{"id":76222,"date":"2021-05-06T15:42:46","date_gmt":"2021-05-06T19:42:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/?post_type=cu_story&#038;p=76222"},"modified":"2025-10-10T13:36:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T17:36:06","slug":"winners-ottawa-forty-under-40-awards","status":"publish","type":"cu_story","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/story\/winners-ottawa-forty-under-40-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Carleton Celebrates Winners of Ottawa&#8217;s Forty Under 40 Awards for Young Leaders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-max  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n        \n                    \n                    \n            \n    <div class=\"cu-wideimage relative flex items-center justify-center mx-auto px-8 overflow-hidden md:px-16 rounded-xl not-prose  my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 bg-opacity-50 bg-cover bg-cu-black-50 pt-24 pb-32 md:pt-28 md:pb-44 lg:pt-36 lg:pb-60 xl:pt-48 xl:pb-72\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/sustainability-campus1-1200x900-1.jpg); background-position: 50% 50%;\">\n\n                    <div class=\"absolute top-0 w-full h-screen\" style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.600);\"><\/div>\n        \n        <div class=\"relative z-[2] max-w-4xl w-full flex flex-col items-center gap-2 cu-wideimage-image cu-zero-first-last\">\n            <header class=\"mx-auto mb-6 text-center text-white cu-pageheader cu-component-updated cu-pageheader--center md:mb-12\">\n\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold mb-2 text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] cu-pageheader--center text-center mx-auto after:left-px\">\n                        Carleton Celebrates Winners of Ottawa&#039;s Forty Under 40 Awards for Young Leaders\n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                            <\/header>\n        <\/div>\n\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"absolute bottom-0 w-full z-[1]\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 1280 312\">\n                <path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M26.412 315.608c-.602-.268-6.655-2.412-13.524-4.769a1943.84 1943.84 0 0 1-14.682-5.144l-2.276-.858v-5.358c0-4.876.086-5.358.773-5.09 1.674.643 21.38 5.84 34.646 9.109 14.682 3.59 28.935 6.858 45.936 10.449l9.874 2.089H57.322c-16.4 0-30.31-.16-30.91-.428ZM460.019 315.233c42.974-10.074 75.602-19.88 132.443-39.867 76.16-26.791 152.063-57.709 222.385-90.663 16.7-7.823 21.336-10.074 44.262-21.273 85.004-41.688 134.719-64.193 195.291-88.413 66.55-26.577 145.2-53.584 194.27-66.765C1258.5 5.626 1281.34 0 1282.24 0c.17 0 .34 27.596.34 61.3v61.299l-2.23.375c-84.7 13.718-165.93 35.955-310.736 84.931-46.494 15.753-65.427 22.076-96.166 32.15-9.102 3-24.814 8.198-34.989 11.574-107.543 35.954-153.008 50.422-196.626 62.639l-6.74 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<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<p>Five members of the Carleton University community have been named to Ottawa\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/obj.ca\/index.php\/article\/awards\/forty-under-40\/here-are-ottawas-2021-forty-under-40-recipients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Forty Under 40<\/a> list, the region\u2019s biggest business award for young leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDespite the current health and economic crisis, this year\u2019s awards competition attracted hundreds of applicants, who were assessed and ranked based on business accomplishments, professional experience and community involvement,\u201d reports the <a href=\"https:\/\/obj.ca\/index.php\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Ottawa Business Journal<\/em><\/a>, which runs the initiative jointly with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottawabot.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ottawa Board of Trade<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/fourty-under-40-800w-1.jpg\" alt=\"Fourty Under 40\" class=\"wp-image-76225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/fourty-under-40-800w-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/fourty-under-40-800w-1-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/fourty-under-40-800w-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/fourty-under-40-800w-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/fourty-under-40-800w-1-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/fourty-under-40-800w-1-200x113.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carleton\u2019s winners include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shopify.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shopify<\/a> corporate controller Darryl Arvai, who graduated in 2006 with a <a href=\"https:\/\/sprott.carleton.ca\/programs\/bachelor-of-commerce\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Commerce<\/a> degree in Accounting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shawn Gandhi, the worldwide head of artificial intelligence and machine learning at Solutions at AWS (Amazon Web Services), a 2004 <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/sce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Systems and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>James Nguyen, the co-founder and CEO of tech startup <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quantropi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Quantropi<\/a>, who earned an <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/economics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Economics<\/a> degree in 2006.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Director, writer, video editor and story consultant, Christopher Redmond, a <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/sjc\/journalism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Journalism<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/filmstudies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Film Studies<\/a> alumnus from 2006.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connor Shea, director of asset and investment management at <a href=\"https:\/\/colonnadebridgeport.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colonnade BridgePort<\/a> and an instructor in Carleton\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/continuing-professional\/cu-programs\/certificate-in-real-estate-development\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Certificate in Real Estate Development<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, in their own words, are how they feel about the \u201cForty Under 40\u201d recognition, what the past year has been like, and how Carleton helped set the stage for their careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"darryl-arvai\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Darryl Arvai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full wp-image-76227\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/darryl-arvai-225w-1.jpg\" alt=\"Darryl Arvai\" class=\"wp-image-76227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/darryl-arvai-225w-1.jpg 225w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/darryl-arvai-225w-1-200x222.