PORTFOLIO.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine | Volume 3 | Issue 7 | 2025

PORTFOLIO.YVR
BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURS
WEB SUM M IT SPECIA L EDITION
VOLUM E 3 | ISSUE 7
K A SSA NDRA LINK LA TER
M A RY CA RM ICHA EL
A LI A LA M E
IRINA M A NOLESCU
M A RGA RET DIBOR
LA ITH SA RHA N
K EVIN K OZIEY
TROPOLY
A M A RJEET K A UR
LYNDSA Y M A LCHUK

PORTFOLIO.YVR
BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURS
WEB SUM M IT SPECIA L EDITION
VOLUM E 3 | ISSUE 7
0 0 1 PUBLISHER' S M ESSAGE:
HELEN SIWAK
0 0 3 KASSAN DRA LIN KLATER:
A JOURN EY TO WEB SUM M IT
0 15 M ARY CARM ICHAEL:
M OM EN TUM EN ERGY
0 27 ALI ALAM E:
CYBERSYSTEM
0 39 IRIN A M AN OLESCU:
M IV ADVISORY
0 51 M ARGARET DIBOR:
ETUTEKILAB IN C.
0 61 LAITH SARHAN :
SARHAN DATA LAW
0 71 TROPOLY:
N EEL SIN GH, M ARK FUN STON ,
BRADY DAHM ER, RUBY SAN DHU
0 81 AM ARJEET KAUR:
YALI- CYBERSHIELD
0 93 LYN DSAY M ALCHUK:
GLOBAL REPORTER
111 M ASTHEAD & CREDITS

PUBLISHER'S
M ESSA GE:
001
There are moments in a city?s story when
everything changes? when an idea, an
opportunity, and a relentless team of
visionaries converge to create a lasting
legacy.
For Vancouver, Web Summit is that
moment. Securing this global event was
not just a coup for our tech ecosystem; it
was a declaration that our city belongs
on the world stage as a hub of innovation,
creativity, and entrepreneurial grit.
The magnitude of this achievement
cannot be overstated. Web Summit brings
the world?s brightest minds, most ambitious
startups, and most influential leaders to
our doorstep, sparking conversations and
collaborations that will shape industries
for years to come.
In this special edition of Portfolio.YVR
Business & Entrepreneurs M agazine,
we celebrate the extraordinary people
who made this possible? and those who
continue to push boundaries in business,
technology, and beyond.
You will meet Kassandra Linklater, who
shares the behind-the-scenes story of how
a dedicated team travelled the globe to
bring Web Summit to Vancouver. M ary
Carmichael of M omentum Technology
discusses how she helps organizations
transform technology risk into
business-aligned strategy, creating clarity
and resilience in a fast-changing world.
Ali Alame of Cybersystem takes us from
his beginnings in war-torn Lebanon
to his mission of safeguarding critical
systems today.
Irina M anolescu of M IV Advisory reflects
on a career devoted to excellence in IT
governance and global citizenship, while
M argaret Dibor of Etutekilab brings her
expertise in enterprise security and data
privacy to light.
We also feature Laith Sarhan of
Sarhan Data Law , a thought leader
at the forefront of AI governance and
privacy law, and Amarjeet Kaur of
Yali- Cybershield, whose global
experience in cybersecurity and digital
transformation is reshaping how
organizations approach risk.
N eel Singh, Brady Dahmer, M ark
Funston, and Ruby Sandhu introduce us
to Tropoly, a bold new advisory
redefining strategy and brand.
Finally, we spotlight Lyndsay M alchuk, a
globe-trotting capital markets presenter
who amplifies the voices of CEOs,
innovators, and change-makers.
This issue would not have been possible
without Ritchie Po, who stepped up as
guest editor and curated an inspiring
lineup of personalities whose stories
embody the entrepreneurial spirit.
Ritchie's vision, passion, and unwavering
commitment to excellence have elevated
this edition in remarkable ways.
To our readers, welcome to this
Web Summit Special Issue. Let these
stories ignite your imagination, spark new
ideas, and remind you of the limitless
possibilities that await when innovation
meets purpose.
Helen Siwak
PUBLISHER'S M ESSA GE

BRINGING THE
WORLD TO OUR
BA CK YA RD: THE
FIGHT TO BRING
WEB SUM M IT TO
VA NCOUVER
003
This story begins in Hanoi.
Not in a boardroom. Not in a startup
incubator. But in the sticky, rain-soaked
heat of a November afternoon in
Vietnam, 20 0 6. A teenage girl stands
outside the Grand M étropole Hotel
Hanoi, her blazer awkward on her
shoulders, her nerves wired taut, and
a Canadian flag pinned over her heart.
That girl is Kassandra Linklater. Nineteen
years old. Fresh off six months of intense
training in diplomacy and trade all came
down to this week: Linkater was one of six
youth chosen to represent Canada at the
20 0 6 Asia- Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) Leaders?Summit .
They had just finished pitching to a
global audience that included the
President of Peru, and were just about
to brief the Prime M inister of Canada
on their success.
?We were told the future of the country
depended on us,? she recalls.
?We pushed through 10 3-degree fevers,
food poisoning, and imposter syndrome
because we were told if given the
training, the skills, and the opportunity to
lead; we had a duty to fulfill it.?
That duty has defined Linklater?s life ever
since. Through startups and collapses.
Through illness and resurrection.
The woman who once had to sell her
clothes to attend the 20 11 G20 Young
Entrepreneurs Summit in N ice has just
helped bring the largest technology
conference in the world to her hometown.
Web Summit Vancouver is no accident. It
is a masterclass in vision, grit, and civic
imagination. And at its heart is a woman
who refuses to accept that leadership
must look or sound a certain way.

005
The Firestarter: Trade, Technology, and
Tenacity
Before the boardrooms, before the
innovation economy - there were buses,
borrowed blazers, and boldness. At 18
years of age, Kassandra joined her first
trade mission to Singapore and M alaysia,
representing Canada?s ICT and
infrastructure sectors. At 19, she was
selected to attend APEC, and by 20 , she
was chosen as a lead youth negotiator at
the 20 10 G8 and G20 Summit in Canada.
?Trade missions change lives,? she says. ?I
saw what happens when you bring young
entrepreneurs abroad. Suddenly the world
feels within reach."
That fire caught quickly. In her early 20 s,
Linklater launched University Confidential,
one of Canada?s pioneering virtual
university fair platforms.
At one point, it was Canada's largest
resource and online publication for helping
students transition to university. She pitched
it on BN N ?s The Pitch and hustled her way
through the early startup scene - often
sleeping on floors, surviving on snacks, and
negotiating with VCs twice her age.
?I was raised on the idea that you don?t
wait to be invited,? she says. ?You show up,
you ask questions, and you build the room if
it doesn?t exist.?
But behind the fierce exterior, her body
was breaking down. Diagnosed with a rare
esophageal disorder, Linklater went from
running companies to undergoing feeding
tubes and end-of-life planning.
?I went from leading tech panels to being
unable to swallow food. Those years
humbled me. I thought my life was over,?
she says.
And for a time, it was.
The Long N ight: Illness, Isolation, and the
Invisible Years
Between 20 15 and 20 19, Kassandra
disappeared from the public eye. She was
not at panels or pitch nights. Instead, she
was in hospital beds, whispering her way
through medical charts.
?There were days I couldn?t sit up. I couldn?t
brush my own hair. I had been this rising
star and then suddenly I was just? gone.?
She doesn't sugarcoat it. ?I lost everything,?
she says. ?My health. My career. My sense
of self.?
But in the dark, something new began to
form. A vision. Of what real leadership
looked like. Of what it meant to rebuild -
not from a place of power, but from
creativity.
When her health finally returned, so did her
spark.
The Return: Listening Before Leading
In 20 20, she clicked into her first tech
conference in years: Collision at Home,
the virtual pandemic-era edition.
?It was the first thing I could attend as my
health returned,? she says. ?I wasn?t on
stage. I was listening. Reconnecting.
Healing.?
?I was just a name in the chat,? she says.
?But I felt it. The electricity. The community.
The future.?
She realized something profound. What if
global opportunity did not require a
passport or privilege? What if we could
bring the world here?
It was the seed that would grow into the
biggest bet of her career.

007
Founding Frontier: A Canvas for a
N ew Vancouver
In 20 22, Kassandra co-founded
Frontier Collective, an organization built
to elevate Vancouver?s emerging tech
ecosystem - from quantum and AI to clean
energy and immersive media. It was born
from a desire to unite founders, artists,
investors, and policymakers in building a
next-generation innovation ecosystem
that didn?t leave anyone behind.
She believed the soul of a city lay in its
creatives. ?In this age of AI and
automation, we need our human spirit
more than ever,? she says. ?We can?t build
the future without the artists, the misfits,
the weirdos. They?re the ones who breathe
life into the machines.?
The collective became a magnet for
boundary-crossers and future-builders.
Ministers, mayors, and founders alike
found themselves drawn to the vision of a
?next-generation civic economy.?
Her team hosted the Vancouver Takeover
at Collision?s first in person event, and
went on to launch the Frontier Summit.
They mapped the ecosystem. They
launched reports and trade missions. They
moved policy.
But the biggest move was yet to come.
SXSW to N XN W: Reimagining What' s
Possible
In March 20 23, Linklater led a delegation
to South by Southw est (SXSW) in Austin,
Texas. Among the group: Vancouver?s
M ayor, British Columbia?s Innovation
M inister, Invest Vancouver, Trade and
Invest BC, and the CEO of Destination
Vancouver. It was a defining moment.
?What we saw in Austin wasn?t just a
festival,? she says.
?It was a city rallying around culture,
technology, storytelling, and civic
imagination. We looked at each other
and asked - what would our version look
like??
That question ignited the pursuit of a
global tech platform that could be
grounded in Vancouver. They called it
" N orth by N orthw est." A West Coast
answer to SXSW, rooted in Canadian
values and global ambition, and soon, the
opportunity to keep Collision in Canada
via a move to Vancouver emerged.
The Exploratory Bid Kicks Off:
In M ay 20 23, fresh off the FIFA World Cup
announcement, Linklater and Royce
Chw in, CEO of Destination Vancouver
were named co-chairs of the exploratory
bid to keep Toronto?s Collision
Conference, now known as Web Summit.
It was a moonshot. And the clock was
ticking.
Lisbon 20 23: The Bid Becomes Real
By fall 20 23, the decision to bid still was
not final. But Linklater and Chwin
organized a trade mission to Lisbon to
attend Web Summit.
?We weren't sure we?d go through with it.
But I knew we had to show up and learn,?
she says.
In Lisbon, she met with Canada?s
ambassador to Portugal, and through a
network of trade and diplomatic
channels, tracked down the original
Portuguese government negotiator who
had helped bring Web Summit to Lisbon
years earlier.
?I wanted to understand what it really
took. I learned this wasn?t about just
winning a bid. It was about building civic
infrastructure that could carry us for a
generation. It was surreal,? she laughs.
?But I knew we were close.?

009
A Christmas Letter and a N ew Chapter
On December 23, 20 23, Linklater
received the formal Letter of Intent from
Web Summit naming Vancouver
the finalist city.
?I cried,? she admits. ?We?d worked so
hard. It was a moment I?ll never forget.?
In January 20 24, she officially stepped
away from Frontier to join the formal bid
team under Bill Tam?s leadership. Her
focus sharpened. The next phase began.
Rio 20 24: The Final Pitch
The final hurdle came in spring 20 24.
Negotiations had stalled and yet,
Linklater was still scheduled to speak
about the Vancouver ecosystem at
Web Summit Rio.
Days before the trip, Linklater?s apartment
flooded. She stood ankle-deep in water,
facing a choice.
?I had 10 hours to decide. And knowing I
had to leave my heart on the field, I chose
to fight.?
She flew to Brazil, alongside Bill Tam, Lisa
Payne and David Gratton who
all courageously made the case for
their city.
?We took a bold step and invited
Paddy Cosgrave up to Vancouver before
he made his final decision. We told them
we were ready - not just to host the future,
but to shape it.?
A few weeks later Paddy came to town
and the rest is history.
A City at an Inflection Point: How to
Build Legacy and the Long Game
Today, Web Summit is officially hosted in
Vancouver in 20 26 and 20 27 with a
possibility to extend.
The economic impact? Projected at
$250 ,0 0 0 ,0 0 0 - $30 0 ,0 0 0 ,0 0 0 . But for
Linklater, it is not about numbers.
With Web Summit now secured, Linklater
sees Vancouver at the edge of
transformation.
Her hope is that Web Summit becomes a
platform to unify sectors and unleash bold
new thinking. That it catalyzes investment,
boosts talent mobility, and tells the stories
of Vancouver?s creatives, technologists,
and entrepreneurs.
?We have a shot at building an inclusive,
globally connected innovation economy -
rooted in our own values, but ready to
scale,? she says.
Linklater believes the next wave of
innovation will come from cities that
embrace economic diplomacy ? not just
between countries, but between
industries, communities, and cultures.
?Vancouver can be that city,? she says.
?We already are.?
Standing on the Shoulders of Civic
Giants
Linklater sees herself as part of a long
tradition of civic builders - individuals
who had the courage to ask the right
questions, at the right time, to the right
people.
That is how Grace M cCarthy brought
Expo 86 to Vancouver.
On a lunch break in London, she asked
why we had never hosted a world?s fair.
?Because you?ve never asked,? came the
reply. ?Well, I?m asking now,? she said. That
simple question - and the boldness to ask
it - changed the course of Vancouver?s
history.

