Hello and welcome to Between Two Dots, hosted by Hafiz Mitha and Gilbert Bong. Today’s guest is on a mission to connect people. As the president of RNDSQR, a Sessional Instructor at the Haskayne School of Business, a voting board member of D.Talks, a partner at NHBR Coffee and No Island Co-Work, Alkarim Devani works hard to create sustainable homes and communities in Calgary. On top of all that, Al is a longtime friend of Hafiz and Gilbert. The trio reflect on growing up in Calgary together, and how their mindsets and drive have led them to the impactful positions that they hold today.

“Between two dots – really, the value is in that line: the journey.”

Episode Highlights:

[0:57] Gilbert introduces Al.

[2:18] Al reflects on being born and raised in the hood of Calgary as the son of East African refugee parents, as well as how the city has changed in concerning ways since then.

[5:18] Al, Gilbert and Hafiz reminisce on growing up together.

[9:22] Al discusses his joyous and challenging experiences in high school and university.

[15:27] “I think [my mom] taught me at a really young age about the dynamics of being a positive person.” We learn how Al’s mother helped guide him to a healthy and passion-focused path.

[20:16] “If you can’t find a way to celebrate with the team that you’re with, nobody’s going to want to stick around.” Al shares his struggle to balance the chip on his shoulder that drives him with the need to cultivate positive energy.

[26:42] Al recalls an unsuccessful experience with a high-performing tech startup early in his career that proved to be a blessing. “It was a good ego kick.”

[34:01] Al shares how he keeps his mind and body healthy with such a work-intensive lifestyle.

[41:03] Al discusses the challenges and joys of working with his older brother.

[44:23] Al shares the resources that he pulls from to continue to learn how to be a better leader.

[47:05] “Nothing really hits home until you’ve learned something through experience.” We learn what advice Al would pass onto his younger self if he could.

[53:33] Al shares what he believes his purpose to be.

[61:33] Al closes the episode with a call to support immigrant families.

Connect with Al:

www.alkarimdevani.com

www.rndsqr.ca

Twitter: @devanialkarim

IG: @alkarimd

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and the guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or affiliated companies