Executive vice-president, Paladin Group of Companies
Age 38
What career highlight are you most proud of?
Using all 15 years of my experience at Paladin in 10 different positions, I led the strategy and development of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority proposal last year. Upon Paladin’s award of the contract, I managed the successful transition, which required us to hire over 4,500 people between January 1 and April 1, 2024. Leading a diverse team of subject matter experts, we achieved one of the largest contract transitions in Canadian history at $6 billion over 15 years.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
In 2012, I moved to Victoria from Vancouver for a promotional opportunity. When I arrived, the branch manager that I aspired to work for notified me they were leaving. Seriously questioning whether I had made a mistake, I decided to stay, and within a year, became the youngest branch manager in the company. Working in this capacity, my exposure to senior management and the executive level propelled my career exponentially. The risk paid off and I never looked back.
How do you lead?
I’m a proponent of situational leadership. I adjust my approach to the person or group I am trying to support, but also the problem I’m trying to solve. While I always prefer to seek an affiliative and participative approach to decision-making, nothing is more frustrating than a leader who isn’t willing to evaluate the risks and be decisive. Leadership is about setting high-performance examples and the cadence for others on the team. It’s also about putting people into the right positions, supporting their strengths and weaknesses.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Active listening is the most powerful skillset that one can develop in the business world. Actively listening to mentors to learn from their mistakes and how they solved similar challenges is a true cheat code in the business world. Why suffer when wise people have already done that before you? Actively listening to customers—often, they want you to succeed, but you may need to read between the lines to really understand their needs and how you can support them.
Best piece of advice ever received?
As a young adult working my way through university, I asked one of professors leading my fourth-year practicum how did he know that he wanted to be a teacher. Expecting to learn of some amazingly serendipitous moment of self-discovery, he said: “I am 65 years old and I still don’t know what I want to do.” It wasn’t the advice I was looking for, but it gave me comfort and it still does today.
What is your definition of success?
Reaching a point in your life where you can consistently make a positive impact on other peoples’ lives. If you are very fortunate like me, you work allows you to do this regularly. Not only do I feel as though I get a chance to contribute to public safety through a workforce of nearly 7,000 people, but I have also been given the honour of leading an organization that truly enables upward mobility and professional development through a genuine promotion from within philosophy.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work I am passionate about working with my hands and utilizing the carpentry skills that I developed while working summer jobs through high school and university. Seeing a project to completion, like building a garden box for my wife, truly gives me an outlet to finish something fully.
What’s left to accomplish?
Having launched Paladin Airport Security Services in 2024, I am excited to function as an executive sponsor and cultural ambassador for a new senior leadership team and more than 160 managers. From talent acquisition to onboarding practices, professional development, performance management and recognition, we need to align everything we do with our CARE culture (being curious, accountable, respectful and exceptional) to enjoy the same success that has made Paladin great. I look forward to creating more partnerships with Indigenous communities and supporting our C-suite with strategic acquisitions.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
I’d like to thank Ashley Cooper for being an inspirational CEO and our president, Chad Kalyk, who I am fortunate enough to call my mentor. I’d like to thank my parents for tolerating me as a young adult trying to find my way. Last but not least, I would like to thank my wife, Jelena, for her love and support.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
My grandpa always said “practice makes perfect.” It has stuck with me whether I’m preparing for a presentation or making a putt on the green
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
Everyone knows a family member, colleague or friend that has had to battle cancer so Canadian Cancer Society is always front of mind for me
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
Snowboarding and mountain biking ended when I moved away from North Vancouver in 2012, but I’m proud to say that I’m back as of 2024
Favourite place in the province?
The mountains of the North Shore
Favourite restaurant(s)?
I’ve been dining with family and friends at the On Lok Restaurant and Wonton House in East Vancouver for 30 years—family, friends and fun
A book or podcast you would recommend?
Ancient Wisdom, Modern World: Ethics for the New Millennium provides a different perspective on life that is foreign to Western society
What is your best habit?
I learned to practice mindfulness while attending a class at Simon Fraser University taught by Neil Madu—it changed my life immediately
A B.C. business leader you admire?
Tamara Vrooman for the values-based banking model that she instilled at Vancity and for the transformational leadership she is now bringing to Vancouver International Airport
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
At five feet, 11 inches tall, I could dunk a basketball in high school. Now approaching 40, I prefer more sophisticated moves like the layup