011
That is how Ron Basford transformed
Granville Island. He looked at a derelict
industrial site and said: this could be
something extraordinary. And then he
made it happen. Granville Island, backed
by a $24.7 million public investment ,
became one of the most cherished
cultural and economic anchors in the
country ? now home to 275 businesses,
generating over $250 million in annual
economic activity. It did not happen
because someone followed a manual. It
happened because they followed vision.
Expo 86 did not just introduce Vancouver
to the world - it gave us the SkyTrain, BC
Place, the Cambie Street Bridge, and a
Convention Centre. It sparked the
revitalization that turned this city into one
of the most livable on Earth.
?We?re here because people before us
dared to believe that Vancouver could be
more,? Linklater says. ?That same spirit is
what we?re channeling now.?
Now, with Web Summit officially in
Vancouver, Linklater is focused on what it
unlocks.
?Expo 86 changed Vancouver forever.
Granville Island created a cultural and
economic anchor. This is our generation?s
opportunity to create something lasting,?
she says.
She dreams of artist-in-residence
programs, global investment pipelines,
Indigenous economic leadership, and
youth-led showcases.
?I want every kid in East Van, Surrey, or
Prince Rupert to feel like they belong in
this story,? she says. ?I want our artists to
be funded. Our AI researchers to be
celebrated. Our entrepreneurs to be
seen.?
?Web Summit is not the answer - it?s a
platform,? she continues. ?It?s not about
tech hype - it?s about civic imagination.
It?s not about individual glory - it?s about
ecosystem leadership.?
And when it comes to ecosystem building,
Linklater insists, there?s only one rule:
All of us are better than any one of us.
Bringing the Canvas Here
Linklater never intended to bring a
finished product to Vancouver - she
intended to bring a blank canvas. Her
vision for Web Summit Vancouver was
never just about the event itself, but what
would be created on top of it.
?This isn?t just about importing a
world-class tech conference,? she says.
?It?s about inviting the entire ecosystem ?
our artists, our founders, our students, our
investors ? to paint what comes next.?
She dreams of seeing a world-class
creative tech and art festival evolve in
tandem with Web Summit. One that blurs
the lines between sectors, between
culture and commerce, between public
good and private ambition. She hopes to
see capital flowing to overlooked
founders, spotlight on youth from
Prince Rupert, Surrey, Saskatoon, and
M oncton. She wants to see students walk
into the summit floor with a pitch deck
and walk out with a mentor or investor.
?This needs to be a national moment.
Maybe one year it?s the Halifax takeover,
then the Toronto takeover, the Calgary
takeover. Vancouver might have been the
start, but it?s not the end. We?re all
building this together.?
How to M ake the M ost of Web Summit:
Linklater?s Playbook
If you ask Linklater how to extract the
most value from Web Summit, she will tell
you
the truth: the main stage matters - but
the magic happens outside the
Convention Centre.
?It?s what happens in the alleyways,
in the hotel lobbies, on the side patios.
It?s who you meet and what story you tell,?
she says.

?Web Summit is a platform. But we - the
entrepreneurs, the storytellers, the
organizers - we are the story.?
She encourages Canadian founders to
build side events, host curated meetups,
and craft their own narrative.
?Don?t wait to be on someone else?s panel.
Create your own dinner, your own
roundtable, your own rooftop meetup,? she
says. ?That?s how you draw in global
investors. That?s how you create gravity.?
Linklater believes the value of Web Summit
lies in the one-on-one connections - the
unstructured time where deals are born
and partnerships are forged.
Her advice? Be intentional. Be bold. Be
generous.
?And remember,? she says, ?you?re not just
pitching your company. You?re helping
shape the global perception of Canadian
innovation. So own your message - and
make it unforgettable.?
What?s N ext for Linklater
After co-founding Frontier Collective and
co-chairing the exploratory process and
helping secure Web Summit for Vancouver,
Linklater is not slowing down. If anything,
she?s just getting started.
Her next chapter? A bold leap into venture
capital and systems design ? with a clear
mission: to unlock the economic potential
of the next generation of Canadian
founders, creatives, and civic innovators.
Under the banner of Tenacious Ventures,
Linklater is building what she describes as
a ?next-generation investment platform? -
part venture fund, part storytelling engine.
Inspired by her work across international
trade, economic diplomacy, and
ecosystem design, Tenacious Ventures aims
to bridge the gap between capital and
communities too often overlooked by
traditional VC.
?I?ve always been drawn to the hardest
problems,? she says. ?And right now, one of
the hardest - and most important - is how
we bring risk capital into the Canadian
market in a way that?s inclusive,
regenerative, and future-proof.?
Tenacious Ventures is more than a firm. It is
a thesis: that Canada needs bold new
vehicles for wealth creation, ownership,
and cultural leadership in the 21st century.
That venture capital needs to evolve from
extractive to additive ? from gatekeeping
to scaffolding.
?Web Summit was never the destination,?
she says. ?It was the test. Could we build
something cross-sector, cross-partisan,
cross-country? and do it on our own
terms??
The answer, it turns out, was yes.
Now, with Tenacious Ventures, Linklater is
taking that same ethos to the capital
markets - backing the people, platforms,
and policies that will define Canada?s next
economy.
Her approach blends hard strategy with
soft power. Nation-building with next-gen
investing. Startup agility with civic
imagination.
Her closing reflection says it all:
?Canada doesn?t need more gatekeepers.
We need more bridge-builders. That?s the
work I want to do now - and the legacy
I hope to leave.?
013
K A S S A N D R A
L IN K L A T E R

M A RY
CA RM ICHA EL:
M OM ENTUM
TECHNOLOGY
015
M omentum Technology is a boutique
consulting firm that transforms
technology risk into strategic
advantage.
Founded by award-winning advisor
M ary Carmichael, the firm partners with
executive leaders to align cybersecurity,
governance, and innovation with
business strategy, bridging the gap
between technical complexity and
organizational priorities.
Working with public institutions,
private enterprises, and regulated
sectors, Momentum provides advisory
services including BISO (Business
Information Security Officer) leadership,
GRC (governance, risk, and compliance)
strategy development, and readiness
planning for emerging tech. These
services help organizations embed
security into operations, manage risks,
and adopt technologies like AI
responsibly.
In addition, the firm offers assurance
services in cybersecurity, tech
governance, and business continuity.
Rather than offering generic advice,
Momentum provides clients with tangible
tools ? risk analysis, maturity assessments,
governance frameworks, board reports,
and implementation plans.
Intentionally small for agility and depth,
Momentum combines sharp technical
insight with boardroom fluency. The
founder, Mary, a CPA CM A, CISA, CISM ,
CRISC, and PM P, brings rare
cross-disciplinary expertise and has
community leadership roles with ISACA
Global and Toronto M etropolitan
University?s Rogers Cybersecure
Catalyst, supporting cybersecurity
collaboration.
At Momentum, the philosophy is simple:
help clients lead with intention, build
with purpose, and grow with confidence
in today?s digital world.

M EET M A RY.
017
M ary Carmichael is a strategic advisor
and entrepreneur working at the
intersection of cybersecurity, risk, and
innovation.
Mary is the founder of Momentum
Technology, a boutique consultancy that
helps organizations turn technology risk
into trusted, business-aligned strategy. She
works with executive leaders to connect
technical realities with business
priorities? bringing clarity to complexity,
and helping organizations build resilience
and value.
Momentum delivers advisory services
including BISO (Business Information
Security Officer) leadership, GRC
(governance, risk, and compliance)
strategy development, and emerging tech
readiness.
As a BISO, Mary embeds security into
business operations to support growth and
change. Unlike a traditional CISO, the
BISO role is integrated within business
units, aligning cybersecurity initiatives with
strategic goals. Using her ABC model -
awareness, behaviour, and communication
- Mary ensures security becomes a cultural
asset, not a compliance burden.
Mary?s GRC advisory services help
organizations shift from reactive
compliance to proactive risk management.
Her frameworks support board oversight,
operational planning, and metrics
reporting. She guides clients to ask better
questions, strengthen governance models,
and embed risk into decision-making.
Her emerging technology readiness
consulting focuses on AI strategy,
governance and internal controls
to support responsible adoption
and oversight.
Mary leads process reviews, recommends
risk frameworks, and develops roadmaps
to support strategic decision-making.
Engagement deliverables include
technology strategy, maturity assessments,
policy development, and implementation
plans aligned with business priorities.
Mary brings expertise across risk, audit,
governance, and IT operations. She holds
CPA CM A, CISA, CISM , CRISC, PM P, Lean
Green Belt , and Prosci Change
M anagement certifications.
Her background includes senior roles at
the City of Vancouver, M etro Vancouver,
and UBC, and consulting engagements
with Province of British Columbia,
FortisBC, BCI, Capilano University, and
CPABC.
Mary recently served as President of ISACA
Vancouver, leading the chapter to receive
ISACA Global?s Outstanding Chapter
Achievement Award. She contributes to
ISACA Global initiatives, authors the ?Tips?
column for over 20 0 ,0 0 0 professionals,
and speaks at leading conferences,
including RSAC, ISACA North America, and
ISACA Europe.
As a Fellow with Toronto M etropolitan
University?s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst,
Mary leads research on third party AI risk,
with a focus on public sector use.
In 20 25, she was named one of Security
M agazine?s Women in Security and
received the ?Lift as You Climb?
M entorship Aw ard from Canadian
Women in Cybersecurity.

019
IN HER
WORDS
"Entrepreneurship has always been a
mindset for me. I have consistently viewed
the world through a problem-solving lens
- spotting gaps, imagining better ways of
doing things, and bringing others along to
help build them. I am constantly thinking
about possibilities and exploring
alternative approaches.
Early in my career, while working in large
organizations such as the City of
Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, and UBC, I
recognized that I did not wait for
permission to improve processes - I
initiated change and explored
possibilities. Whether I was leading a new
cybersecurity initiative or untangling
legacy risk systems, I consistently
challenged the status quo. That mindset -
equal parts curiosity and courage - is
what I now recognize as entrepreneurial.
I have always gravitated toward roles
where I could rethink established
processes and improve them. That is why I
have always held onto this quote from
Grace Hopper: ?The most dangerous
phrase in the language is, ?We have
alw ays done it this w ay.?? It captures the
mindset I live by - challenging outdated
playbooks and co-creating better ones
with others.
HUM BLE BEGIN N IN GS
Growing up on our family farm in
Southern Alberta was my first education
in entrepreneurship. My parents
immigrated to Canada with very little.
They had to learn not just how to farm, but
also a new language and culture while
building a business from the ground up. I
am proud to be a first-generation
Canadian. Life on the farm - 10 0
kilometres from Lethbridge - taught me
grit, resilience, and hands-on leadership.
Farming was not just work; it was a way
of life. Everyone contributed. One day you
might be hauling irrigation pipes, the next
repairing machinery or helping with
bookkeeping. We grew sugar beets,
alfalfa, and wheat, each with its own risks
and rewards. Some seasons brought
hailstorms and even tornadoes that wiped
out entire fields. I learned early to face
uncertainty and adapt quickly.
What stayed with me most was watching
my parents manage everything - crop
contracts, insurance claims, taxes, and
long- term planning - often in a second
language. It was entrepreneurship in its
rawest form: uncertain, demanding, and
quietly courageous.
One of my earliest business memories was
helping with the sugar beet harvest. I was
about ten, wearing oversized gloves and
boots. At day?s end, my father handed me
a five-dollar bill. It felt monumental. That
was my first lesson in sweat equity. It was
earned, and I was proud.
Not every season ended well. One year,
just before harvest, hail destroyed a
major portion of the crop. I remember my
parents sitting at the kitchen table late
into the night, surrounded by insurance
forms. That moment taught me more
about risk and resilience than any
business course ever could. Farming
revealed the truth of entrepreneurship:
you plan, work hard, and sometimes things
still fall apart - but you get back up and
begin again."

