WINNING ADVICE

RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants from 2019 share their words of wisdom and inspirational tips with you as we walk into a new year and a whole new decade!

Rola Dagher President and CEO, Cisco Canada

“Thirty years ago, I arrived from war-torn Lebanon with few possessions and no expectations; survival has been my life focus for so long. What I did possess was a strong work ethic, growth mindset and hunger to learn. Though my path wasn’t straightforward, my hard work and the support of mentors helped me realize the endless opportunities in this country. My advice: Trade your expectations with appreciation of what Canada can offer you — through perseverance and resilience — you’ll forge a new path forward that you might not have dreamed possible. And always remember, life owes you nothing, Life is an opportunity for you to make the best of it. Go out there and make the best of being YOU. ”

Selwyn Collaco Chief Data Officer, TMX Group

“Keep a positive attitude and reflect back on the learnings from 2019. It is easy to set goals in the new year and not meet them but takes a lot more grit and work to be true to yourself in understanding your weaknesses and working on them. It is only you and your ability to work hard alongside your strong work ethic that will help define your path to success. Stay in control, be passionate and pursue your dreams to reality. Wish you the best in 2020. ”

Mohd Jamal Alsharif Founder and President, Humans for Peace Institution

“I would like to give a small piece of advice to everyone: volunteer wherever and whenever you can. Volunteering will help you understand others, learn about the community, network, and increase your knowledge. At the end of the day, I would wish everyone a happy new year full of happiness, health, love and peace. ”

“On the Chinese lunar calendar, we are celebrating the ‘Year of the Rat’ in 2020. Those born in this zodiac sign are known to be instinctive, alert and adaptable. We can all try to emulate these traits and try to anticipate the journey ahead in order to reach our goals. We can be more aware of our actions and make appropriate changes in our attitudes and efforts. My father Sam would say, don’t wait for things to happen, make them happen. Work 20 per cent harder to be 20 per cent better. ” Philip Lee, C.M., O.M. Retired Entrepreneur and Manitoba’s 24th Lieutenant Governor

“Anything is possible in Canada if you work hard enough. Remain resilient in the face of failures and setbacks, as there will be many, because every challenge prepares you for something bigger and better. Through it all, take some time to sit back and cherish the fact that you are now Canadian. Who you are – your culture, your colour, the richness of your language and stories, your unique contributions – is what makes Canada so beautiful. ” Dr. Nhung Tran-Davies Physician and Founder, Children of Vietnam Benevolent Foundation

Kimberlee Shelley-Ajibolade Branch Manager - Universal Staffing and District Manager - Black Women Honors & Empowerment (Brampton Chapter)

“I think it’s important to be thankful for what we do have and what we’ve gained. My advice: 1. Set goals (I use a vision board - dream big but be realistic) 2. Stay focused 3. Have something that grounds you (for me, it’s my faith) 4. Volunteer - a great way to give back, make connections and gain experience 5. Be grateful - even in the small things. Finally, remember in life there are only wins and lessons – nothing is a failure if you learn from it, so just do it! ”

Javier Badillo Film Director, Spitshine Flicks

“Allow yourself to reassess what work means to you. A lot of newcomers who are used to a career or a way of life are afraid or too proud to pick up jobs that carry a certain stigma in the cultures they come from. But there’s pride in work here in Canada, and personally, I’ve never felt judged for the work that I do – whether from choice or necessity. Once that’s out of the way, the sky is the limit. ”