A founder of number of successful organizations, an active advisor for various charities and a regular hands-on volunteer, it’s surprising that Manny Padda has any time at all to visit the Club, but he does. Manny describes TCC as the “perfect fit” for him – a place where he can go to get work done or take a moment for himself. A self-created entrepreneur with a big heart, Manny is a true philanthropic leader in our community and we couldn’t be more proud to call him one of our own.
Can you please share a bit about yourself and your professional background?
[MP] For those who know me know I am a strong supporter of education. I hold an MBA from Queen’s University, a BBA from Simon Fraser University and am a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Private Equity & Venture Capital program – all programs that contributed immensely to my successes thus far.
I am the founder of New Avenue Capital, a global firm focusing on four fundamental pillars: Venture Capital, Recruitment, Private Lending & Real Estate, and Social Venture & Philanthropy. I am also the Founder and current Managing Director of two large-scale recruitment firms, PM Search Partners and KeyStep Recruitment.
What would you say is your biggest professional success to date?
[MP] That would probably have to be when I branched off on my own from a big corporate firm to build my first company – PM Search Partners. I was also pretty excited earlier this year when I was named a recipient of Business Vancouver’s 2015 Forty Under 40. It’s an honour to be recognized within your own community.
We admire you for your philanthropic contributions in our community. Can you please share some of the ways you give back to your community?
[MP] The philanthropic side of me is focused on two things – children and education. I believe every child deserves a chance to be educated. It is my personal mission in life to help build 1,000 schools and educate more than one million people worldwide. In order to help achieve this goal, I co-founded GradusOne, an organization that connects students and new graduates with mentors and provides them with resources to help them refine their career path and achieve success. I also serve as an Advisor to with Room to Read, a global Non-profit organization focused on improving literacy and gender equality in education in the developing world.
I currently sit on a number of advisory boards in the education and not-for-profit sectors and participate in many community events including the annual Sleep Out – an event where a group of business and community leaders spend a night on the street to raise awareness and funds to support homeless youth.
Besides your charitable goals, what are your personal goals in life?
[MP] To continue building my team where I become expendable… I’m almost there!
Why did you become a member of TCC?
[MP] I love the mix of personal and professional life at the Club. It’s the perfect fit for me. I can host guests for lunch or a meeting, but also use the gym for myself, and enjoy the Club with my son on the weekends. The staff members are so friendly and welcoming. I enjoy bringing guests to the Club who end up leaving so impressed that they decide to join themselves. I have referred over a dozen people to the Club – which just shows how committed I am to this place.
Favourite Club dish?
[MP] I almost always go to the Club for breakfast which, for me, includes poached eggs and avocado. I like having a place where I have the flexibility to order what I really want. The staff is always accommodating and remembers exactly what I like. My meal usually starts with someone asking, “the usual Mr. Padda?”
What would you say to someone considering joining the Club?
[MP] I would tell them to come for a tour! You’ll know if TCC is the right Club for you from the moment you walk in the door. It’s all about the fit and if your needs are matched by what the club offers.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
[MP] I spend most my free time with my family. My son, who is now 18 months, loves to run around the Club. All he wants is wide-open spaces where he can run around, and the Club is perfect for that!
Any advice you would like to share with your fellow members?
[MP] Take advantage of the entire club. Don’t just use the services you joined for, try them all out. Maybe you don’t see yourself using the gym but you don’t have to go there just to workout, next time you’re at the Club early for a meeting head upstairs for a quick steam! I didn’t even know about the concierge services for my first year of membership and now I am a regular at the Member Services desk. Use the Club! That’s the reason you’re here, isn’t it? ■