021
OVERCOM IN G OBSTACLES
"Whether I am developing event
programming for ISACA Vancouver or
advising clients on emerging tech strategy,
I carry the values I learned on the farm:
resourcefulness, resilience, shared
responsibility, and long- term thinking. That
foundation influences every idea I pursue.
We learned to work with what we had, stay
grounded, and face challenges directly -
even when unpredictable. We planned
ahead but adapted quickly when
conditions changed.
A N EW BUSIN ESS IS BORN
Momentum Technology was shaped by
real-world needs and rapid shifts in the
tech landscape. I founded the firm to help
clients manage cyber risk, strengthen
governance, and adopt innovation with
intention. The COVID-19 pandemic became
a turning point. Organizations had to
rapidly shift to cloud platforms, secure
remote teams, and launch new systems -
often without time to prepare or govern.
That period defined my work. One key
project involved helping a regulatory
agency manage a fast- tracked cloud
migration. Despite multiple approved
digital initiatives, they lacked visibility into
risks, dependencies, and compliance
requirements.
Within weeks, I assessed their current state,
built a governance framework, and aligned
security, compliance, and operations under
a roadmap. We implemented a lightweight
but effective risk model and introduced
project controls - giving leadership
visibility to proceed. That experience
reaffirmed my core belief:
entrepreneurship means showing up in
uncertainty and building the path forward.
One of the biggest challenges I have
faced has been keeping pace with rapidly
evolving technology while scaling my
business.
I address this by investing in ongoing
learning and surrounding myself with
trusted collaborators. The ISACA Vancouver
Chapter has been essential to this growth,
introducing me to professionals such as
Ritchie Po, who works at the intersection of
cybersecurity, privacy, and AI.
Each venture I pursue aligns with my core
purpose: helping organizations navigate
complexity, championing responsible
governance, building community, and
shaping the future of cybersecurity and
innovation. I am actively involved in every
initiative.
I founded Momentum Technology to help
organizations manage technology risk,
align cybersecurity with business goals, and
prepare for emerging technologies like AI
and quantum. Too often, I saw risk treated
as an isolated function - disconnected from
operations and innovation. Through BISO
services, GRC strategy development, and
emerging tech readiness consulting, I help
clients embed security into operations, not
just for compliance only.
ROLES TO GROW IN
My involvement with ISACA Vancouver
Chapter began as a volunteer and evolved
into a leadership role. As Chapter
President, I helped expand mentorship, AI
literacy, and SheLeadsTech initiatives,
serving over 1,0 0 0 members.
During my tenure, our chapter received the
Outstanding Chapter Achievement
Aw ard from ISACA Global. That work led
to a role with ISACA Global, where I now
represent Canada on international working
groups, shaping IT risk certification and
advise on member experience.
As Secretary- Treasurer and External
Governor for Columbia College in
Vancouver, I contribute to board
governance and fiduciary oversight."

023
"I was drawn to this work because it
merges strategy and accountability,
supporting education and community
impact.
Through my role as a Catalyst
Ambassador and Catalyst Fellow at
Toronto M etropolitan University?s Rogers
Cybersecure Catalyst, I lead research
into AI supply chain risks - developing
practical governance frameworks to help
public sector organizations manage
third-party risk and AI procurement
responsibly.
Beyond my consulting and board roles, I
remain active as a writer and speaker,
contributing to ISACA?s Tips newsletter,
which reaches over 20 0 ,0 0 0
professionals globally. I share insights on
cybersecurity, risk leadership, and
innovation on panels, podcasts, and
global stages such as RSAC, ISACA North
America, and ISACA Europe.
Each of these ventures began with a gap I
identified - whether a missing voice, a
governance weakness, or an overlooked
risk. I stay involved because I see real
impact: helping leaders strengthen
systems, align values with action, and
move forward with confidence.
EVOLUTION OF STYLE
My leadership journey has also evolved.
Early on, I focused on execution and
delivery - what I now call the ?expert
mindset.? Over time, I realized leadership
also means stepping back, creating
space for others to grow, and guiding
strategy in moments of uncertainty. During
the pandemic, this shift became
especially important. I expanded
Momentum?s services to include BISO
advisory, strategic GRC, and tech
readiness, helping organizations lead with
intention and build sustainable systems
under pressure.
Sometimes, what appears to be a simple
request reveals deeper issues. For
example, a client once asked me to write
a cybersecurity policy. Instead of
delivering a template, I facilitated
leadership conversations that uncovered
systemic gaps in ownership and
governance. The end result was not just a
policy, but a full governance roadmap.
That experience reminded me that
meaningful consulting goes beyond quick
fixes - it involves surfacing the right
questions and co-creating durable
solutions.
DIGITAL GROWTH
A pivotal moment for Momentum came
when I began showing up consistently on
LinkedIn.
By sharing insights on cybersecurity,
community updates, and reflections on
leadership, I created meaningful
dialogue. Those posts opened doors.
People reached out from across Canada
and beyond - seeking collaboration,
inviting me to speak, or asking about my
services. This visibility led to new clients,
expanded opportunities, and national
recognition as one of the Top 20
Cybersecurity Influencers in Canada
and one of the Top 5 Women Influencers.
That was the turning point when I realized
this was not just content - it was
connection, credibility, and trust in action.
Support has been a constant theme in my
journey. My parents modelled resilience,
problem-solving, and ethical leadership
under pressure. My husband, John - a
DevSecOps engineer - brings a technical
lens that complements my strategic
approach. Together, we explore the
intersection of security, systems, and
innovation. In the ISACA community,
mentors like Anthony Green gave me
encouragement at critical moments,
challenging me to lead boldly."

"One of the most formative experiences
was my selection as class valedictorian for
the Emerging Leaders in Cyber Initiative
by Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst. This
program brought together thirty women
and non-binary professionals across
Canada for executive- level training in
cybersecurity leadership. It gave me a
peer network that continues to inspire and
ground me today.
BUILT TO LAST
Scaling Momentum Technology has never
been solely about revenue - it has always
been about relevance, impact, and reach.
My early leadership roles at the City of
Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, and UBC
taught me how to drive value in complex
stakeholder environments. I led digital
transformation projects that were
recognized with City Excellence Awards,
including the launch of online services and
modernization of permitting and licensing
platforms. These experiences deepened my
understanding of enterprise risk, service
delivery, and stakeholder alignment.
Momentum Technology builds on that
foundation. I formalized my service
offerings around BISO leadership, GRC
strategy development, and emerging tech
readiness to meet the growing need for
cybersecurity that is aligned with business
strategy. My engagements include
organizations such as the Province of
British Columbia, BCI, FortisBC, Capilano
University, and CPABC.
Each engagement is an opportunity to help
leaders strengthen governance, build
resilience, and plan for what comes next -
especially in high-stakes areas like AI
adoption and cybersecurity.
STREN GTH IN IN N OVATION
To continue growing, I am focused on
contract and consulting engagements with
organizations that are ready to approach
security and innovation more strategically. I
work with both public and private sector
clients, as well as, startups and I am open
to collaboration with consultancy firms,
venture groups, and boards that need
specialized insight. I also support
companies facing regulatory challenges or
preparing for AI transformation, helping
them embed governance from day one.
By the end of 20 26, my vision for
Momentum Technology is to be recognized
as a trusted partner for organizations
navigating digital complexity. I want our
legacy to be systems that are stronger,
leadership that is more informed, and
strategies that are built for long- term
value. Through the Catalyst Fellowship, I am
contributing to the development of AI
governance frameworks - especially
focused on third-party risk in public
institutions - so organizations can adopt AI
responsibly and with confidence.
In my work with ISACA Vancouver, I will
continue to support mentorship and
knowledge sharing through initiatives like
the SheLeadsTech podcast and AI literacy
events. Globally, I remain focused on
shaping technology standards and
advancing conversations on digital trust.
Whether guiding a client or mentoring a
leader, my goal is to strengthen systems,
build confidence, and create lasting,
strategic progress. That is Momentum."
025
M A R Y C A R M IC H A E L
M O M E N T U M T E C H N O L O G Y

A LI A LA M E:
CYBERSYSTEM
027
CYBERSYSTEM is a Canadian
cybersecurity and cloud consulting firm
committed to protecting organizations
that cannot afford to be compromised.
Serving public sector clients,
government agencies, school districts,
non-profits, and mission-critical
enterprises, the firm delivers practical,
scalable, and cost-effective solutions
designed to withstand evolving cyber
threats.
Founded by cybersecurity veteran
Ali Alame and partner N guyen
N guyen, CYBERSYSTEM specializes in
M icrosoft 365 security, Intune endpoint
management, identity modernization,
and cloud transformation. Its
comprehensive services include
vulnerability assessments, ransomware
readiness, network administration, and
24/ 7 managed security
operations? ensuring clients remain
secure and resilient in a rapidly
changing digital landscape.
What distinguishes CYBERSYSTEM is its
unmatched frontline expertise. The
team brings real-world experience in
defending national infrastructure,
executing large-scale Intune
rollouts? approaching 50 0 ,0 0 0
Autopilot devices? and identifying
vulnerabilities across some of Canada?s
most complex organizations.
Whether developing multi-year digital
transformation strategies or responding
to active threats, CYBERSYSTEM
operates as a trusted extension of its
clients?IT teams.
Combining cutting-edge tools with the
mindset of a modern cyber defense unit,
the firm ensures that every partnership
is anchored in operational excellence
and a relentless commitment to
safeguarding what matters most.

M EET A LI.
029
Ali Alame is the Founder and Principal
Security Consultant at CYBERSYSTEM , a
Canadian cybersecurity and cloud
consulting firm dedicated to defending
high-impact organizations in both the
public and private sectors. His story
begins in war-torn Lebanon, where
resilience was a necessity and
protection a way of life. That
foundation fuels his mission today: to
safeguard critical systems and help
organizations thrive securely in an
increasingly digital world.
With more than 15 years of hands-on IT
and cybersecurity experience, Ali has
led some of Canada?s most ambitious
endpoint security and cloud
transformation projects. As a Senior
M igration Engineer, he has successfully
migrated and secured nearly half a
million devices to M icrosoft Intune,
helping enterprises embrace Zero Trust
principles and modernize their endpoint
protection with scalable, cloud-native
solutions.
Ali?s career includes key contributions at
HP, IKEA, IBM , Lululemon, UBC, and
RBC, where he played integral roles in
designing and deploying
enterprise-grade endpoint
management and security strategies.
Beyond his consulting work, Ali is an
educator at Vancouver Community
College, where he equips future
cybersecurity professionals with
practical, career-focused skills in
Microsoft 365 security and device
management.
A sought-after speaker, Ali regularly
shares his expertise at BSides
Vancouver, M icrosoft Tech Events, and
Workplace N inja Canada ,
empowering IT professionals nationwide
to anticipate and address emerging
threats.
If 15 years of war did not stop his
grandfather from building a hospital,
then what is his excuse? That spirit
defines Ali?s mission: to defend, educate,
and inspire in an increasingly
digital? and dangerous? world.
IN HIS
WORDS
[ Ali] "Growing up in a Lebanese family
where enterprise is woven into our DNA,
I never had to look far for inspiration.
My grandparents built the first hospital
in Beirut?s southern suburbs? during a
15-year civil war, no less? and kept its
doors open to anyone in need. Their
resilience set a benchmark: if they
could launch a healthcare institution
amid shelling, what excuse did I have
not to build something of my own?
My personal spark came at 13. Money
was tight, so my ?tech education?
happened in smoky cyber-cafés? 25
cents for games, 50 cents for dial-up on
MSN Chat."

