YASMIN ALAM
Founder and Managing Director at Eclipse Air
Charter, an on-demand private aircraft charter
company offering bespoke jet charter solutions.
ON RESETTING:
There’s this impression that entrepreneurs do it all
alone, but the smarter person in the room always
looks for help. People put such a crazy pressure on
themselves.”
ERIC VARDON
President and CEO of Arcane, a marketing
company that brings sales, IT and marketing
closer together.
ON REWARDING YOURSELF:
ON BALANCE:
“Everybody has to find their way to work, and
the way that the team will allow them to work,
which is ultimately an outcome of the company.
You’ve got to find what the organization needs and
often that comes from the leader. Don’t be afraid to
try some new things and for some to work out and
some not.”
“Reward yourself along the way. Every
milestone you hit—do something for yourself. A
trip, a shiny new toy, hike up Everest…whatever
makes you happy to remind yourself what it is
you’re working for.”
JANA ZAIBAK
CEO of Nomz, a Toronto-based company that
produces gluten-free, paleo friendly sweet snacks.
ON CONFIDENCE:
ON SUPPORT:
“I share with my wife and my daughter pretty
much everything that I do. I talk about my goals
to my daughter who’s four years old, which
seems a little bit crazy, but often she has really
interesting questions and insights. And often
they’ll come with me when I travel. With that
extra time together, whether we’re on a plane
or in a car, they get to be a part of the journey
as well. Earlier on I probably would’ve tried to
protect my family and not include them as much,
but I find that if they’re along for the ride and can
participate, then we’re truly in it together. If new
entrepreneurs look at the family as an extension
of their leadership team or mentorship, I think
they’ll be that much more successful.”
S y l va n u s - U r b a n . c o m
“I travel whenever and wherever possible be
it city breaks or beach getaways. It's important
to reward yourself – otherwise what’s the point
of working so hard? I never truly unplug though,
even if I’m out of office or on vacation, I stay on
top of what’s happening in the offices and keep in
touch with my colleagues frequently and am always
available to help if required.”
“Creating something from nothing is a magical
experience. The first few steps in the business
are so exciting. It is liberating to be your own
creator, especially after years in the school
system or traditional corporate world. As long as
you believe in your self and dream big, you can
do anything. Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Richard
Branson, Oprah – I've read their biographies, and
they all have that in common.”
ON RESETTING:
“My favourite way to unplug is by walking
aimlessly through the city blocks when the weather
is nice.”
And of course, sometimes a little magic helps.
The Edge
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