Your success, my mission | 3x founder & CEO | Former CIO $4B company | DEIB ally | Sharing 24 years of hard-earned leadership & self-mastery wisdom

My purpose is to inspire and empower individuals to unleash their potential and create a positive impact in the world.

I believe success is a byproduct of helping others, and the best leaders create other leaders.

When you:
set a clear vision,
lead by example, and
empower your people,
they give you their best
and you all win together.

🔭 Former Corporate Exec | 🌱 Entrepreneur | 💡 Founder | 📚 Lifelong Learner

After 22 years of corporate life and reaching the pinnacle, I stepped off the high-wire to begin a new chapter.

Trading the executive suite of a $4B global powerhouse for the excitement of entrepreneurship, I'm now spreading knowledge, innovation, and transformation.

Through 5 major career transitions, I evolved from a VP of Marketing & Sales to Division President, and ultimately, CIO.

But behind every business transaction, there's a face. I firmly believe that people are the heart and soul of any endeavor. I owe my success to the great teams I've been a part of and the wise mentors who guided me. My advice for aspiring leaders:

Be bold.
Be curious.
Be authentic.
Be respectful.
Be transparent.
Be growth-minded.
And success will follow.

Today, as an entrepreneur, I've swapped corporate structure for startup passion, partnering with my wife as co-owners of a holding company, founding multiple business ventures, crafting 3 new brands, consulting growing companies, and extending my love of mentoring into coaching.

In between, you’ll find me nurturing my four personal passions: learning, writing, traveling, and gardening. They keep me rooted and help me grow. After all, isn't life one big, beautiful garden? Here’s to growing together! 🌱

Justin Wright

I've seen "leaders" throw their team under the bus.

In front of coworkers.
In front of clients.
Without hesitation.

It made me realize something powerful:

If you don't defend your people,
you don't belong in leadership.

Period.

True leaders know:

➟ Your team's success is your success
➟ Their growth and achievements are your legacy
➟ Their trust is what makes you a leader, not your title

What does it mean to defend your team?

It's not about making excuses
or lowering your standards.

It's about:

✅ Fighting for their growth
✅ Protecting them from burnout
✅ Shielding them from toxic politics
✅ Offering support without micromanaging
✅ Being their voice when they're not in the room

The best leader I ever had taught me this.

When our team made mistakes, she'd say:
"That's on me. We'll fix it."

When we succeeded?
"My team did all the work. I just cleared the path."

She held us to high standards.
Gave tough feedback when needed.
But always had our backs.

Know what happened?

We gave everything for that team.
Grew faster than ever.
Achieved things we never thought possible.

Because we knew she'd be there.
Supporting. Defending. Believing.

Remember:

Anyone can manage tasks.
Real leaders develop people.
And you can't develop what you don't defend.

So choose wisely.
Your team is watching.
And they'll never forget.

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Your success, my mission | People-first leadership + Emotional intelligence + Self-mastery | CEO @ Polished Carbon | Former CIO $4B company | DEIB ally

Most people think they’re great listeners.
But they’re stuck at level 2.

They nod.
They make eye contact.
They wait for their turn to speak.

But they’re not really hearing you.

The difference between good leaders and great ones?

They’ve mastered the art of real listening.

Because if you can’t listen, you can’t lead.

You miss what your team isn’t saying.
You miss what your clients really need.
You miss the chance to build trust (before you need it).

Great listening isn’t passive.
It’s not about being quiet.
It’s a skill.

And most people are at the bottom of the scale.

Here are the 5 levels of listening:

1/ Waiting to talk

You’re quiet, but only because you’re thinking about what to say next.

2/ Hearing the words

You catch some of it, but your attention drifts.

3/ Understanding the message

You’re focused. You listen to understand, not just to reply.

4/ Recognizing emotions

You show empathy. You sense how they feel, not just what they say.

5/ Hearing what’s unsaid

You're fully present. You pick up on tone, hesitation, and the hidden needs beneath the words.

Leaders who reach level 5?

They build trust faster.
They strengthen relationships.
They make people feel seen and safe.
They diffuse tension before it explodes.

You don’t need to talk more to lead better.

You need to listen deeper.

Which level are you leading from?

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Even loyal people have breaking points.