031
"One summer, while helping at our family
hospital, I wandered into the dim,
air-conditioned room where the
?Big Blue? mainframe hummed away. In
that instant, I realized those café PCs
were toys; this was the engine that kept
life-saving operations running. When the
hospital retired its aging desktops, I
retrieved them from the dumpster,
rebuilt each one, and sold them to
classmates. The profit was small, but the
lesson was powerful: hardship breeds
hustle, and value is created when you
transform what others discard.
That mindset evolved when I began
troubleshooting IT problems at the
hospital. I noticed recurring failures in
the help-desk logs, created an inventory
of every workstation, dusted clogged
fans, taught nurses the difference
between ?Save? and ?Save As,? and
scheduled daily walk-throughs. I had
unknowingly created my own
one-person managed services provider
before I even knew the term existed. My
reward? a princely w age of $50 a
month? was enough, once I resold a few
more retired PCs, to buy my first laptop
and double down on learning.
Entrepreneurial side hustles came first:
burning and reselling bootleg DVDs
(?Buy four, get the fifth free!?), selling
curated MSN contact lists by country,
and salvaging dumpster-bound desktops
to refurbish for classmates. None of
these ventures made me rich, but they
taught me invaluable lessons in hustle,
pricing, and customer service? skills I
still rely on when negotiating enterprise
security deals today. Above all, I learned
that real value comes from transforming
what others discard into something
useful, and that relentless hustle never
goes out of style.
In 20 11, I traded Beirut?s buzzing streets
for what I thought was Vancouver? only
to discover I was actually in Abbotsford.
Culture shock hit hard, but I adapted
quickly. Within two semesters, I was
assisting the system administrator in our
class computer lab, which led to my first
IT contract: a family doctor needed help
with his clinic?s systems. My reflex? never
say no, figure it out? paid off. What
began as a simple support task grew
into a full migration for three clinics to
a new electronic medical-records
system, including servers, firewalls,
switches, and Wi-Fi installation. The
doctor had budgeted C$10 ,0 0 0 ; I
delivered a plan, he signed, and I
delivered.
That first C$10 ,0 0 0 contract was the
spark, but the real shift came when I
stopped billing as ?Ali, the IT Guy? and
incorporated CYBERSYSTEM . Suddenly, I
had a business name that opened doors,
attracted larger clients, and forced me
to think like a company, not a
freelancer.
By the time I graduated in 20 17, that one
?yes? had grow n into nine ongoing
medical- practice clients? and the
realization that the kid who once sold
bootleg DVDs could now close real
deals and deliver enterprise-level
solutions.
I could troubleshoot servers in my sleep,
but I did not yet speak the unwritten
language of Canadian
enterprises? procurement cycles, chain
of command, meeting etiquette. To learn
fast, I took a graveyard-shift help desk
job at C$35,0 0 0 . Three nights in, I found
a shared file titled Salary.xlsx and
placed it on the CEO?s desk with a
choice: fire me for peeking or let me
secure the data."

033
"By day?s end, I had a C$30 ,0 0 0 raise
and a Systems Administrator
title? proof that spotting risks can
create value.
Soon after, I joined IBM ?Big Blue,
fulfilling a boyhood dream, and
mastered Microsoft Intune, opening
doors to bigger opportunities. Recruiters
followed, leading to high-stakes roles at
Lululemon and UBC, where I helped
design endpoint-security strategies
scaling from hundreds of devices to
nearly half a million.
CREATIN G DARKARM OR
Watching clients scramble during
zero-day crises inspired me to take
action. While my partner N guyen
N guyen (pictured) originally created
DarkArmor, I saw the vision? and
decided to join forces to help scale the
brand and mission.
DarkArmor is a continuous threat-hunting
and compliance platform that
transforms reactive firefighting into
proactive defense? delivering Fortune
50 0 - grade protection to mid-market
organizations without the Fortune 50 0
price tag.
With a seed round secured and a beta
cohort live, consulting now fuels product
development rather than driving the
business.
DarkArmor marks CyberSystem?s
evolution into its 2.0 era: built to scale,
adapt, and redefine cybersecurity for
organizations that cannot afford
compromise.
[ N guyen] Ali and I met on LinkedIn after
he invited me to analyze 20 GB of
phishing kits, info-stealer logs, and
ransomware samples.
Three ?CyberTalks? later, we knew our
skill sets were perfectly complementary.
I thrive on reverse-engineering threats,
while Ali brings enterprise security
expertise and a drive to turn raw
research into a product.
We signed an N DA and shifted from
hobbyists to co-founders, and our
collaboration quickly reshaped
DarkArmor. First, Ali challenged our
research-heavy website and rebuilt it
into a sharp, product-first showcase,
doubling conversions within weeks.
Second, we scaled our crawler network
from one region to six, tripling daily
captures of phishing kits, credential
dumps, and mule-account ads.
Third, we launched DarkArmor
ProtectM e? a lightweight, affordable
early-warning system for small
businesses and individuals? which sold
out its beta in 48 hours.
These steps proved our partnership
works: deep-lab threat hunting fused
with enterprise execution, creating a
platform almost ready for full public
launch.
[ Ali] Along the way, there have been
sacrifices. For me, IBM was the
dream? global scale, cutting-edge
projects, and a clear path up the
corporate ladder? but I realized my
true goal was to build my own brand,
not someone else?s.
So, I walked away from the steady
salary, bonuses, and business-class travel
to put everything into CYBERSYSTEM and
DarkArmor."
For Nguyen, the turning point came
while threat-hunting at some of the
largest US banks, where big-name intel
tools left him frustrated with their
sky-high prices, missing features, and
slow updates."

035
"He knew we could do better, so he quit,
closed his side gigs, and began coding
a platform from scratch. Partnering
with me gave that vision the business
drive it needed to grow.
[ N guyen] How did we know we were
onto something? When Ali tapped his
corporate network for a few
off-the-record demos. The product was
rough, but it was already pulling live
phishing kits, stolen credentials, and
mule-account ads from forums most
defenders never see. Every prospect?s
first reaction was the same: ?Wait? this
is real data??
[ Ali] At first, that reaction sounded
almost accusatory, as if we had staged
it. That shock confirmed what we
suspected: even seasoned teams lacked
deep-web insight tailored to their brand
and users. If a half-built interface could
leave professionals stunned, a fully
developed platform could transform
their defences. Those demos flipped our
mindset from ?Is this ready?? to ?Let?s
get it in front of every client w e can,?
and the pipeline lit up almost overnight.
When it comes to influencial persons in
my life, my grandfather still guides me.
He opened the first hospital in Beirut?s
southern suburbs during a 15- year civil
w ar? no investors, just grit and duty.
His blueprint? see a need, build the
solution, and keep the doors
open? inspired how I run CYBERSYSTEM:
identify gaps, act quickly, and keep
clients protected.
That said, I have had pivotal figures
along the way. When I joined IBM, I was
fortunate to work with Annabelle Lee, a
mentor who never followed the
conventional mould.
She did not hand me answers? instead,
she questioned everything , challenged
me constantly, and let me grow through
doing.
That tough-love approach matched my
upbringing and made me better.
Another powerful influence is
David N udelman, an eight- time
M icrosoft M VP based here in
Vancouver.
A simple LinkedIn message led me to
attend one of his community
events? and that moment ended up
shaping my trajectory at Lululemon and
UBC. David has been instrumental in
fuelling my passion for modern endpoint
management and Microsoft
technologies.
David's leadership inspired me to not
just consume knowledge, but to teach
and contribute back to the community.
Our compass has never shifted: detect,
block, prevent, then teach. We refuse
vanity deals or requests that cross legal
or ethical lines, prioritizing impact over
revenue. Education remains
central? we share free threat
breakdowns because lessons outlast
profit, and integrity defines our work.
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs
begins with this: ship before it is
perfect. If the core feature works,
release it.
Real users will tell you what matters, and
polish can come later. Second, say ?yes?
first, then figure it out? my first C$10 ,0 0 0
deal started with that reflex and a quick
search on how to deliver. Opportunities
rarely arrive gift- w rapped; take them,
learn on the fly, and bring in help when
needed. Finally, keep widening your
circle.
Every project, demo, or LinkedIn post is
a chance to add one more valuable
connection? your next client, investor,
or co- founder is likely only two
handshakes aw ay."

" What it is: DarkArmor? built by
CyberArmor and backed by
CYBERSYSTEM ? gives mid-market and
mission-critical organizations deep- w eb
visibility they have never had. We
detect phishing campaigns,
stolen-credential dumps, and infostealer
chatter the moment they surface, then
provide clear mitigation steps before
threats reach inboxes. By combining
consulting expertise with a cloud-native
platform, we deliver Fortune-50 0 -grade
protection without the Fortune-50 0
price tag.
Why it matters: Phishing and
infostealers remain the leading breach
vectors for government, healthcare,
education, and critical infrastructure.
Our intelligence is tailored? mapping
alerts to each client?s domains, staff, and
technology stack? instead of
overwhelming teams with generic threat
feeds. Using a cloud-first architecture
and globally distributed collection
nodes, we stay agile, cost-efficient, and
beyond the adversary?s reach, ensuring
clients receive timely, actionable
defence where it matters most.
CYBERSYSTEM has four priorities as we
scale. First, we seek introductions to
security leaders in government agencies,
Crown corporations, public healthcare
and education, critical infrastructure,
and high-risk private firms to ensure our
solutions reach those most in need.
Second, we are pursuing pilot
opportunities for DarkArmor ProtectMe
within under-resourced Security
Operations Centres, demonstrating its
value for teams facing critical threats
without enterprise budgets.
Third, we are building alliances with
Managed Service and Managed
Security Service Providers serving the
public sector, expanding our reach to
organizations of all sizes.
Fourth and finally, we are seeking
speaking and aw areness
opportunities? conferences, webinars,
and podcasts? on phishing and
stolen-data mitigation to elevate the
conversation and share actionable
intelligence.
By 20 26, we aim for DarkArmor to be
the first name a CISO thinks of when
?phishing kit? or ?infostealer dump?
flashes across their screen. That means
achieving sector-wide coverage? from
municipalities and Crown corporations
to credit unions and retailers? building
a truly global collection presence with
cloud nodes on every continent, and
earning credibility on the biggest stages
with live-fire demos at BSides
Vancouver and M icrosoft. It also means
delivering a dual-track product line:
Enterprise DarkArmor for SOC teams
needing API-rich feeds and ticket-ready
mitigations, and ProtectM e for SM Bs
and small IT teams needing immediate
alerts when their logo or staff
credentials appear in a new phishing kit.
The legacy we are aiming for draws
inspiration from my grandfather, who
kept a hospital open during a 15-year
war because his community needed it.
That story sets our bar: no excuse is
good enough for leaving people
exposed. If we do this right, threat
intelligence will become a utility, not a
luxury."
037
A L I A L A M E
C Y B E R S Y S T E M

IRINA
M A NOLESCU:
M IV
A DVISORY
039
Irina M anolescu is the founder and
principal of M IV Advisory, a
Vancouver-based consultancy that is
setting a new benchmark for excellence
in IT Governance, Risk, and
Compliance (GRC). With over a decade
of experience across Europe and N orth
America, Irina is recognized as one of
the most strategic and pragmatic voices
in the cybersecurity and compliance
sector. Her journey from Bucharest to
Vancouver, from auditor to entrepreneur,
is rooted in the values that define her
leadership? resilience, precision, and
uncompromising integrity.
MIV Advisory is a mission-driven firm that
transforms complex compliance
requirements into strategic business
assets.
Under Irina?s guidance, the firm has
supported clients in both the public and
private sectors in advancing their GRC
objectives with efficiency and clarity.
Services include implementation and
auditing of ISO 270 0 1, ISO 420 0 1, ISO
90 0 1, and ISO 20 0 0 0 , NIST CSF 2.0 risk
assessments, HITRUST and SOC 2
compliance, vendor and physical
security assessments, Business Continuity
and Disaster Recovery planning,
fractional compliance officer services,
and security awareness training.
What distinguishes MIV Advisory is its
commitment to human- centred,
business- aligned solutions. Clients
consistently praise the firm for bringing a
refreshing sense of purpose and
precision to a field often burdened by
complexity and rigidity.

M EET IRINA .
041
Irina M anolescu is a distinguished
leader in IT governance, risk, and
compliance whose journey reflects a
lifelong commitment to excellence,
purpose, and global citizenship. Born and
raised in Romania, Irina began her
academic pursuits with unwavering focus.
She holds a M aster?s degree in
M anagement from the Bucharest
University of Economic Studies, as well
as dual Bachelor' s and M aster' s
degrees in Industrial Engineering and
M anagement from the N ational
University of Science and Technology
POLITEHN ICA Bucharest. Her education
was further enriched by international
studies at Technische Universität
Dresden in Germany, which contributed
to her refined worldview and cultural
fluency.
Her professional journey has spanned
roles with global companies such as
Honeyw ell, Xerox, Atos, Appnovation,
and N tirety. At Atos, she oversaw
regional quality and audit programs
across Central and Eastern Europe. At
Ntirety, she excelled as an IT
Governance, Risk and Compliance
Manager, mastering multi-framework
integration and leading with operational
resilience. With each role, she built a
reputation for strategic thinking,
pragmatic execution, and fostering trust
across diverse teams and industries.
Now based in Vancouver, Irina is the
founder and Managing Director of
MIV Advisory, a boutique consultancy
delivering world-class GRC solutions.
She also serves as a Cybersecurity GRC
Instructor at Vancouver Community
College, where she is regarded as a
transformative educator. Her ability to
bring clarity to complexity and empower
emerging professionals reflects her deep
commitment to cultivating ethical, secure,
and high-performing environments.
Through her teaching at Post-Degree
Diploma level, Irina is not only delivering
knowledge, she is actively shaping the
next generation of cybersecurity GRC
professionals. With a focus on critical
thinking, ethics, and real-world
application, she equips her students to
lead with responsibility in an increasingly
complex digital landscape.
A recognized thought leader in
multi-stakeholder governance, Irina
speaks Romanian, English, German, and
Spanish. Her multilingualism underscores
her inclusive communication style and
ability to connect with global audiences.
Outside her professional sphere, Irina is a
devoted mother and wife. Her
ten-year-old son and husband? her
constant source of inspiration and
support? are the centre of her world.
She finds joy in family life, global travel,
and cultural discovery. Her culinary
talents shine in her home kitchen, where
she crafts refined meals with the same
care and elegance she brings to every
client engagement.
Irina leads with strategy and soul. Her
legacy is one of trust, transformation,
and meaningful impact in every sphere
she touches.

