(trying to) peh it forward

Who am I?

I'm a passionate relationship driven FinTech Executive with extensive global experience & expertise in Merchant Payments, Digital Commerce, Strategic Partnerships, Channel/Platform Distribution, Relationship Management & Emerging Technologies. 

I pride myself on being an exceptional connector with a truly diverse network, gained from working at early-stage Tech Startups; through to hyper-growth FinTech’s and most recently at Canada’s largest Bank and Company. 

I love being a hands on leader with a stellar track record of repeatedly attracting, acquiring, engaging & retaining high performing passionate teams, both small and large.

Over the years I've advised/Mentored Tech Startups, Investment Funds & Incubator/Accelerators, and have invested in two Canadian Data/AI Startups. 

My opinion has been featured in a wide range of Print/Digital Media & I've spoken at a large variety of Conferences/Events (see my Featured Coverage page for some samples).

I am a loud and vocal advocate & evangelist for DEI, Neuro-diversity/Mental Health awareness & Career/Early Talent development. 

I'm a proud immigrant & BIPOC/Pan-Asian Senior Leader. I am a much prouder Dad.

Why am I doing this?

Over the course of my career I've been incredibly privileged to have 'taken' so much from my network, my Communities and my Mentors/Sponsors, so a big part of my life is now focused on giving back, through organizations like Ascend Canada, Ascend Global Leaders, Step Above Stigma and now Peh It Forward.

Peh It Forward is (i hope) an obvious play on 'Pay It Forward'. I'm often asked what I want or am looking for in return for my time and advice.  My go to response has always been, simply pay it forward. If you or someone found some guidance or advice useful, share it with others and pay it forward. If a tactic or a plan we discussed helped you achieve A, B, C, tell others in your network and pay it forward. 

What can we talk about?

Anything Career/Work/Personal development within reason. Our conversations will always be grounded in the pillars of being Open, Honest and Direct.

Some of the most common themes/questions I've been asked over the thousands of 'Coffee chat's' I've hosted over the years include:

• How did I get where I am?
• What are the key tactics I leveraged?
• How do I find/approach leaders for Mentorship?
• What's the difference between a Mentor and a Sponsor?
• How do I build my brand/network?
• How do I differentiate myself?
• How do I position myself for People Management?
• How do I join a Board? 
• What's it like working for Startups, Big Tech and Banks?
• What Books/Publications do I read/subscribe to?
• Can I make an introduction to X?
• Do I know anyone at Company Y?

Who is this open to?

This is open to anyone, anywhere, but I aim to prioritize members of the BIPOC, Newcomer and Neuro-diverse communities across Canada.  I will also always make time to chat with University students and individuals early in their  career. Why? As a mixed race, multiple immigrant who's had their own mental health challenges, I want to prioritize giving back to individuals who may (or may not) have shared experiences with me. 

What does it cost?

My aim is to make this free. Why? Because being able to gain access  to senior leaders like myself (and so many others) shouldn't be determined by ones buying power or disposable income. 

Why are you calling yourself a Player/Coach?

Great question! I thought about using Chief Wizard but landed on Player/Coach as I feel i too am still learning/growing/advancing in my own career/leadership/life journey. Often times I feel fortunate to get as much out of these conversations as the other Party.

What do people say about me as a Mentor and Leader?

He talks a lot...

He's intense...

He's very loud...

but also

"Great leaders inspire and Alex does that effortlessly."

"Alex is one of those rare leaders that brings his whole self to work, every day. His magnetic personality means people genuinely want to work with and for him. He cares deeply about his people and always makes time for them - including the countless folks that consider him a mentor and a friend."

"Alex leads with empathy and authenticity, always prioritizing the well-being of his team. He not only listens but truly understands, often going out of his way to provide support, encouragement, or a helping hand whenever it’s needed."

"What impressed me most about Alex was his ability to make genuine connections across the team and lead/drive success through authentic and transparent leadership. Alex is someone who encouraged everyone to have a voice and created a safe space for people on the working team to provide their input and opinion. Through these behaviors, Alex was able to establish a level of trust and became a sounding board for the many colleagues that view him as a mentor."

"Alex was very effective given his people-first approach. He built a strong and healthy team culture, prioritized the goals and needs of his team along with successfully navigating several complex and senior stakeholders to drive greater results. What really stands out about Alex is his deep people focused leadership style. He truly cares and makes time for every person on his team and empowers individuals to drive results. He is also more than willing to go out of his way to help individuals with their careers, networks etc. He is very passionate and involved in several important causes such as DEI, mental health etc. He is a jovial and empathetic leader who brings his whole self at work and encourages people to do the same."

"Alex is one of the most authentic and impact-driven executives with whom I have worked and volunteered. His passion and advocacy for DEI, mental health awareness and career mentoring are unmatched and core to his leadership. Alex’s drive to create meaningful and sustainable positive change inspires those around him to do the same. Alex has a unique ability to bring together diverse views and extract the highest common denominator of value which can be achieved and empowers those around him to do the same. Achieving results and how those results are achieved are equally important for Alex."

How can I learn more?

Send me an email (button above) and ask any questions you may have. I'd love to know a little about you as a person, your career focus and any topics/questions/themes you'd like to potentially discuss. I am to respond within 72 hours and if there's synergies I'll send you a Calendly link to book time for us to connect. If you got this far, wow (!) and thank you.