BIV is proud to recognize Tejas Madhur, a lawyer at JFK Law LLP, 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?
My mom. She is regal. She accomplishes a lot while carrying out work in a manner that doesn’t put her in a rush. I seek to emulate this.
What drives you?
Fostering a sense of belonging. I am aggrieved when people are left out or made to feel like their suffering is acceptable.
A favourite book you would recommend?
Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat. You can read it cover to cover without cooking any of the recipes, and still learn a lot about how to cook.
Now that you are (or are close to) entering your 40s, what goals have you set for yourself?
I aspire to sing in a choir for the next 30 years. I sang in choirs in Vancouver, Ottawa and Halifax from 1995 to 2014. After an eight-year break, I recently joined Elektra Women’s Choir. It feels so good to be singing again.
What was your childhood career dream?
When I was asked this question in preschool, I said I wanted to be a reader. I came pretty close as a lawyer.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
I mostly advise decision-makers who do the heavy lifting of making tough decisions on a regular basis. Professionally, it was very tough for me to decide to leave working in-community at Tsawwassen First Nation.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
It will all come together. One day you will be able to connect the dots going backwards.
What is your best habit?
I am a light packer.
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
I am a lifelong Vancouverite, but had never been to the top of Whistler until 2022.
Best piece of advice ever received?
People will always remember how you made them feel (which is a paraphrased Maya Angelou quote).
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Be yourself.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
Coaching for Nunavut Youth Parliament. It combined three of my favourite things: Listening to great ideas from teenagers, demystifying institutions of power and building people up.
What’s left to accomplish?
I feel like I’m just getting started
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.