043
IN HER
WORDS
"My entrepreneurial spirit did not arrive
with a grand announcement. It
appeared quietly? between scraps of
paper, dots of glue, and the desire to
make people feel something real. In
high school, I discovered a creative
spark through handmade greeting
cards. Not store-bought, but deeply
personal, each one was a
story? folded, written, and tied with
care.
What began as a passion quickly
became something more. I set up a
small display in the school library, and
to my surprise, it resonated. Classmates,
teachers, parents? they paused,
connected, and brought my cards into
their most meaningful moments.
Every dollar I earned went back into
better supplies. This is how I learned to
reinvest my profit.
The success gave me proof that
creativity has value. That beauty can be
functional. That heart belongs in
business.
That moment behind the table,
watching someone light up holding my
work, was the beginning. This was not
just a hobby. It was a calling? to
create, to lead, to make meaning. And
from that moment on, I knew: I was
already an entrepreneur.
BRAN DIN G BREAKTHROUGH
One of my most cherished
entrepreneurial moments was just
before winter break, I created a
limited-edition holiday card
series? miniature works of art with
origami trees, hand-drawn snowflakes,
and a pinch of real cinnamon. Within
hours, the school library smelled like a
bakery. It was hilarious,
enchanting? and a total sell-out.
That moment taught me branding is
more than visual; it is emotional,
sensory, and authentic.
The cinnamon card was a creative risk
that became a breakthrough.
Proof that joy sells, and mistakes can
become magic.
MIV Advisory was not born overnight. It
was built at the intersection of
creativity and compliance, intuition and
intelligence, risk and responsibility.
Today, it is more than a consultancy? it
is a reflection of everything I have
learned along the way; that
authenticity is scalable, that trust is the
true currency of business, and that small
beginnings often hold the seeds of
something far greater.
From handmade cards to
organizational transformations, within
more than 20 years, the journey has
always been about creating
meaning? intentionality, ethically, and
boldly."

045
JOURN EY EVOLVES
"More than 15 years ago, I stepped into
the corporate world, where I would
spend my time sharpening the skills that
would later shape the foundation of
MIV Advisory. Working within large
organizations taught me discipline,
strategy, and systems thinking. I learned
how to navigate complexity, lead
cross-functional teams, and deliver
value under pressure. I studied how
strong governance, smart risk
management, and ethical leadership
create resilient businesses. I observed
both what works? and what doesn?t?
when it comes to aligning compliance
with culture.
Launching MIV Advisory was a defining
milestone. I had no safety net-only a
calling to build something with both
operational brilliance and human
depth. Another turning point came in
the classroom, teaching Cybersecurity
GRC This chapter is not just about
technical knowledge, audits and
frameworks; it is about lighting fires in
future leaders and it sparks joy every
day, with every topic being taught.
SCALIN G IM PACT
Scaling MIV Advisory was never about
chasing numbers. It was a deliberate,
values-driven evolution? rooted in
integrity, guided by impact, and built
with care.
From the beginning, I knew meaningful
growth could not be rushed. It had to
be earned? through excellence, clarity,
and trust.
Once confident in our value proposition,
I focused on credibility. I completed
advanced certifications, promoted
thought leadership, and built a
results-driven portfolio. Every case study
became proof, not promise.
Strategic partnerships expanded our
perspective and impact. Collaborating
with industry leaders, academic
institutions, and consultants helped
grow both depth and reach.
Teaching Cybersecurity allowed me to
not only nurture the next generation, but
to stay sharp myself.
At the client level, every engagement is
tailored and human. That premium
experience drives word-of-mouth and
long-term relationships. I also immersed
myself in learning
ecosystems? conferences, forums,
roundtables? choosing every room with
intention.
Scaling, for me, has never been about
doing more. It has always been about
becoming more? more connected,
more intentional, more human.
Because in today?s fast-moving world, it
is not just about showing up? it is about
showing up ready to lead, listen, and
leave a lasting impact.
DEFIN IN G SUCCESS
Success came quietly? through one
sentence from a returning client: ?You
are not just a consultant? you are a
catalyst.? That moment shifted
everything. It was not about volume; it
was about impact. I realized then that
MIV Advisory was not built for survival. It
was built to create legacy through
transformation."

047
LEADIN G DIFFEREN TLY
"Mentorship, in my experience, has
never arrived with a title or a formal
framework.
It has been something quieter, more
profound? a steady, sacred thread
woven through the relationships,
challenges, and moments that have
shaped me.
I did not learn from a single,
all-knowing guide. Instead, I was
formed by a constellation of
remarkable people: colleagues whose
dedication moved me, professors who
believed in me before I believed in
myself, clients who pushed me to rise
higher, and friends who stood beside
me in both silence and storm. These
individuals became my mirrors, my
catalysts, and often, my quiet muses.
Among them all, one constant has
stood at the centre? my husband,
Silviu M anolescu.
He is both anchor and amplifier. A man
of sharp intellect and deep emotional
wisdom, Silviu is more than a
world-class networker and gifted
salesperson. He is a natural storyteller,
a connector of people, and someone
who sees the best in others before they
see it in themselves.
With Silviu, every conversation holds
purpose. Every challenge is an
opportunity to strategize. Every success
is shared, celebrated, and held with
gratitude.
We do not simply walk through life
together? we co-create a vision. We
push boundaries while staying rooted in
what matters most: humility, humanity,
and heart.
For me, support has never meant rescue.
It has meant being reminded? gently
and powerfully? of who I am, what I
believe in, and how far I can go when I
am surrounded by those who reflect the
values I hold dearest.
In the quietest moments, and in the ones
that mattered most, I have never stood
alone.
And that, above all, has been my
greatest gift.In the beginning, I led with
precision and a relentless drive for
perfection.
My focus was on performance? on
getting everything ?right.? But as MIV
Advisory grew, so did I. My leadership
evolved from control to connection,
from intensity to intention.
Today, I lead as an Altruist? placing
people at the centre, listening fully, and
empowering others with purpose.
My DISC Influencer nature brings vision,
energy, and storytelling to every
interaction. This balance of heart and
structure has shaped not just a
company, but a culture.
True leadership, I have learned, is a
return to self? anchored in integrity,
empathy, and unwavering values.
FUTURE VISION
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is
this: lead with balance. Be courageous
enough to take bold steps, yet
grounded enough to listen, learn, and
adapt. True growth lies in mastering
both.
Lead with a voice that moves rooms,
and a heart that hears what others miss.
Success is not a destination? it is a
frequency."

049
"Tune into the harmony between who
you are and what you are creating.
There is no single path."
Your story is the blueprint. Write it
unapologetically. Edit it often.
Fail forward. Protect your energy like
it is gold. And above all, trust your
intuition? it always knows the way
before your logic catches up. Make it
yours.
At the heart of MIV Advisory is a bold,
human promise: we do not simply
deliver compliance? we cultivate
confidence. We help organizations not
only survive complexity, but lead
through it with clarity, trust, and
intention. Our mission is to elevate the
standard of IT governance, risk, and
compliance (GRC) in a world where
digital threats move faster than
regulations.
We provide premium, human-centred
GRC solutions that blend technical
precision with emotional intelligence.
From global corporations to ambitious
startups and public institutions, our
clients choose us not just for what we
do, but for how we make them
feel? seen, supported, and empowered.
Our current offerings include B2B
consulting and advisory across ISO,
SOC, N IST CSF, HITRUST, and other risk
frameworks; executive and team
training in cybersecurity and audit
preparedness; and fractional
leadership services, including
outsourced Compliance Officer roles.
To scale our impact, we are actively
seeking strategic brand partnerships,
global speaking opportunities,
corporate clients committed to
long-term transformation, and
mentorship platforms to train internal
compliance teams.
We also envision a flagship
headquarters? an innovation hub for
workshops, executive roundtables, and
leadership labs.
We welcome values-aligned investors,
select franchise partners, and seasoned
professionals ready to co-create the
future of ethical leadership in
cybersecurity.
By the end of 20 26, I see MIV Advisory
as a globally recognized firm and a
beacon for what governance should
be? ethical, emotionally intelligent, and
deeply human. We will be delivering
world-class services across continents,
training thousands of professionals, and
leading a movement that transforms
compliance into culture.
This is not just about growing a
company. It is about building a
legacy? one where women see
themselves as founders, immigrants see
themselves as innovators, and working
parents no longer choose between
family and ambition. A world where
profit and purpose coexist, and where
compliance becomes a compass for
bold, values-driven leadership.
We are not just ready to scale. We are
ready to redefine the space we lead.
Because the most secure systems are
not built solely on code and
controls? they are built on human
values. And at MIV Advisory, we are
committed to leading that
future? strategically, soulfully, and
together."
IR IN A
M A N A G IN G
M A N O L E S C U
M IV A D V IS O R Y
D IR E C T O R

M A RGA RET
DIBOR:
ETUTEK ILA B
051
Etutekilab is a trusted cybersecurity partner
specializing in solutions for small and medium
businesses, offering a rare combination of
technical expertise and strategic insight to
help organizations scale securely and
confidently in an evolving digital landscape.
Founded by professionals with backgrounds in
engineering, technology, and cybersecurity,
the company was built on the belief that
effective information security is as much
about fostering trust and accountability as it
is about safeguarding digital infrastructures.
Through their experiences, the founders
learned that strong cybersecurity begins with
leadership engagement and a deep
understanding of each organization?s risk
profile.
To address these challenges, they developed
Chataw ork, a risk management platform
designed to simplify complex data-related
decisions, which earned recognition from the
Web Summit Committee and led to their
participation in the Alpha program.
Margaret Dibor, one of the founders and
ISACA Board M ember (Vancouver Chapter)
contributes two decades of enterprise-level
information security leadership across
industries, including telecom, education,
and highly regulated global sectors, while
Angelo M alini brings more than nine years of
hands-on cybersecurity experience rooted in
engineering. Together, they lead Etutekilab
with a mission to deliver innovative,
personalized solutions that protect digital
assets, strengthen resilience, and build lasting
trust through reliable cybersecurity practices.

M EET
M A RGA RET.
M argaret Dibor is a seasoned cybersecurity
leader and enterprise security specialist with
over 15 years of experience in information
security strategy, risk management, and data
privacy. She has developed and
implemented defense-in-depth security
strategies for organizations across multiple
industries, with a focus on governance,
regulatory compliance, and enabling
businesses to navigate complex cyber
challenges with confidence. Her expertise
extends to building robust security
frameworks, guiding organizations through
intricate compliance landscapes, and
empowering teams to proactively manage
risk.
Throughout her career, Margaret has
achieved significant milestones, including
leading enterprise-wide security programs,
designing comprehensive risk management
frameworks, and advising organizations in
highly regulated industries across
N orth America and Europe.
As a co-founder of Etutekilab , she delivers
strategic cybersecurity and risk solutions for
small and medium-sized businesses, helping
them scale securely in a rapidly evolving
digital landscape. She is also a recognized
mentor and thought leader, honoured as one
of the Top 50 M entors in cybersecurity for
her dedication to guiding the next
generation of professionals.
Margaret?s areas of expertise include
information security strategy, risk and threat
management (GRC), data privacy and GDPR
compliance, security awareness training, and
incident response and recovery. She serves
as a board director for ISACA and is an
active member of WN orth, an organization
that champions women?s leadership.
Passionate about mentorship, diversity, and
inclusion, Margaret regularly volunteers her
time to support emerging cybersecurity
professionals and participates in initiatives
aimed at strengthening the global security
community.
IN HER WORDS
053
"I recognized my entrepreneurial spirit quite
late, when I moved from Poland to the UK.
However, I had always been curious, driven,
and involved with a number of projects. In
Poland, I spent my time teaching in college
and leading the IT department, but in
England, I began offering IT services as a
business. My portfolio quickly grew, and I
expanded my work to include awareness
sessions and training. As a service provider, I
noticed an increasing demand for
cybersecurity expertise.
This prompted me to pursue further education,
and in 20 17 I completed a master?s degree in
Computer N etworking and Cybersecurity.
Studying opened a new perspective for me
and gave me the ability to participate in
projects related to GDPR, which required an
entirely new approach. That experience
made me realize how much I enjoyed
building solutions from the ground up and
inspired me to continue pursuing
entrepreneurial ventures."