They don't quit in a day.

They leave after being pushed too far, too often.

Loyalty isn't endless. It's earned daily.

Watch for warning signs like these:

The once-vocal team member who stops speaking up
The advocate who no longer defends the company
The eager volunteer who stops raising their hand
The team player who suddenly works alone

By the time they hand in their notice,
they checked out long ago.

The real problem?

Too many bosses take loyalty for granted.

🚫 They push too hard
🚫 They ignore good work
🚫 They promote toxic "performers"

What they don't realize:

✅ Each ignored concern weakens relationships
✅ Each broken promise chips away at loyalty
✅ Each missed "thank you" damages trust

The most dangerous words in leadership:

"They'll never leave. They're too loyal."

Remember this truth:

Everyone has a tipping point where 
self-respect outweighs loyalty.

And once they stop caring, no money
or title will win them back.

Treat loyal people like the gems they are.

Before they decide you don't deserve them.

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I used to think top performers had some secret talent.

Now I know it's the simple things.

Anyone can do these.
No degree or title required.
Just choices you make every day.

12 things that require 0 talent:

1. Getting shit done
2. Having integrity
3. Keeping your word
4. Showing up on time
5. Bringing solutions, not problems
6. Bringing good energy
7. Being coachable
8. Cheering for others' wins
9. Making others feel heard
10. Asking how you can help
11. Finishing what you start
12. Staying humble

No special skills needed.
No expensive training.
Just decisions.

The person who shows up on time every day?
They show respect and build trust.

The person who finishes what they start?
They're someone you know you can count on.

Success isn't complicated.

It's doing the simple things most people won't.

P.S. What would you add to the list?

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The quietest person on my team changed everything.

She never spoke first. Or second. Or third.

But when she did? The whole team listened.

Her words were few, but they cut through the noise.

She'd wait until the end of meetings, then say:

"Have we considered...?"

And suddenly, our "perfect" plan had holes.

Or she'd ask:

"What if we...?"

And our good idea became great.

She taught me a valuable lesson:

Leadership isn't about being the loudest.

It's about listening to every voice.
And making them count.

As leaders, we need to:

• Create pauses for reflection
• Invite the quiet ones to speak
• Value quality of words over quantity

Because sometimes, the most impactful voice
is the one you almost don't hear.

The next big idea might be hiding behind
a shy smile or a thoughtful silence.

Give it room to emerge.

True wisdom often whispers.

Are you creating space for it to be heard?

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I'm thankful for the leaders who gave me
a chance when all I had to offer was a
positive attitude and hunger to learn.

No fancy degree. No impressive resume.

Just potential they chose to see.

They didn't ask me to prove myself first.

They believed in me before I believed in myself.

Those leaders:

• Shared knowledge without making me feel small
• Celebrated my small wins like they were huge
• Let me fail and framed it as learning
• Saw my growth, not just my gaps

They shaped who I am today.

Not because they were perfect.
But because they were present.

They gave me the one thing money can't buy:
A genuine opportunity to grow.

So here's my challenge to you:

Be that leader for someone else.

Give someone a chance who has more
hunger than credentials.

See potential, not just polish.

Open a door that once felt closed to you.

Because the best way to honor the leaders
who believed in you?

Is to become one for someone else.

That's how we all rise together.

P.S. What's one thing a great leader did
that you'll never forget?

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Thank you!

You can't control much in life
(but these 22 things you always can):

1. Your Attitude
Choose to have a positive outlook.
 
2. Your Integrity
Stick to your values, even when it's hard.
 
3. Your Courage
Face your fears and grow.
 
4. Your Kindness
A small act can change someone's day.
 
5. Your Influence
Be the leader you'd want to follow.
 
6. Your Actions
Make decisions you'll be proud of later.
 
7. Your Boundaries
Say no when you need to.
 
8. Your Effort
Push through when it gets tough.

9. Your Circle
Surround yourself with supportive people.
 
10. Your Self-Belief
Believe you can, and you will.
 
11. Your Excuses
Kill them before they kill your dreams.
 
12. Your Goals
Set them high to inspire your growth.
 
13. Your Focus
Choose where you direct your attention.
 
14. Your Limits
Break them, then set new ones.
 
15. Your Time
Prioritize what matters most to you.
 
16. Your Words
Speak positively to yourself and others.
 
17. Your Self-Care
Make time for yourself every day.
 
18. Your Silence
Speak up, even when it's unpopular.
 
19. Your Inner Critic
Put it in its place.
 
20. Your Mindset
Shift from fixed to growth thinking.
 
21. Your Purpose
Align your actions with your mission.
 
22. Your Gratitude
Count your blessings, no matter how small.

And remember, even though you can't control
what you feel...

