my gratitude to Dean for his inspiration.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
My background is primarily in the corporate sector. To be an effective practitioner, relationship builder, leader and colleague, it’s crucial to stay curious and attuned to the dynamics of your market. Transitioning from a technical expert to a leader and impactful marketplace participant is a challenging journey. I strive to think critically, write persuasively and speak convincingly. Charisma is an incredibly powerful trait, and when paired with technical expertise and execution skills, it can create a significant positive influence. I’d like to thank Russell for his insightful guidance.
Best piece of advice ever received?
I grew up playing a lot of soccer and continued at the university level. The shift from being a solid youth player to struggling in university was tough. My coach had an old-school, straightforward approach. I quickly realized I needed to learn two important lessons: Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s essential to focus on the process rather than the results. Embracing patience and concentrating on what I could control proved invaluable. I’m grateful to Alan for encouraging me to take a different approach.
What is your definition of success?
I don’t have a clear definition of success, but I want to thank Brent for encouraging me to reflect on what it means for me. I seek to create an environment where I can thrive in my career and make a meaningful impact on my family and community. This environment can at times feel like a high-stakes game, leading to stress if not managed well. This underscores the importance of creating a disciplined approach to my professional and personal responsibilities. Finding balance between order and chaos is an ongoing challenge, but I’m lucky to have a wonderfully supportive spouse.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
I make an effort to stay as active as possible, so my days usually include hiking, running, cycling and exercise classes. I play more golf in the summer and ski in the winter. I also love exploring fields outside my expertise, so I often dive into books, podcasts and audiobooks. With young children, spending time with extended family is also a top priority—after all, what’s life about if not connection? Thanks, Stuart, for setting this example.
What’s left to accomplish?
I aspire to have a greater impact on my family, community and country. With children of my own, I often reflect on the kind of world I want to leave for them. We live in a time of uncertainty and conflict, but I believe Canada, with its talented people, rule of law, stable democracy and abundant resources, has the potential to thrive if managed well. Canada is a remarkable place, and I’m committed to doing my part to make it even better.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
Four people in my life have laid the foundation for my early career success. To my wife, Eliza, thank you for creating a purposeful and shared life; to my brother, Adam, for always pushing me to compete; to my mother, Kathy, for selflessly prioritizing my interests over her own; and to my grandma Diane and late grandpa Pat for exemplifying resiliency, generosity and gratefulness in their life. I am truly thankful to all of you.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
The commitment to be resilient and to do hard things consciously so I can gain truth, wisdom and a sense of agency
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
Nikkei Place Foundation, and The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
A good book and a beach possibly with a drink that has a lime in it
Favourite place in the province?
Chilliwack
Favourite restaurant(s)?
Okeya Kyujiro in Vancouver
A book or podcast you would recommend?
Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
What is your best habit?
Stand up for what you believe in and speak out when others hesitate
A B.C. business leader you admire?
Dean Kirkham, co-CEO of Trez Capital and Phil Vanderpol, CEO of Vitalus Nutrition
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
I’m a twin and one quarter Japanese.
