Background:

Raj Manek is the owner of Odyssey Chartered Accountant and a former Principal Partner with Meyers Norris Penny LLP. Over the past 30 years, Raj has become a well-respected financial advisor having acted on behalf of lawyers, insurance companies, and owners/ operators of both privately held and public companies. With deep Business Valuations and Litigation Support experience, he now specializes in the sale of businesses with a focus on healthcare practices. He ardently promotes mentorship and he continues to honor his father’s legacy as Chairman of the Raj Manek Sr. Memorial Trust Fund and Chairman of the Raj Manek Business Mentorship Program in partnership with the Saskatoon & District Chamber of Commerce. The Mentorship Program was elected to the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Hall of Fame in 2021 and is a recipient of the 2022 Partner of the Year award with the Saskatoon Open Door Society. Raj currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta with his wife and is a proud father to two children.

Situation:

In spring 2020, Raj was enduring a particularly difficult time in his life. His business partnership had unexpectedly dissolved and there was significant uncertainty and stress that was difficult to deal with. Kumar and his family are clients of Raj’s. Raj respected that Kumar had a successful medical practice and he admired the family’s insatiable thirst for learning and personal growth. Though he didn’t fully appreciate what engaging in the work of the Ramlalls would look like, when they offered different and unusual perspectives on what was occurring in his personal and business life, Raj was open to having a conversation to help navigate the stress and anxiety he was enduring.

Outcome:

Working with Amit and Kumar during a time when the stress in Raj’s life was draining him, he rapidly got clarity around his current situation and how it was affecting his, his family’s, and his business’ wellbeing. Through the open conversation that was at times uncomfortable and challenging, he experienced a massive reframing of the key elements involved. He realized he had a choice in how he would perceive the situation, and how he might take different actions. He definitely shifted his thinking and approach to the challenges he was facing. Gaining a strong appreciation for things that he is inspired by led him down a path to understanding his purpose and seeking ways to bring the highest value to himself and his community. It has been nearly 2 years and he is inspired, enthused, and grateful.