You do get to choose how you respond.

Your power starts and ends with you 💪.

Master these 22, and watch your whole world transform.

You're not a passenger in life.

You're the driver.

P.S. Which of the 22 is most important to you?
What would you add that I missed?

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It's so important to know when to leave.

The job.
The party.
The relationship.

Most people stay too long in situations that drain them.

They think leaving means giving up.

But sometimes, leaving is the bravest thing you can do.

I learned this the hard way.

I stayed at a toxic job for a year longer than I should have.
Why? Because I thought I could fix it.

I thought if I just...

Stayed later
Worked harder
Proved my worth

...things would change.

They didn't. But I did.

I became anxious. Exhausted. Resentful.

Until one day, I realized:

Staying wasn't loyalty. It was self-sabotage.

The strongest people I know have mastered 1 skill:
They know when to walk away.

It takes emotional intelligence to recognize:

When your values are being compromised
When your energy is being drained
When your growth has stopped
When respect has left the room

And it takes courage to act on that knowledge.

I wish someone had told me sooner:

You don't need a reason to choose yourself.
You don't need permission to protect your peace.
You don't need to stay anywhere that makes you small.

The right people will understand.
The wrong people will try to guilt you into staying.

That's how you know you're making the right choice.

Your EQ isn't just about understanding others.
It's about knowing yourself well enough to honor your needs.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply leave.

And create space for something better.

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Thank you!

Promoting a toxic manager is a huge mistake.

(It starts with ignoring bad behavior.)

Toxic managers can ruin your team & culture
long before you see the damage in numbers.

Leaders, do this instead:

💡 Address toxic behavior,
no matter the performance.

Protect your best people and your culture.

This approach will keep your team strong,
and ensure long-term success.

Don't let short-term gains blind you.

Your company’s future depends on it.

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P.S. Have you ever seen a toxic person
get promoted just because they
"made their numbers"?

8 phrases you hear in a kind workplace:

1. "How are you really doing?"
And they actually want to know.

2. "Take the time you need."
Life happens. They get it.

3. "I noticed your hard work."
Your effort matters, not just results.

4. "What do you think?"
Your opinion is valued.

5. "That must have been difficult."
They see your struggles.

6. "I've got your back."
And they mean it.

7. "Let me help you with that."
Without you having to ask.

8. "We'll figure it out together."
No blame. Just solutions.

These phrases build cultures where people:

Want to show up
Do their best work
Support each other
Feel safe to speak up

Kindness isn't soft.

It's what makes people stay
It's what makes teams strong
It's what makes work worth it

Words matter.

They either build people up
or tear them down.

Choose wisely.

P.S. What's a kind workplace phrase you'd add?

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Positions are temporary.
Ranks and titles are limited.
But how you treat people will
always be remembered.

Want to leave a lasting impact?

Lead with generosity.
Serve with humility.
Act with integrity.

And treat everyone with kindness.

These are the true measures of success.
Not cars, clothes, cash or clout.

Your degrees may impress for a moment.
But your character defines your legacy.

Make people feel:
➟ Valued, not used
➟ Respected, not judged
➟ Cared for, not dismissed
➟ Understood, not ignored 

That's how you'll be remembered.
Not for what you had, but who you were.
Not for what you took, but what you gave.

Leave people better than you found them.
And you'll build a legacy that lasts.

Maya Angelou said it best:

"People will forget what you said, 
they will forget what you did, 
but people will never forget 
how you made them feel."

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The most powerful leadership tool costs $0.

(And you already have it.)

Kindness.

Most people think success comes from being tough.

From pushing harder.
From demanding more.

But here's what the research shows:

Teams led with kindness are...

