I didn't follow a straight line, and that's been my greatest advantage.

Engineering: learning how the world works

I studied Chemical Engineer at the University of Waterloo, then worked in the energy industry for over five years managing large scale, cross-border projects. I earned my P. Eng. designation along the way. Engineering taught me how to think systematically: how to plan, execute, reflect, and improve. That process-oriented mindset still shapes everything I do.

Finance: understanding how the world moves

I wanted to understand more than how things are built. I wanted to understand how value is created and how markets move. So I made the jump into capital markets, working as an institutional equity research associate at top-tier Canadian firms. I learned to analyze businesses and understand markets, earning the trust of institutional clients and C-suite executives through clear communication, dependable insights, and the ability to deliver under pressure. That experience shaped how I think about strategy, risk, and what drives real value.

Talent Development: helping people reach their full potential

Then I realized something. Unlocking human potential is just as critical as any financial model or business plan. As VP of Professional Development at BMO Capital Markets, I designed and led development programs for hundreds of early and mid-career professionals across investment banking, corporate banking, and global markets, focusing on the skills that don't show up on a resume: self-awareness, communication, resilience, and influence. I became a trusted advisor to senior leaders while earning the trust of the professionals I developed, helping them excel in their current roles and step into new elevated responsibilities.

I learned at a young age, from growing up in both Northern China and Canada: if you don’t find joy in the snow, you’ll have less joy and precisely the same amount of snow.

Travel: shaping how I see the world

I’ve been lucky to travel from a young age, and it sparked a curiosity that's stayed with me. It's never been about checking boxes. It's about being somewhere new, learning how others live, and noticing the little things. Some of my favorite moments were unplanned, the result of being open and willing to take a different route. Travel has made me more independent, more grounded, and more curious about the world and myself.

Sports: teaching me how to show up

Basketball was my first love. It taught me teamwork, trust, and that you can't win alone. Golf taught me something different: patience, adaptability, and the long game. No one ever masters it. You're constantly adjusting and facing conditions you can't control, just like life. Between sports and fitness, I've learned that consistency and discipline build more than just physical strength. They build the kind of confidence that shows up everywhere.

Movies: reminding me why stories matter

I took a sabbatical to study film at UCLA, not to pivot careers, but to explore something I've always loved. I spent two years in Los Angeles surrounded by creative people, and it was one of the most inspiring periods of my life. A good story stays with you, and now I notice the craft behind it in a whole new way. Always happy to make recommendations.