PURPOSE //
I'm came to Canada as Russian immigrant in the 80's. My parents wanted me to have a life I never had. My entire life, I've been looking for connection, community, culture & health. I think my passions, work and creativity all centre around the wish to create unity through the highest values & skills.
WORK //
I've done a lot of things from a running record store, selling guitars, technology start-ups, coaching people, owning a gym & various social projects. Ultimately these all things are connected by creativity.
ighlights...
- UNIITY / Founder this is the new company that I've started bring more community & culture in to the world through mindfulness, creativity, strength & connection.
- Woodfield Group / Managing Director in 2017 I'll be helping to create a world class & truly unique retreat centre just north of Toronto.
- lululemon / Ambassador creating programming, leading classes, public speaking, events & creating media content.
- Off The Grid / Co-Founder creating experiences & retreats for the urban running community.
- Academy Of Lions / Co-Founder one of the most well-known & loved fitness communities in the world.
- This Shirt Built A School / Founder a social brand that started as my Xmas project one long night and went on to fund the construction of 20 schools in Kenya.
- League Inc / Director of Strategic Growth worked on rock star start-up team that helped build a platform that is changing the health & wellness space.
PARTNERSHIPS //
I'm very proud of the relationships built over the last few years. Worked on some cool stuff with great people, brands, organizations & teams.
- lululemon
- Nike
- Roots
- Virgin
- TD Bank
- BrainStation
- New Balance
- ING / Tangerine
- Toronto District School Board
- Toronto Police Services
- Free The Children
- Michael Pinball Clemons Foundation
- Eva's Phoenix
WHAT'S THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Simple rules from a football coach...
1. Always protect the team
2. No complaining
3. Show-up early
MY BIGGEST INSPIRATION IS
Me from 10 years ago. I feel that I've made a lot of mistakes and have been able to learn from them. My other biggest inspiration is me 10 years from today (I need to keep up with him)
IF I COULD GO FOR COFFEE WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, IT WOULD BE
Bob Dylan. He changed the world and he did it by being a shapeshifter, artist, covert businessman, sinner & saint. Whenever I lose track of who I am I listen to his music.
A LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT ME
I can eat more ice cream than anyone you know.