➟ 70% more engaged
➟ 40% more resilient
➟ 21% more productive 
➟ 4x more likely to stay

Because kindness isn't weak. It's a strength multiplier.

It transforms average teams into exceptional ones.

Think about it:

When someone shows you kindness at work,
you feel seen.

Valued.

Ready to give your best.

That's why great leaders practice these daily:

• They ask real questions, not just "how are you?"
• They defend people who aren't in the room
• They celebrate others' wins like their own
• They respect boundaries and off-hours
• They lead with empathy, not authority
• They offer help before being asked
• They include the quiet voices
• They share knowledge freely
• They give credit generously

The truth?

Leadership isn't about power.
It's about impact.

And nothing impacts people more than genuine kindness.

Make kindness your competitive advantage.

Your team will thank you.
Your results will show it.
Your legacy will prove it.

Want to transform your workplace?

Start with kindness.
The rest will follow.

P.S. How do you show kindness at work?

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I made my worst leadership mistake on day 1.

I was so proud of that promotion.

Now I'm in the spotlight, I thought.

Until I eventually learned...

Leadership is all about shining a light on others.

When you become a leader, your impact is
no longer measured by what you produce.

It's now measured by how you help
others grow and reach their potential.

Your greatest achievement becomes
your team's success, not your own.

You see, leadership isn't about:
➟ Being the loudest voice in the room
➟ Taking credit for your team's work
➟ Having an answer for everything

Instead, it's about:

➟ Amplifying the quiet voices
➟ Celebrating your team's wins
➟ Creating space for their growth

Great leaders invest in their people daily.

They see potential before others do.

They push you when you need pushing.
And support you when you need supporting.

Try asking your team:

"What's one obstacle I can remove
for you this week?"

"What skill do you want to develop next?"

When someone doubts themselves,
remind them of their past wins.

Their hidden strengths.

A single "I believe in you" can change everything.

Because at its heart, leadership is simple:

Your job isn't to be the best person on the team.

It's to bring out the best in everyone else.

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The human brain has 6 gears.
Most people never shift past 2nd.

Bloom's Taxonomy gives a clear guide.
Here's how to access all 6:

REMEMBER is 1st gear.
We all start here, memorizing facts.
It's essential, but just the beginning.

UNDERSTAND is 2nd gear.
Being able to explain concepts clearly.
Many of us get comfortable here.

APPLY is 3rd gear.
Where knowledge turns into action.
Where real growth begins.

ANALYZE is 4th gear.
Breaking big problems into smaller pieces.
Seeing patterns others miss.
This is where strategic insights form.

EVALUATE is 5th gear.
Making smart decisions backed by clear thinking.
Choosing the best path forward.
Leaders thrive here.

CREATE is top gear.
Where new ideas come to life.
Where solutions to old problems are born.
The space for innovation.

The beautiful thing?

Every gear builds on the one before it.

Each level makes you more capable.
More valuable to yourself and others.

Most haven't been shown how to shift gears.
But it's possible for anyone.

Your brain is incredible.

It can do so much more than you think.

Ready to level up?

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Your title doesn't make you a leader.
Your behavior does.

Let that sit for a second.

Leadership isn’t a role.
It’s not a LinkedIn headline.
And it’s definitely not something you're promoted into.

It’s what you do.

Before the promotion.
Before the recognition.
Before the raise.

Leadership is:

➟ How you think
➟ How you show up
➟ How you treat people
➟ How you respond under pressure

No one taps you on the shoulder and says:
“Okay, now you’re allowed to lead.”

You decide.
Then you act.

And funny enough?

That’s exactly when the titles start catching up.

Here’s how real leaders get noticed:

— They take initiative
— They speak up when it’s uncomfortable
— They give credit and take responsibility
— They elevate others, not just themselves
— They lead before they’re given authority

You don’t need a big title to lead.
You need a bigger mindset.

Start with how you behave today.

In meetings.
On projects.
With your peers.
When nobody’s watching.

Because if you’re waiting for permission to lead?
You’re already behind.

Lead now.
The rest will follow.

P.S. What’s one way you’ve shown leadership without the title?

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I made a BIG mistake in my first leadership role.

I treated every team member
exactly the same way.

What worked for my more senior employees
completely frustrated the younger ones.