055
"Since then, I have always sought
opportunities to innovate and make a
meaningful difference, whether by launching
new projects, supporting others in their
initiatives, or finding creative ways to solve
complex problems. That initial spark continues
to fuel my passion for entrepreneurship today.
Since 20 17, I have primarily worked with
international companies, helping clients
define and implement data protection
strategies and cybersecurity tools. I specialize
in data privacy and risk management
frameworks, and over time, I learned that a
holistic approach is key to effective data
protection. Years of experience allowed me
to develop a unique concept and
methodology that I applied to my projects.
Running businesses in both the UK and
Canada gave me a clear understanding of
how different environments shape
entrepreneurial paths. In the UK, expertise
alone often opened doors; with certifications,
frameworks, and my NHS project portfolio, I
quickly gained trust. In Canada, I discovered
that relationships come first. Building
credibility required time, patience, and a
strong network, which I continue to develop
by forming partnerships and engaging in
collaborative initiatives.
Now full-time in Canada, I notice that the
approach to data protection also differs
significantly from that of Europe. Here, it is
often more control-driven and ad hoc rather
than grounded in strategic planning and
risk-based frameworks. This realization
inspired me to launch my own consulting firm,
which soon grew into a joint venture, allowing
me to expand my vision and build meaningful
partnerships.
My entrepreneurial journey has not been
without challenges. Moving to a new country
meant rebuilding not only my business but also
my credibility and approach. My international
experience did not automatically translate,
which required humility to start over,
resilience to persevere, and creativity to
prove my value. I solved this problem by
offering free consultations, delivering
educational webinars, and aligning with
organizations that shared my mission.
A turning point came with the development of
Chataw ork, our compliance and maturity
platform for small businesses. It brought
together everything I had learned? how to
simplify complex security concepts, empower
clients without overwhelming them, and scale
impact beyond one-on-one consulting.
Although everything was moving along, it was
not smooth going! There have been setbacks:
delayed funding, long sales cycles, and
moments of being underestimated. Yet each
challenge sharpened my message, evolved
my business model, and clarified who I serve
and how I can create the greatest impact.
Today, I am proud to be building not just a
business, but a platform that makes
cybersecurity accessible, achievable, and
deeply connected to business growth.
THE BEGIN N IN G OF GROWTH
My first major venture, M K IT Services, was
born in London. What began as a small IT
consultancy quickly evolved into a full-service
information security and compliance firm,
serving clients such as London M etropolitan
University and the N HS. The inspiration came
from recognizing a critical gap in how
healthcare organizations, particularly GP
practices, approached cybersecurity. Over
time, the firm became part of a nationwide
NHS governance, risk, and compliance
initiative, helping unify security practices
across dozens of clinics. After nearly a
decade of growth and impact, I stepped
away? not because the business failed, but
because I was ready to embrace a new
challenge in a new country.
That next challenge came in the form of an
ambitious fintech startup, Token. The
company was navigating the intense
regulatory landscape in the UK and Europe,
and I joined to lead their ISO 270 0 1
certification effort under demanding
deadlines. I built their internal cybersecurity
function from the ground up and helped
secure key partnerships with major banks.
Unfortunately, the company?s expansion plans
were significantly impacted by Brexit, forcing
a pivot in its strategy. For me, it became a
moment to pause, reflect, and begin planning
my next entrepreneurial chapter."

057
"That chapter is Etutekilab, the culmination of
everything I have learned across countries,
sectors, and teams. The idea grew from the
realization that Canadian small businesses
are underserved when it comes to
cybersecurity and data protection. Many are
overwhelmed, under-resourced, and unsure
where to begin. My business partner and I
shared a vision to change that by offering
pragmatic, tailored, and accessible solutions
that meet clients where they are.
READY TO ELEVATE
To elevate my business, I focused on turning
years of consulting experience into structured,
repeatable frameworks, which led to the
creation of Chataw ork, our compliance and
maturity platform that helps clients manage
risk with autonomy and clarity. I shifted from
operating as a ?do-it-all? consultant to
building a strong support system through
business partnerships, team development, and
involvement in peer networks like ISACA and
female founder circles.
Increasing visibility became a priority, so I
began hosting webinars, creating
educational content, and offering free
consultations? not to sell, but to build trust
and credibility in the Canadian market,
where relationships are essential. I also
aligned Etutekilab with highly regulated
sectors and formed strategic partnerships
with accelerators, public programs, and
business hubs.
A CAREER BUILT ON RISKS
I have built my career by taking risks, often
stepping away from the comfort of full-time
roles and predictable income to create
something of my own. I did this twice? first in
the UK, where I grew a consultancy into a
respected information security and
compliance firm, and later in Canada, where
I made the bold decision to start over in an
unfamiliar environment.
Rebuilding my network, reputation, and client
base from scratch meant long nights,
uncertain months, and wearing every hat in
the business, from sales and compliance to
technical delivery, with the support of a very
small team.
While I know success is an ongoing journey,
there have been defining moments? like an
unexpected opportunity to deliver
cybersecurity awareness training in the UK
and forming strategic partnerships in
Canada? that have shaped my path.
THE FUTURE OF ETUTEKILAB
In 20 25, I created a draft proposal for the
Web Summit Alpha program, which was
accepted, marking a major milestone.
This led to Etutekilab beginning development
on Chatawork, and now with our
participation in Web Summit Lisbon
upcoming, I see these risks as the foundation
for Etutekilab?s growth and the impact I hope
to achieve.
CHERISHIN G CON N ECTION S
While I have not had a formal mentor, I have
been fortunate to work with management
teams who were deeply invested in my
growth. Their encouragement to take on
challenges, provide feedback, and give me
autonomy helped me build confidence,
develop my skills, and shape my
entrepreneurial mindset.
Leading projects, making decisions, and
learning from mistakes were invaluable
experiences.
Along the way, individuals such as Kimberly
N N abue of Data for Good Vancouver,
N atasha Olga Gulati of Essential Impact,
Angelo M alini, and Henry Benetatos, have
also played important roles in my journey,
offering guidance and inspiration. Today, I am
surrounded by a team that shares my goals
and vision.
ADAPTIN G AS PART OF GROWTH
In the early stages, I wore many hats, and I
managed everything, but growth taught me
the value of delegation and building capable
teams.
Empowering others and fostering
collaboration allowed me to focus on the
bigger picture while staying grounded in our
mission and values."

"Now, as I continue my entrepreneurial
journey in Canada, I am drawing on these
lessons? adapting to the demands of a new
market while introducing a holistic approach
to information security.
This balance of adaptability, clear purpose,
and strategic leadership continues to guide
our development and impact.
SHARIN G LESSON S & EXPERIEN CES
My advice for apiring entrepreneurs is to
build for purpose, not just momentum. Early on,
it is easy to chase every opportunity, but
clarity and alignment matter more than
speed.
In the beginning, success was about proving I
could do it? build something credible, deliver
results, and be taken seriously.
Today, success looks more like creating value
sustainably. It is about impact? empowering
small businesses to protect themselves,
helping teams grow, and solving complex
problems in a human way.
From my journey from Poland to the UK to
Canada has taught me that relationships and
reputation often outweigh credentials;
success comes from consistency, curiosity, and
collaboration.
You also do not have to do everything
yourself? ask for help, seek mentors, build
systems early, and protect your well-being.
Ultimately, success is not just about what I
build? it is about who I serve, how I lead, and
what I leave behind.
Etutekilab continues to grow, and our
Chatawork platform? a tool designed to
simplify risk management for small
businesses? has become a central part of
that mission. It is the venture I am most
excited to scale, combining my experience,
my passion for building solutions, and my
commitment to making cybersecurity
approachable for all businesses.
M OVIN G IN TO THE FUTURE
At Etutekilab, we believe that data security
and compliance should be accessible,
understandable, and actionable for every
small and mid-sized business. For too long,
these organizations have been left behind,
struggling to navigate complex regulations
with limited resources and little guidance.
We are changing that. Through tailored
consulting services for highly regulated
sectors and our AI-powered platform,
Chataw ork, we give businesses the tools to
self-assess, strengthen, and maintain their
security and compliance.
Chatawork is like having a virtual CISO and
privacy officer in your pocket? practical,
intuitive, and grounded in real-world
expertise.
But this is about more than services or
software. It is about building a culture where
security becomes a natural part of how
businesses operate, enabling them to thrive
without fear of digital threats.
By fostering trusted partnerships, raising the
standard for information security, and
inspiring others to embrace resilience and
innovation, we are creating lasting change.
Moving into 20 26 , we are seeking partners,
clients, and collaborators who share our
commitment to empowering small and
mid-sized businesses.
If you believe in this mission, we invite you to
join us in shaping a future where every
organization has the tools, confidence, and
knowledge to protect what matters most."
059
M A R G A R E T
E T U T E K IL A B
D IB O R

LA ITH
SA RHA N:
SA RHA N
DA TA LA W
061
Sarhan Data Law is a boutique
Vancouver-based law firm built for the
digital age. Specializing in data law, AI
governance, and privacy compliance, the
firm partners with fast-moving technology
companies that understand trust as a
powerful competitive advantage.
In an era where innovation evolves at
unprecedented speed, Sarhan Data Law
adopts a forward-thinking model that
extends beyond conventional legal
counsel. Acting as an embedded
strategic partner, the firm translates
complex global regulations into
practical, actionable strategies
integrated directly into the product
development lifecycle. This proactive
approach helps clients build safer, more
scalable, and more trustworthy
technologies.
At its core, Sarhan Data Law?s mission is to
enable responsible growth. It views legal
and regulatory frameworks not as
obstacles, but as essential tools for
fostering innovation and strengthening
market positioning. From comprehensive
data governance programs to proactive
product counsel and specialized
transactional support, the firm delivers
tailored solutions that transform
compliance challenges into business
opportunities.
By combining legal expertise with a
deep understanding of emerging
technologies, Sarhan Data Law equips its
clients to navigate the intricacies of AI
and data with confidence? positioning
them to lead responsibly in a rapidly
evolving digital world.

M EET LA ITH.
Laith Sarhan is a data and AI lawyer and
the founder of Sarhan Data Law , a
boutique Vancouver-based firm
specializing in data law, AI governance,
and privacy compliance. His career
journey spans small business, big law,
startups, and enterprise innovation, giving
him a rare perspective on the challenges
facing today?s technology leaders.
Laith?s entrepreneurial foundation was
shaped in his family?s neighbourhood
garden centre, where he learned the
fundamentals of running a business.
After establishing his legal expertise at
Cassels Brock & Blackw ell, he
transitioned into the tech sector as the
first business hire and Director of
Business & Legal Operations at
Semantic Health, an AI healthcare
startup.
There, he developed the company?s legal,
operational, and commercial frameworks,
navigated complex health data
regulations such as HIPAA and PIPEDA,
negotiated high-impact contracts with
hospitals like SickKids, and helped
position the company for a successful
acquisition.
To apply these principles at scale, Laith
joined TELUS and TELUS Health, leading
the ?Consent by Design? program and
building governance frameworks to
institutionalize customer trust across
products and initiatives.
Laith founded Sarhan Data Law to help
innovators embed trust into their
technologies, transforming complex
legal challenges into opportunities for
responsible growth.
IN HIS WORDS
063
"My entrepreneurial spirit was not
sparked by a single moment, but was
absorbed over years at the family dinner
table. I grew up in a family business; a
local garden centre in our
neighbourhood. Conversations in my
family were about managing inventory
for the spring rush, the importance of a
loyal customer base, and how to
weather a rainy season that kept people
away. I saw firsthand that a business is a
living thing that requires constant care,
foresight, and a deep connection to your
community. That was the seed. The desire
to build my own venture came much
later, but the roots were planted there.
My "venture" as a kid was helping out at
the garden centre. I watered plants,
helped unload stock, and built a solid
understanding of the impact of
compounding effort. It was not about
making money for myself, but about
contributing to the family enterprise. The
key lesson was about foundations: you
cannot have a healthy plant without
good soil and strong roots.
A career in law was always my chosen
path, but after establishing a strong
legal foundation at the national firm
Cassels Brock & Blackwell, I realized
that my true calling lay at the
intersection of law and innovation."

