Aditya Jha
With increasing numbers of immigrants arriving every year from Asia, the Caribbean and other parts of the world, Canada's urban demographic makeup is undergoing a profound shift. Marina Jimenez talks with seven emerging leaders from this new demographic, and their thoughts on immigration, philanthropy, success and influence.
Aditya Jha, 53, co-founded a technology company in Toronto in 1999, and sold it to Sun Microsystems for $100-million (U.S.) two years later. He went on to found a charity, POA Educational Foundation, aimed at nurturing entrepreneurialism among Canada's aboriginals.
When did you come to Canada?
I came here 16 years ago via Singapore. I originally moved from India.
What philanthropic achievement are you most proud of?
It was only after living here for seven years that I came to understand that a large section of Canada lives in Third World conditions. I believe that this is a much bigger problem than how newcomers are doing. And yet aboriginal issues don't get the same kind of attention. The objective of Project Beyshick ['number one' in Cree]is to nurture entrepreneurship among first nations. Until they have made wealth in the mainstream, they won't get the recognition.
What are the barriers people from diverse backgrounds face in becoming leaders?
I think the barrier is not one of talent. CEOs have no doubt about the abilities of individuals. But institutional recognition has not happened. Political correctness is holding us back. They are short-selling immigrants in a way. I don't want to have quotas or be the 'Indo-Canadian' quota. I want to be accepted for my own competency.
Do you have a motto?
I believe in karma. If you are given something, the purpose is to share it with others, with humility.
Advice to other newcomers?
You hear how bias in the system doesn't allow you to succeed. But you can crack that bias if you are very determined. The system is still by and large more merit-oriented and more bottom-line oriented than our own countries. There is no system of castes or class. I have never had any discrimination. Most newcomers are coming from more hierarchical, influence-peddling societies, with more built-in injustices and barriers.
What personal experience captures the definition of being a Canadian?
Watching my son grow up. He was born here and he in every way acts and thinks like a Canadian. He belongs to this water. That speaks volumes of this society.