Meet Saad Minhas, former ELN Executive Committee Member and currently the Manager of Global Professional Services for Telus.
We asked Saad to share his leadership journey & insights below!
Q: What motivated you to join the ELN and/or apply to the DiverseCity Fellows Program?
After spending a few years in the UK, I returned to Toronto to find a city growing faster than I’d ever seen. ELN was a network that seemed to be tapped into that growth, especially because the people volunteering represented so many sectors.
Q: How has your involvement shaped your leadership journey?
ELN knows how to empower ideas. I believe this is rooted in their ability to bring bright people together, culminating in the common purpose of city-building. I’ve taken this forward in my role on the Board of the Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance, as we reinvigorate a 10-year-old charity with fresh ideas.
Q: Why is diverse leadership important?
Beyond the fact that we are far from a representative society, a diversity of ideas and perspectives forces us to challenge our positions. If any position can’t stand up to the challenge of a new perspective, it’s not a position worth holding onto.
Q: What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess and why?
The ability to actively listen is something that all leaders should have; it’s hard to lead when you have no pulse or context on who or what you’re seeking to drive.
Q: What advice would you give someone who wants to get more engaged in their city or community?
Think about what interests you, there are so many ways people can give their time; the most valuable way to do so is in a way that keeps you passionate and driven.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, living or deceased, who would you choose and why?
I know the usual answer to these is Gandhi or Oprah, but if I’m being honest, it’d be with Jay Z, because hip-hop. Not to mention the restaurant would be amazing and dinner should be fun. Bonus points if we can make it a double date and sip lemonade.