065
"I wanted to move beyond advising from
the sidelines and immerse myself in the
fast-paced environments where
groundbreaking technologies are
created and shaped.
A TIM E OF TRAN SITION
After my time in traditional law, I jumped
into the tech world as the first business
hire at Semantic Health, an AI healthcare
startup. I saw brilliant minds building
incredible technology, but the legal and
operational "soil" was not there yet. I
architected the company?s legal and
operational foundation from the ground
up, navigating complex health
regulations like HIPAA and PIPEDA, and
negotiating the pivotal first contracts
with major hospitals like SickKids. Being
in that environment, where you have to be
nimble, practical, and balance
aggressive growth with absolute trust,
was a masterclass. We successfully scaled
the company toward its acquisition.
We were in the early stages, and
everything depended on landing our first
marquee hospital system as a client.
While the "salesperson" in me was
focused on driving the commercial
conversation, the "lawyer" in me knew we
were facing an incredibly rigorous
security and privacy due diligence
process. For a large, cautious institution,
adopting a new AI platform from a small
startup is a massive risk, and I knew the
deal would be won or lost on their trust in
our integrity.
I moved on after we successfully scaled
the company toward its acquisition by
the American Association of
Professional Coders (AAPC). My work
was done, and that experience became
the blueprint for the services I now offer.
I remember the profound realization
during that process: my legal work was
not separate from the sales effort; it was
the sales effort. Our proactive approach
to building a robust compliance
framework was not a roadblock; it was
the very key that unlocked the deal. By
transparently demonstrating our integrity,
we built the trust needed to get the
contract signed.
PASSION REVISITED
I realized then my passion was not just in
practicing law; it was in building the
foundational structures like the
compliance frameworks, the data
governance policies, the commercial
agreements that allow innovative ideas
to grow strong and thrive, especially in a
high-stakes field like health AI.
That experience cemented my belief in
the value of an approach that navigates
that intersection. I learned that for an AI
company, the strongest commercial
relationships are built when the person
driving the conversation can also speak
with deep credibility about the legal and
ethical foundations.
I went to TELUS to see the other side of
the coin: how do you implement these
principles at an enterprise scale? I
spearheaded the " Consent by Design"
program, creating playbooks and
frameworks used by dozens of designers
and product teams.
Today, Sarhan Data Law represents the
culmination of my professional journey,
bringing together the legal rigour and
discipline of a national firm, the
entrepreneurial agility of a startup, and
the strategic foresight gained from
working within a large technology
enterprise."

067
"I founded the firm to serve as more than
a legal advisor? I envisioned a partner
who helps innovators embed trust into
their products and operations,
transforming compliance from a barrier
into a competitive advantage. While
Sarhan Data Law is the first company I
have formally founded, I view my entire
career as a series of confidence building
hands-on ventures? each role building
the expertise, perspective, and purpose
that ultimately shaped this firm.
With that initial validation, I took two
more foundational steps:
Hyper- Specialization: I made a
conscious choice to not be a general
"tech lawyer," but to focus specifically on
being the go-to legal advisor for AI SaaS
companies. This clarity informs every
decision I make, from marketing to
service development.
Productizing M y Services: Instead of
relying solely on the traditional billable
hour, I have designed offerings like
"Product Counsel as a Service" and "AI
Governance Audits." This aligns my work
with the concrete needs and budgets of
my clients.
The next level of elevation is already in
motion. It involves two parallel strategies:
using thought leadership to educate the
market and attract clients who are
already looking for solutions, and
formalizing a strategic referral network
with VCs and technology consultants who
serve the same client base and
understand the value I bring.
FROM EM PLOYEE TO EN TREPREN EUR
The biggest sacrifice was trading the
predictability of a corporate career path
for the profound uncertainty of
entrepreneurship. I walked away from the
security and resources of a company like
TELUS to build something entirely my own.
It has completely reshaped my view of
"work-life balance." Having seen my
parents run our family's garden centre, I
learned early that when a business is
yours, it is not a job you clock out of. The
better model for me is "work-life
integration." Because my firm is a direct
expression of my personal values, the
work is deeply energizing. That said, I am
disciplined about protecting
non-negotiable time for my family and
personal health, because burnout is the
single greatest threat to a founder's
dream.
I knew I was onto something years ago at
Semantic Health. I was working closely
with our machine learning engineers on
data governance, and they described
the experience of working with me as
"refreshing." They were used to lawyers
being roadblocks, but they saw me as a
partner who understood their goals and
helped them innovate safely.
My success is built on the shoulders of
others across three distinct circles of
mentorship. At Cassels, Jeff Durno,
Sam Cole, and Deepak Gill instilled the
rigour and discipline that define legal
excellence.
At Semantic Health, co-founders
N icola Sahar and Hassan Bhatti taught
me the value of technical mastery,
thoughtful execution, and relentless
tenacity in bringing a vision to life. At
TELUS, Pam Snively demonstrated what a
world-class privacy program looks like in
practice, while Elena N ovas modelled
strong, compassionate leadership.
My leadership has evolved with each
role: at Semantic Health, it was about
being an agile, player-coach; at TELUS, it
was about being an influencer who builds
consensus to drive change at scale. Now,
at Sarhan Data Law, it is about being the
visionary founder who is ultimately
accountable for the mission."

"The deepest alignment with my core
values was not found along the journey
but in its very purpose. My background
gave me firsthand insight into how
harmful narratives and unaccountable
systems can marginalize communities,
and I saw the potential for AI to amplify
that harm on a global scale. In that
moment of clarity, I committed to being
more than a reactive advisor? I founded
Sarhan Data Law to be a proactive
partner in building fair, equitable, and
accountable technology from the start.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, I would offer
three pieces of advice. First, niche dow n.
Do not try to be everything to everyone.
Be the absolute best at solving one
specific, important problem for one
specific audience. Second, solve a pain
you have personally felt. My firm exists
to solve the exact friction I experienced
as in-house counsel, and that authenticity
resonates. Third, and most importantly,
be consistent. No matter what you are
building, success comes from the
unglamorous, relentless act of showing up
every single day.
My definition of success has evolved
completely. It used to be about external
markers, like a title at a prestigious firm.
Today, success is defined by
autonomy? the freedom to build a
business that reflects my deepest
values? and impact? the privilege of
helping innovators build a more
responsible and trustworthy future.
The heart of my business is a simple,
powerful belief: in the age of AI, trust is
your most valuable asset.
My firm, Sarhan Data Law, acts as
embedded product and privacy counsel
for innovative AI SaaS companies.
I do not just write memos; I become a
strategic partner who helps you de-risk
innovation and build trust directly into
your technology. Having built these
frameworks from scratch at an AI startup
and scaled them at a tech giant, I
translate complex global regulations into
a practical competitive advantage,
allowing you to move fast and
responsibly.
To grow, I need to connect with two
groups of people:
Founders and leaders of ambitious AI
companies who believe that building
trustworthy technology is the single best
way to win their market.
Strategic partners? VCs, fractional
executives, and technology
consultants? who advise these companies
and understand that getting data
governance and AI ethics right from the
start is critical to their clients' long-term
success.
By the end of 20 26, my vision is for
Sarhan Data Law to be the undisputed
premier boutique law firm for AI
governance and data law in Western
Canada's tech ecosystem.
But the legacy I hope to leave is bigger
than my firm. I want to help shift the
industry's mindset from "move fast and
break things" to "build trust and scale
responsibly."
My impact will be measured by the
success of my clients? the
game-changing, responsible
technologies they launch and the trust
they earn from millions of users. I want to
help build a generation of Canadian
technology that leads the world not just
in innovation, but in integrity."
069
L A IT H
S A R H A N
S A R H A N D A T A L A W

NEEL SINGH,
BRA DY
DA HM ER,
M A RK
FUNSTON,
RUBY SA NDHU:
TROPOLY
071
Tropoly is a strategic brand and
marketing advisory that helps ambitious
companies move faster, grow smarter,
and stand out where it counts.
Neither a traditional consultancy nor a
typical agency, Tropoly is something
different: a team of seasoned
executives, entrepreneurs, and creative
instigators who embed directly into
businesses to deliver clarity, momentum,
and measurable results.
Through its three divisions, Advisory,
Brand Studio, and Impact Labs, Tropoly
partners with clients to build brands that
matter, teams that perform, and
strategies that win.
From fractional leadership and
go-to-market planning to brand
storytelling and organizational change,
the firm integrates seamlessly with
in-house teams to unlock meaningful
growth.
Tropoly has worked with startups,
scale-ups, and global enterprises to help
them break out of stagnation, sharpen
their vision, and lead their markets.
Above all, Tropoly exists for companies
ready to stop playing it safe, and start
making an impact.

M EET THE TEA M
073
N eel Singh ? Partner, Strategy and
Operations
Neel is a business builder with a deep
background in strategic growth, marketing
leadership and brand development. Over
two decades, he has scaled GTM and
marketing functions, driven M&A and
venture capital outcomes, and built
high-performing teams across sectors and
geographies.
Neel thrives on finding clarity in complexity,
designing data-driven growth frameworks,
integrating AI and automation into
operations, and being a force-multiplier to
leadership teams to drive real results.
Brady Dahmer ? Partner, Brand Strategy
and Creative
Brady is a brand strategist and creative
director known for transforming businesses
into unforgettable brands. He has
developed and launched award-winning
identities, campaigns, and experiences for
a roster of global brands and brings a
unique ability to distill vision into visual and
verbal systems that resonate both inside
and outside the company.
Brady leads the creative heart of Tropoly,
ensuring every brand is built to move
markets, shift mindsets, and scale with
purpose.
M ark Funston ? Partner, M arketing and
Communications
Mark is a marketing leader and storyteller
with a knack for translating strategy into
action. With a career spanning agencies,
startups, and corporate roles, he has
helped companies craft narratives, execute
go-to-market strategies, and generate
measurable demand.
Mark also brings expertise in AI integration,
helping businesses automate operations,
personalize customer journeys, and scale
intelligently. At Tropoly, he champions
clarity, culture, and commercial results
through powerful communication.
Ruby Sandhu - Strategic Partnerships &
Ecosystem Grow th
Ruby is a connector, strategist, and
operator who turns relationships into
revenue, and ideas into action. Her career
spans industries including tech,
sustainability, education, and media, where
she?s led cross-sector initiatives, built
high-impact partnerships, and opened new
markets for startups and institutions alike.
From driving multi-stakeholder coalitions to
shaping media strategies for emerging
founders, Ruby brings rigor, insight, and
unshakable follow-through to every
engagement. Her work is rooted in trust
and driven by outcomes, whether she's
navigating the needs of city governments,
VCs, or grassroots communities.
IN THEIR
WORDS
"For each of us, it began with noticing the
gap between what business could be and
what it too often settled for. We started
young, from running hustles in our
neighbourhoods and organizing small
ventures to make money and learning how
to create value from nothing.
In our late teens and early twenties, we had
all taken paths that diverged from the
"norm.""

075
"From founding our first companies in our late
teens, to building successful agencies, and
even owning a restaurant, we learned fast
and early what it takes to make something
from scratch.
We also realized quickly that we did not fit
in the usual corporate box, and it was
restlessness that connected us, an
unwillingness to just ?do the job? without
asking why, and how it could be done
better."
Over time, that restlessness turned into
confidence and conviction, and then into our
calling.
Tropoly was born out of that combined
calling and the ability to help businesses and
leaders scale more, and do it faster. The big
idea was to build something better than a
consultancy or agency: a model where
companies could access the strategic depth
of executives, the creativity of a studio, and
the hands-on presence of embedded
partners.
We kept seeing companies get stuck: paying
too much for mediocre advice or
surface-level campaigns, and we knew there
was a smarter, sharper way to help them
grow. Tropoly became our rebellion against
the status quo: lean, fearless, fully integrated,
and unapologetically different. We designed
it to close the gap between vision and
execution, and we have never looked back.
AT THE BEGIN N IN G
During one of our very first pitches, we told a
founder their brand was forgettable, and
they laughed. Not because it was funny, but
because it was true, and no one else had
dared to say it out loud. That moment broke
the ice and ultimately won us the account.
It was a powerful lesson: people do not want
to be coddled, they want the truth, delivered
with clarity and a path forward. Another
early experience that stuck with us was when
a client came to us in crisis ? growth had
stalled, the team was disillusioned, and
investors were losing patience.
We helped them stabilize, reframe their
story, rebuild their pipeline, and within
months they were back on track. It proved
the model worked.
We evolved from outsiders with everything to
prove to trusted insiders who clients bring
into their most critical conversations, and
learned early on that growth is not about
saying ?yes? to everything.
It is about choosing the right challenges and
saying ?no? to the wrong ones.
Over time, we have refined our frameworks,
expanded our capabilities, and leaned
harder into what makes us different. Every
obstacle, from economic downturns to
sleepless nights and stretched resources,
taught us to stay close to our values and trust
our instincts. That resilience has shaped not
just how we work, but who we work with.
All three of us came into Tropoly with scars
and successes from previous ventures as
founders, executives, and builders. We have
led and scaled marketing teams from
handfuls to multi-faceted departments,
founded award-winning agencies and
consultancies, and even opened a restaurant.
As leaders and advisors, we have taken
companies public and private, been involved
in over half a billion in funding throughout our
careers.
BUILT THROUGH EXPERIEN CE
Tropoly has become the synthesis of all those
experiences: the lessons, the wrong turns, the
wins, and the wisdom, consolidated into a
sharper, more effective approach. We are
good at it because we have done most of it
before. We have made the mistakes before.
We have built from scratch and from messy
foundations. In the end, though, we win
almost every battle we take on.
Scaling for us did not mean hiring dozens of
employees or chasing volume. Scaling meant
keeping it tight; being smarter and more
deliberate."

