Scott Ghomeshi, an Associate at Integral Group, became a mentor with Beedie Luminaries to pay forward the guidance he received from his own mentor, James Kay, during his post-secondary years. He emphasizes the importance of balance in life, advising students to learn when not to sweat the small stuff and stay aligned with their values for success. Scott’s journey was shaped by early lessons in commitment and the value of asking for help, lessons that have stayed with him throughout his career.
Work Title | Company:
Associate | Integral Group
Why did you decide to become a mentor with Beedie Luminaries?
When I was a post-secondary student, I’ll never forget the lasting impact that one of my first mentors had on my life both professionally and personally. To this day, I’m forever grateful for James Kay’s guidance and coaching. His genuine interest in seeing others succeed and timeless advice cemented a desire to do my part in paying it forward to the next generation of students.
What was your favourite subject in school?
Psychrometrics – it is a subject that is present in my everyday work, but ever so critical at the global scale as one can fundamentally appreciate the intensity of the weather events that have rattled our region in recent years are a direct result of warming temperatures.
What was your first job? What was your biggest takeaway from that experience?
I delivered newspapers in my North Burnaby neighborhood. There are two main takeaways from that experience that I still value today:
- Honor your commitments – rain or shine, in sickness or health the papers had to be delivered!
- Never be afraid to ask for help – because during those rainy/sick days, I’m grateful for my brother Saman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/saman-ghomeshi/) that lend an extra hand to help honor those commitments.
What are the three qualities that got you where you are today?
- Integrity
- Resilience
- Trusting
Do you have a “favourite failure” of yours?
Not having competed at the Formula SAE competition, over the two years that we had founded the UBCO Motorsports team at the UBC Okanagan campus (2009/2010). It’s exciting to see how the club has flourished since then, establishing itself on the Kelowna campus with dedicated space and with the outstanding support of community sponsors.
What book(s) have greatly influenced your life?
- Oh The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss
- Natural Capitalism by Paul Hawken, Amory + Hunter Lovins
- Harvard Business Review Articles and Guides
What advice would you give to post-secondary students as they prepare to transition into the working world?
Life is a great balancing act of priorities, commitments, emotions, and the list goes on. I would encourage you all to learn when to and not to, sweat the small stuff. Flexing your ability to zoom in and out of personal and professional aspects of your lives and to focus on what is truly aligned with your values is one of the greatest balancing acts that will allow you to feel grounded in the present moment, and keep you feeling confident that whatever path you’ve chosen will lead you to success.
What / where is your happy place?
At the top of the Easter Chutes ski run, on blue bird day, in waist deep powder with great company.
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