BCBusiness

September 2025 – Building an Empire

With a mission to inform, empower, celebrate and advocate for British Columbia's current and aspiring business leaders, BCBusiness go behind the headlines and bring readers face to face with the key issues and people driving business in B.C.

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You may already hold the answers within you but a fresh perspective can help unlock them. Most people are more willing to help than you might think—especially in the early stages of building a business, but also along the way. Reach out to peers, col- leagues, competitors and industry leaders you admire— and always pay it forward. Every conversation is a chance to learn something new, gain perspective and build mean- ingful connections. These rela- tionships can lead to valuable insights, a stronger network and even future collaborators, customers or lifelong mentors and friends. "FOSTER A CULTURE WHERE ASKING FOR HELP IS ENCOURAGED—NOT JUST WITHIN YOUR BUSINESS BUT BEYOND IT." 42 J e n i c e Yu : E ll e n H o ; S e l e n a W o o : B o b o Z h a o ; B a r b o r a S a m i e i a n : S u n d a y s B E S T L E A D E R S H I P A D V I C E Jenice Yu FOUNDER AND CEO, F.I.S.H. It taught me that leadership isn't about having all the answers, it's about creating space for others to be heard. When people feel understood, they trust you more, take own- ership and bring their best ideas forward. It's simple advice, but it's transformed the way I build teams, solve problems and earn respect in the seafood industry. "LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND, NOT TO RESPOND." Barbora Samieian CO-FOUNDER, SUNDAYS AND FIELD AND SOCIAL Selena Woo VICE-PRESIDENT, PRIVATE WEALTH – ASSOCIATES, NICOLA WEALTH It's a lesson that grew out of the gaps I felt early in my career, especially as a woman of colour in finance. I know what it's like to be the only one in the room and for years I worked hard to prove I belonged—until I realized that the goal wasn't just to be included. It was to make space for others. To use my voice not just for myself but to amplify others, to advocate for change and to lift as I lead. Today, that truth shapes every decision I make as a leader. I mentor, sponsor and advocate not out of obligation but because I believe deeply that representation without responsibilit y is a missed opportunity. Leadership isn't just about where we go—it's about who we bring with us. When we lead this way, we're not just changing today, we're paving the way for generations to thrive. "BE THE PERSON YOU ONCE NEEDED." B C B U S I N E S S . C A S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5

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