About Me
My journey thus far has been far from perfect, but it has been characterized by an insatiable curiosity that has always driven me forward. During my formative years, I found myself navigating the confines of societal structures and expectations, all the while grappling with a persistent question: “Why?”
This relentless curiosity led me to explore a multitude of industries, both within the private and public sectors. Along the way, I gained invaluable insights into the intricate interplay of our interconnected society and its relentless evolution.
It took time to establish my own set of values and principles and to define the model of value I wanted to offer to others. Advance Fundamentals is a platform I’ve established to delve deep into the core factors that propel humanity’s progress. Here, I aim to empower both individuals and organizations, particularly those who may find themselves struggling to keep up with the rapid changes reshaping our perception and delivery of value.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive review of my life’s journey to date—a testament to my dedication to unraveling the mysteries of advancement and sharing the insights that guide us toward a brighter future.
Join me on this thought-provoking journey, where curiosity drives exploration, and where the pursuit of understanding is at the heart of everything I do. Together, we will illuminate the path for those who aspire to create a better world.
My Life in Phases
Phase 1: Conformity
Throughout my formative years, conformity defined my life as I adhered to rules set by the society, fostering a protective shield against potential pitfalls of adolescence. Limited quality time with my career-focused family led me to prioritize familial bonds over personal interests, aligning with societal norms. As I neared university, I gained creative freedom but struggled to shed my conformity-driven mindset. My journey followed the well-worn path to higher education, but persistent questions about its purpose lingered.
Phase 2: Curiosity
My journey was marked by a pursuit of diverse interests, leading me to explore various concentrations such as math, engineering, science, and health before ultimately choosing business/commerce. The four years granted me the freedom to delve into different subjects, exposing me to accounting, finance, HR, natural science, computer science, economics, and more. My internships also reflected this diversity, from door-to-door sales to roles in finance and investment banking. Despite my peers’ clear career paths, I grappled with the true purpose of a job. This uncertainty persisted even as I embarked on a business development career at Fidelity Investments. However, I yearned for analytical roles, leading me to become a Market Risk Analyst at Canada Life Insurance in Toronto. Unfortunately, this transition proved challenging, with unrealistic expectations culminating in my first panic attack at work and eventual resignation after just four months on the job.
Phase 3: Intentionality
Leaving the distressing role didn’t immediately resolve my existential struggle; instead, it intensified as I wrestled with the fundamental question of life’s purpose. The pressure to find a source of income loomed, yet my attempts at self-reflection yielded no clear answers. Depression set in, and I contemplated the meaning of existence. Seeking help from friends, family, and professionals opened my eyes to a new perspective—shifting my focus from a singular career obsession to gratitude for life’s experiences. This transformation offered a profound sense of clarity and peace, recognizing that gratitude would guide my actions in serving others. This shift led me to roles aligned with my newfound essence, ultimately leading to an unexpected journey into venture philanthropy at LEAP | Pecaut Centre for Social Impact (LEAP).
Phase 4: Commitment
In the world of venture philanthropy, a comparison with venture capital (VC) helps shed light on its purpose. While VC invests in early-stage startups for financial gain, venture philanthropy applies VC principles with a social focus, seeking to invest in initiatives that generate significant positive social impact. LEAP, where I embarked on a four-year journey, defines social impact as addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, such as those in precarious employment, refugees, and food-insecure families. My role at LEAP exposed me to diverse issues and challenged me to collaborate with professionals from various sectors. Despite the initial idealism, I grappled with the practical realities and engaged in deep introspection, leading to a realization that societal dynamics represent humanity’s best answer to the question of how to maximize its advancement. This insight prompted a shift from seeking perfection to envisioning a better future, emphasizing personal agency in contributing to positive change.
Life Mission
Fostering growth and empowerment for individuals and organizations impacted by deeply entrenched systemic challenges.
For Organizations
Empower public sector organizations, including nonprofits, to develop comprehensive strategies that keep them lean, efficient, and effective in achieving their goals. Assist them in accurately measuring and maximizing their impact, ensuring their efforts significantly benefit their target communities. Provide hands-on support to implement strategies and initiatives, ensuring plans are executed efficiently and effectively for optimal results.
For Individuals
Explore essential business concepts and best practices through our comprehensive articles, providing the foundational knowledge needed to build and grow your business. Listen to the State Change Podcast, where successful individuals share their stories of overcoming adversity, offering practical tips and insights for your journey.
Principles
Acceptance
In any environment, there are knowns (what I know), known unknowns (what I know I don’t know), and unknown unknowns (what I don’t even know I don’t know). Outcomes are often shaped by the unknown unknowns, beyond our control, so I will stay focused on my intentions, values, and faith, accepting whatever results come from my actions.
Choice
At various life junctures, I may encounter moments of decision-making, confronted with a multitude of options. I might wrestle with the pursuit of the perfect choice, meticulously analyzing every detail. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that the act of making a decision, within reasonable bounds of contentment, holds significance, not the pursuit of absolute perfection that simply doesn’t exist.
Value vs Rules
Frameworks and insights may lead me to strictly adhere to a standard set of rules. Focusing on living rigidly in accordance with those rules can be both self-harming, where I might criticize myself for each instance that I veer off, and self-aggrandizing, where I might perceive, whether consciously or unconsciously, others as inferior because they do not live in accordance with my rules and beliefs.
Health
My health is a crucial aspect I can influence. Starting each day with mindful choices in my routines, activities, and diet is essential. I’ve recognized the value of constructive habits like daily gratitude, exposure to sunlight, stretching, exercise, and balanced eating. These are practices I’m committed to upholding, regardless of life’s circumstances.
Puzzle Piece
My mission is tackling the tiniest sliver of the world’s issues and opportunities. In the grand scheme of things, I may be just a blimp in humanity’s history and progress. Yet, the mission excites me nonetheless. In my pursuit, look forward to the people, organizations, and resources I will encounter along the way.
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Dangers
Without conscious efforts to recognize the influence that existing social constructs and structures have in my life, I may fall into the circular tendencies of following implicit social norms. Pursuing power for the sake of power, money for the sake of money, or fame for the sake of fame can lead to these never-ending loops without a strong foundation to support the “why,” and they can be self-destructive.
Advance Fundamentals 