And what motivated my Millennial teammates
made the Boomers uncomfortable.

Here's what I learned:

Great leaders don't use a one-size-fits-all approach.

Some team members appreciate daily feedback.
Others prefer monthly check-ins.

Some want detailed instructions.
Others need creative freedom.

Some love collaborative brainstorming.
Others do their best thinking alone.

The secret?

Get to know each person as an individual.

Ask them:
• When do you do your best work?
• How do you prefer to communicate?
• What support do you need to succeed?
• What kind of feedback helps you grow?

Because leadership isn't about → your ← style.

It's about adapting to help each person thrive.

Instead of treating everyone equally.

Treat them individually.

P.S. What's your best tip for leading
different generations?
Share in the comments. 

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I used to think leadership was all about your title.
Now I know it's about how you make people feel.

11 signs you're a leader others (actually) want to follow:

01/ You defend them when they're not in the room.
02/ You give credit in public and coach in private.
03/ You fight battles they don't even know about.
04/ You shut down toxicity before it spreads.
05/ You see their potential before they do.
06/ You make their success your priority.
07/ You stay kind when times get tough.
08/ You apologize when you mess up.
09/ You show up when it matters.
10/ You let them outgrow you.
11/ You keep your promises.

I've known "leaders" with fancy titles
who made me feel invisible.

And others who led by influence 
and changed entire careers.

The difference?

One only cared about their position.
The other cared about their people.

Here's what real leaders know:

Your team's success is your success.
Their growth is your legacy.
Their trust is what makes you a leader.

Not your title.

Be the leader who makes people believe
in themselves.

That's the kind of impact that lasts forever.

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I managed teams for 10 years before I learned
this important truth:

Empathy isn't a "soft skill."

It's your most powerful leadership tool.

I once had a top performer who was
missing deadlines.

Instead of asking "Why isn't this done?"

I asked "How can I support you?"

Turns out, she was dealing with family
health issues but was afraid to speak up.

That one conversation changed everything.

8 ways I learned to show empathy at work:

— Listen without jumping to fix things
— Be flexible when life throws curveballs
— Make time for non-work conversations
— Give praise in public, feedback in private
— Create space where no question feels stupid
— Support mental health days, not just sick days
— Ask how you can help, not why things aren't done
— Treat your team like people first, employees second

When you lead with empathy,
productivity and loyalty naturally follow.

You don't have to choose between being human
and being successful.

The most effective leaders are both.

Because at the end of the day,
people don't leave bad jobs.

They leave environments where they don't feel
understood or appreciated.

Want to transform your team?

Start with empathy.

It's the investment that pays the highest returns.

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I spent 7 years studying what separates
great leaders from everyone else.
(The answer shocked me.)

It wasn't charisma or intelligence.
It wasn't experience or credentials.

It was mastering a specific set of competencies
that anyone can learn.

You see, no one's a born leader.

You have to build it. One skill at a time.

The best leaders aren't naturals.
They're practitioners.

They know that self-awareness beats ego.
That emotional intelligence beats IQ.
That authenticity beats authority.

And it starts with leading yourself.

↳ Before you can inspire others
↳ Before you can drive change
↳ Before you can build culture

You must master the mirror.

Most people get this backwards.

They try to lead teams without building trust first.
They attempt to inspire without a clear vision.
They push for results without recognition.

And they wonder why it feels so hard.

Here's what actually works:

Start with one skill.
Practice for 30 days.
Then add another.

Small actions compound into transformation:

➟ Ask for feedback (even when it stings)
➟ Celebrate failures that taught you something
➟ Replace "You should..." with "What do you think?"

The best leaders aren't the loudest.
Or even the smartest.

They're the ones who do the work.

Your future team is waiting for
the leader you're becoming.

And they deserve the best version of you.

P.S. Which competency is hardest to master?
I'd love to hear your perspective.

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Emotional Intelligence is a superpower at work.

Why does it matter so much?

95% of top performers have a high EQ.

