Age: 39
Birthplace: Gaya, India
Company: Health care for clients at home and in communities around Ontario
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
The value of an Algonquin College degree: Experiential learning, taught by industry experts
Zaahra Mehsen was three years into a biology degree at a local university when she realized she wanted to take a different path. “I realized that it’s not my thing,”
Progress can create unlikely allies
There was a time when mining exploration and the environment were like oil and water. Several years ago, I attended social impact investing conferences in America and the U.K. with
Education: Master of social work, University of Delhi (2000); bachelor of arts honours degree in psychology, University of Delhi (1998)
Charitable involvement: Network of Indian Professionals Canada
Biggest biz achievement: I advocated for a “solution model” which represented a shift from the traditional “service model.”
Biggest biz obstacle: Inertia is always difficult to break, especially if big aspirations are sought. Breaking major goals up into smaller chunks helps others to understand the motivation and process behind the ideas.
Biggest influence: My grandfather, Dr. D.D. Das. He is a retired professor of psychology who earned his PhD in a time when people in India were mostly illiterate and achieving a college degree was a rare accomplishment. His unconditional support and encouragement, especially during tough times, has made my willpower very strong.
Biggest lesson learned: Persistence pays off, but it takes time and a lot of effort!
First job: Researcher
Advice I’d give the younger me: Be more confident and celebrate your success!
What’s left to do: A lot
Favourite pastime: Thinking
Favourite movie: Many, but one of them is 12 Angry Men.
Favourite song: It’s not a song, but an expression that inspires me is “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Senators
Favourite local summer event: Canada Day
Preferred social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Twitter handle: @Sid_Ottawa