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Darryl Arvai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWorking at a software company, the operational transition [to the pandemic] was quick and seamless, but there have been a lot of learnings on how to manage a large team and show up digitally every day as a leader. Working from home has also&nbsp;yielded&nbsp;unexpected benefits, like having greater control of my schedule and spending more time with my family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAt Carleton, I was able to get an amazing education in business and accounting, which enabled me to pursue my professional designation. I formed a lot of relationships, many of which I still have today, and the networking events hosted by the accounting club led directly to my first role at an accounting firm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"shawn-gandhi\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shawn Gandhi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full wp-image-76231\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/shawn-gandhi-225w-1.jpg\" alt=\"Shawn Gandhi\" class=\"wp-image-76231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/shawn-gandhi-225w-1.jpg 225w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/shawn-gandhi-225w-1-200x222.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shawn Gandhi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m really proud to be part of Ottawa\u2019s tech scene. The concentration of tech here is higher than any city in North America; with more than 80,000 working in tech, it makes for one of the continent\u2019s best-kept secrets. That\u2019s one of the many reasons I decided to open an Amazon office here and it\u2019s humbling to be recognized among so much great talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI love engaging directly with people, so doing it through a screen, because of COVID, can be taxing. I\u2019ve learned that walking meetings are key and don\u2019t shy away from letting my daughter sit on my lap during video conferences. It\u2019s all about getting creative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cStudying Engineering at Carleton prepared me for the pace required to have an impact in the private sector. Beyond learning how to design circuits and calibrate oscilloscopes, my time at university showed me how to work with a diverse set of people and bring the best of everyone\u2019s ideas to the table.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"james-nguyen\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">James Nguyen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full wp-image-76230\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/james-nguyen-225w-1.jpg\" alt=\"James Nguyen\" class=\"wp-image-76230\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/james-nguyen-225w-1.jpg 225w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/james-nguyen-225w-1-200x222.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">James Nguyen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCapitalizing a pre-revenue startup during a global pandemic certainly hasn\u2019t been easy, but we\u2019ve persevered by leveraging technology, marketing and forging strategic partnerships. Closing business deals has been more difficult as a result of all the uncertainty, but I\u2019m happy where we are now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy time at Carleton was foundational and inspirational. Yes, I got a great education, but I also learned how to deal with and embrace uncertainty, which has served me well lately. Carleton gave me raw, transferrable skills\u2014organizational, research and communications\u2014that help in everything I do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"christopher-redmond\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Christopher Redmond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full wp-image-76228\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/christopher-redmond-225w-1.jpg\" alt=\"Christopher Redmond\" class=\"wp-image-76228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/christopher-redmond-225w-1.jpg 225w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/christopher-redmond-225w-1-200x222.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christopher Redmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cProfessionally, I have adapted very well to the pandemic. Since July 2020, I\u2019ve directed three different TV series\u2014one of which, <em>Stittsville on Patrol<\/em>, I will shoot a second season for next month\u2014and I also directed my first feature film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI received a combined honours degree in Journalism and Film Studies, and they helped me in very different ways. Film Studies gave me the foundation I needed to&nbsp;feel&nbsp;like I know what I\u2019m doing when 30 people are waiting for an answer from me on set. Journalism gave me practical skills in writing and storytelling, which helped me work in advertising, and that paved the way to where I am today. I even taught the Master\u2019s of Journalism course on documentary&nbsp;filmmaking at Carleton one year, so it all came&nbsp;full circle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"connor-shea\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Connor Shea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full wp-image-76229\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/connor-shea-225w-1.jpg\" alt=\"Connor Shea\" class=\"wp-image-76229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/connor-shea-225w-1.jpg 225w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/connor-shea-225w-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/connor-shea-225w-1-200x200.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Connor Shea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI have adapted very well over the past year by being flexible, focusing on priorities and staying grounded. I changed from never to always working from home in a household with my wife, who is also a professional, and our three young children. If we fought the changes instead of embracing the flexibility required, it would have been much more challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCarleton has provided an opportunity for me to share my professional knowledge with students.&nbsp;This allows me to teach future leaders and developers some of the mistakes I\u2019ve made and learned from, so they can excel at shaping the future of our cities.&nbsp;It has also provided me with a network of other real estate professionals that I leverage during my curriculum development and during my daily work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8212;<br>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/our-stories\/\">More Stories<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Five members of the Carleton University community have been named to Ottawa\u2019s Forty Under 40 list, the region\u2019s biggest business award for young leaders. \u201cDespite the current health and economic crisis, this year\u2019s awards competition attracted hundreds of applicants, who were assessed and ranked based on business accomplishments, professional experience and community involvement,\u201d reports the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":410,"featured_media":75658,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_story_type":[28],"cu_story_tag":[1922],"class_list":["post-76222","cu_story","type-cu_story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","cu_story_type-community-partnerships","cu_story_tag-sprott-school-of-business"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":"blueprint"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/76222","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/cu_story"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/410"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/76222\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":97688,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/76222\/revisions\/97688"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/75658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=76222"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_story_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story_type?post=76222"},{"taxonomy":"cu_story_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story_tag?post=76222"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}