First, let's clarify what it's not:

• It's not avoiding difficult conversations
• It's not brushing off what others say
• It's not thinking you're always right
• It's not wearing a "mask" to work
• It's not reacting without thinking
• It's not caring just about profits
• It's not jumping to conclusions
• It's not ignoring how you feel

Here's what it really is about:

• Knowing yourself well
• Being a calming presence
• Having empathy for others
• Building a culture of respect
• Keeping your emotions in check
• Handling disagreements smoothly
• Making it easy for everyone to speak up
• Being happy for others when they do well

If you want to be a top performer at work,
work on your Emotional Intelligence.

➟ It makes work more satisfying.
➟ It helps you lead better.
➟ It makes your team stronger.

Elevate your EQ.
Your career will thank you for it.

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Amina is an Executive Director within Deloitte’s investment banking practice (Deloitte Corporate Finance). She advises CEOs and CFOs of leading organizations on sell-side and buy-side M&A, as well as debt and equity capital raise transactions. Amina has successfully led marquee transactions across various industries with aggregate values in the billions.

Amina dedicates her time outside of work to leveraging her expertise in assisting not-for-profit organizations with strategic planning and the successful execution of their goals. As an advocate for mental health, she draws from her personal experiences with anxiety to champion mental wellness in her community. Amina serves on the boards of Anxiety Canada, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and improving access to anxiety resources and treatments, and the Barrie Family Health Organization, one of Ontario’s largest family health teams serving 140,000 patients.

Amina graduated with a First-Class Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Imperial College London and is a qualified chartered accountant.

Expertise includes:
• M&A: Sell-side, Buy-side, Divestitures, Carveouts, Recapitalizations, Refinancing, etc.
• Leading Debt and Equity Capital Raises
• Deal Origination
• People Management: Building Teams & Cultivating Culture
• Loan Structuring, Underwriting and Syndication
• Structured Finance (Whole Business Securitization, Term Asset-Backed Securities)
• Leveraged Finance
• Project Finance
• Strategic Capital Reviews

Amina Hasan

You can be incredible at your job and still stay where you are…if no one knows you exist.

I always thought success was linear: Work hard → get rewarded → move up.
But life hasn’t been a straight line. At least for me. 
Every meaningful opportunity I’ve had, every door that opened, came from people, not plans. 

From conversations I didn’t expect.
From someone I met once who opened a door.
From rooms I almost talked myself out of entering.

Today at ACG Toronto Chapter Capital Connection Conference, I was reminded of that.

If you’re anxious, shy, introverted or simply tired after a long workday..I get it. Networking has never been my cup of tea (I cringe every time). But like anything, the more you do it, the better you get.
So give yourself those reps.

▶ Your network multiplies your hard work. ▶ Your network opens doors your talent hasn’t reached yet. ▶ Your network is leverage. REAL leverage, in a world where linear careers do not exist anymore.

So this is your reminder:
 Don’t hide behind hard work alone. Get out there. Meet people. Learn. Listen. Ask questions.
You never know which 5-minute conversation will change your trajectory.

P.S. If there’s one person who’s shaped the way I think about building a network, it’s John Ruffolo, winning hearts one conversation at a time.
———
Big thank you to everyone who made time to meet with me today — and to all the incredible speakers who shared wisdom on stage. I walked away more energized, more hopeful, and more committed to showing up.
 Every year gets bigger. Every year gets better.

Mike Fenton - C.F.R.E. Cameron Vernest Jessica Rowe Bald Edgar Vergara Robert Noronha Alexander Feo Raj Natarajan Ranjeet Bhide Christian Caron, CFA, CBV Ruby Williams Paul Stefan Smachylo MAcc, CPA, CA, CMA Halyna Shribak  
 
#resilience #leadership #entrepreneurship #motivation #ACG #CapitalConnection

Executive Director, Investment Banking | M&A, Debt & Equity Financing Specialist | Board Member

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Comfort kills more dreams than failure ever will.

At the Deloitte Best Managed event today every founder and leader in that room built something meaningful because they stepped into discomfort — the uncertainty, the self-doubt, the discipline.

They did not have a straight linear upward trajectory to success.

Their stories reminded me that: 

▶ It is only when you take action that you can create results.

So dream very BIG and act.

Grateful for the energy and the reminder to choose greatness over comfort.

#resilience #leadership #entrepreneurship #motivation

Zamira Aliko, CFA Raj Natarajan Dr. Sam Mazahreh Ruby Williams

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