077
"We invested in building flexible
frameworks that can adapt and apply to
businesses in dozens of industries, and
sought to attract not only big clients, but
ones that really align with our progressive
mindset. We also heavily invested in
building our networks - our greatest
relationships formed through direct
conversation, not templated
email messages."
Scaling to us means building without
compromising principles, whether that is
our own or those of our clients. That means
we have had to make tough calls: walking
away from clients, projects, and
partnerships that did not fit our mission so
we could focus our energy where it
mattered most. The growth of our business
has come from the value our clients place
not only in our expertise, but the real
foundations of how and why we do things.
SACRIFICE SHAPES STREN GTH
Entrepreneurship demands sacrifice:
predictability, weekends, steady
paychecks, and a thousand small
comforts. We have each had to let go of
the illusion of balance at times to build
something meaningful.
That said, we have also learned to fiercely
protect our personal lives, because when
your business is about clarity and courage,
you have to model that for yourself too.
The sacrifices made us sharper, but they
also taught us what not to give up.
When we signed our first retainer client,
someone who specifically sought us out
because we were not corporate and
because we would challenge them, we
knew we had found our market. That early
validation proved there were leaders out
there hungry for more than what agencies
and consultants offered.
More recently, the work we have been
doing in AI and automation to help
companies add practical, high-impact
efficiencies to their business has been
game-changing.
Tropoly has always stood on innovation,
and now is as much a precipice for
success as any in our history.
Over the years, we have been lucky to
have mentors and peers who challenged
us, shared hard-won wisdom, and
kept us honest.
Some of the most meaningful support
came not from the ?big names? but from
colleagues, clients, family, and even
competitors who showed us what
leadership and integrity look like under
pressure.
We stand on the shoulders of people who
remind us that success without soul is not
worth much. Most of the time, this comes
from each of us challenging each other to
think better, do better, and be better.
Over time, we learned to fully embrace
what makes us different: radical honesty,
deep integration, and a relentless focus
on real outcomes, even when those
qualities made conversations
uncomfortable. We stopped trying to fit
into the expectations of what a
?consultant? or ?agency? should be and
leaned into our role as true partners: the
ones willing to say the hard things and
stay in the trenches to help fix them. That
evolution did not just sharpen our work; it
also attracted the right kind of clients
who value clarity over comfort and results
over appearances.
For us, that shift unlocked another truth:
leadership is not about being liked; it is
about being trusted. It is about showing up
consistently, making hard calls, and
putting the mission above personal ego.
Once we stopped chasing approval and
focused on earning trust through courage,
candor, and execution, everything
aligned. Our confidence as a team grew,
our conviction deepened, and the impact
of our work multiplied.
Our advice? Stop waiting to feel ready,
because you never will. Readiness is a
myth we tell ourselves to delay first steps."

079
"The truth is, you figure it out by doing,
not by planning forever. Take imperfect
action, make mistakes, and adjust as you
go. It is a messy journey, but momentum
beats perfection every time.
When you start building your team, hire for
hunger first and skills second. You can
teach someone a craft, but you cannot
teach them character. Surround yourself
with people who care about the mission,
not just the paycheque, and who will tell
you the truth when it matters most.
Finally, do not equate ?bigger? with
?better.? Growth is only meaningful if it
serves your purpose and improves your
impact. Focus on being better first -
sharper, clearer, more intentional - and let
scale follow naturally. Success is not just
about how much you build; it is about how
much of it actually matters.
Too often, visionary founders with
groundbreaking ideas or inventions get so
focused on chasing growth that they lose
sight of what made them special in the
first place. Their vision gets diluted, their
story gets lost, and they risk blending into
the noise of their industry. We exist to
make sure that does not happen.
AM PLIFYIN G VISION BOLDLY
We work with founders and leadership
teams who are building something that
deserves to be seen, businesses with the
potential to transform their category,
disrupt conventions, and create real
impact. Our role is to help proliferate that
vision; to unlock its full commercial,
operational, and cultural potential, and in
doing so, not just transform the business
but shift the industry around it.
Our mission is to deliver meaningful growth
on every front: strategically, by clarifying
the vision and building a plan that actually
works in the real world; operationally, by
embedding in the team and optimizing
how execution happens; and creatively,
by crafting brands and stories that
resonate deeply and move markets.
We help visionary companies grow without
compromise, staying true to what sets
them apart while pushing them further
than they thought possible.
LEADIN G WITH CON VICTION
By 20 26, Tropoly aims to be the partner
companies call when they are ready to
stop playing it safe and start leading with
conviction. We want to set a new standard
for what brand and marketing leadership
can look like: sharper, more integrated,
and more impactful. Our legacy is a trail
of braver, more resilient businesses,
proving that you do not have to sell your
soul to succeed.
We are also leaning heavily into helping
companies cut through the noise around AI
and automation to unlock their real,
practical impact, especially within
go-to-market strategy, marketing
execution, and brand operations. Done
well, these technologies can transform
how a business engages customers, scales
campaigns, and sustains growth. But done
poorly, they become little more than
expensive distractions, chasing shiny
objects with no real ROI.
Tropoly has already helped clients
implement custom AI and automation
solutions that improve lead generation,
personalize customer journeys, optimize
creative workflows, and streamline sales
and marketing processes, all aligned to
their GTM plans and brand vision. We are
looking forward to continuing that work in
the year ahead, ensuring AI and
automation become tools of strategic
advantage, not noise."
N E E L S IN G H
B R A D Y D A H M E R
M A R K F U N S T O N
R U B Y S A N D H U
T R O P O L Y

A M A RJEET
K A UR:
YA LI-
CYBERSHIELD
081
Yali- CyberShield is a comprehensive
destination for modern cybersecurity
solutions, addressing the growing
challenges of today?s digital
landscape. With cyberattacks causing
trillions of dollars in damages annually,
businesses across all sectors? not just
banks or tech firms? are increasingly
vulnerable. Professional services firms,
in particular, face immense pressure to
safeguard client data, maintain trust,
and uphold their reputations.
Operating in the largest managed
security services market in the world,
valued at $94.5 billion across Canada
and the United States Yali-CyberShield
is uniquely positioned to meet these
critical needs.
Our mission is to deliver AI-driven
cybersecurity solutions that empower
businesses with intelligent, automated,
and adaptive digital defences in a
cost-effective way.
Guided by our core values? Integrity,
Trust, Innovation, and Customer
Focus? our vision is to harness the
power of AI for a safer digital future.
Yali-CyberShield specializes in
M anaged Security Services,
Compliance Consulting, and Unified
Security Solutions, seamlessly
integrating and optimizing existing
infrastructures.
Our cutting-edge AI-driven products
reduce visibility gaps, eliminate
technology fragmentation, and enable
automated, trustworthy threat
responses. Additionally, our data
visualization capabilities provide
clarity in complex environments,
enhancing pattern recognition and
facilitating rapid, informed decisions.
At Yali-CyberShield, we deliver
intelligent cybersecurity for an evolving
digital world.

M EET A M A RJEET.
083
Amarjeet Kaur, a dynamic CEO and
Co-Founder, is an accomplished
Cybersecurity Leader, Global Delivery
Executive, and Digital Transformation
Specialist with over 25 years of
experience in the Information and
Communication Technology (ICT)
industry. She currently spearheads a
cybersecurity startup dedicated to
developing innovative, AI-driven
security solutions that address the
evolving digital risks faced by modern
enterprises and underserved sectors.
As a Global Delivery Executive,
Amarjeet has successfully led
mission-critical programs and
large-scale delivery portfolios for
Tier-1 telecom operators and enterprise
security clients across multiple
geographies. Her expertise spans
cybersecurity (SIEM , IAM , VM , AVM ,
Threat Intelligence, SOAR), cloud and
DevOps (Google Cloud, Hybrid Cloud,
DevSecOps), data and AI (business
intelligence, analytics, automation,
AI/ ML), and enterprise solutions (digital
risk management, infrastructure
modernization, compliance
enablement).
In her earlier role at Ericsson India
Global Services Pvt Ltd, Amarjeet
consistently excelled in managing
complex, interdependent programs,
earning her the Impact Aw ard 20 21 for
delivering large-scale projects with
zero downtime, the Galactic Aw ard
20 21 for outstanding leadership, and
multiple Customer Excellence and
Innovation awards.
Amarjeet holds a M aster?s in Computer
Applications (MCA), a B.Com. (Hons.)
from Delhi University, and a GN IIT
diploma in software and professional
practice. She is certified in Prince2,
ScrumM aster, SAFe Agilist, ITIL, Six
Sigma, and other key industry
frameworks.
Guided by a mission to bridge the
digital divide, Amarjeet continues to
leverage her technical acumen and
executive leadership to make
cybersecurity more accessible,
scalable, and impactful for businesses
of all sizes.
IN HER
WORDS
?Entrepreneurship has always been
more than an aspiration for me; it is
part of my lineage. It runs through my
family like a steady current, shaping
how we see the world.
My father was the first entrepreneur I
knew. At an age when most young
people were still deciding what they
wanted to do, he had already
established his first ice cream factory.
As a child, I did not fully understand the
numbers or logistics, but I could feel the
emotional weight behind every
discussion ? the pride of a good
quarter, the sting of a complaint,
and the excitement of trying
something new."

085
"As his vision evolved, he ventured into
polythene manufacturing. By the time I
was a teenager, I had a front?row seat
to the highs and lows of running a
business.
I was not just an observer; I challenged
some of the unsustainable practices he
had inherited. It was a small step, but it
taught me what it means to drive
impact.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Growing up in India in the 1990 s,
entrepreneurship did not have the buzz
it carries today, but in our house, it was
a way of life.
Dinner conversations revolved around
production delays, new machinery, and
creative marketing ideas. My brother
and I were encouraged to offer
suggestions, help operationally, and
find ways to improve things. Whether
suggesting more efficient packaging,
streamlining inventory, or drafting
product labels, we were taught that
ideas mattered, no matter our age.
That spirit extended into our
community. One of my favourite
memories is the Dussehra event my
brother and I organized in our
neighbourhood park.
What began as a casual idea quickly
became a full?scale operation ?
coordinating logistics, working with
local vendors, renting sound systems,
arranging food stalls, and managing
crowds.
The event was a huge success. While
turning a profit as teenagers felt
rewarding, the bigger lesson was
learning how to rally people, adapt
when things went wrong, and create
something meaningful for others.
Alongside these ventures, my passion
for science grew. I was deeply involved
in school science fairs, where
classrooms became labs for practical,
inventive projects.
These were more than exercises for
applause; they taught me to ask, ?What
problem needs fixing, and how can I
solve it?? That mindset ? seeing the
world not only as it is but as it could be
? has guided everything I have built
since.
A SEED TAKES ROOT
While my early experiences grounded
me in business fundamentals, my
curiosity pulled me toward technology.
During my undergraduate years, I
became fascinated with computers.
What started as casual interest
evolved into serious pursuit as I taught
myself to code, realizing that software,
like entrepreneurship, is about building
something from nothing.
This curiosity led to roles at
multinational companies like HCL
Technologies and later Ericsson,
where I spent nearly a decade working
in artificial intelligence and
cybersecurity. These were more than
job titles; they were training grounds.
Leading cross?functional teams across
geographies taught me how to
collaborate, listen, and lead. But over
time, a familiar yearning returned: the
desire to build something of my own.
Though I thrived in corporate roles, I
craved autonomy ? the chance to
craft vision, not just execute roadmaps.
That turning point came one evening
over dinner with friends from different
domains."

087
"What began as venting became
brainstorming, and we uncovered a
glaring truth: artificial intelligence was
rapidly reshaping cybersecurity
threats, yet small and medium?sized
enterprises remained defenceless,
trapped between overpriced tools
and overwhelming complexity.
FROM SPARK TO REALITY
The first step was grounding our vision
in reality. Cybersecurity threats,
especially AI?driven attacks, are
evolving faster than most businesses
can manage. Conversations with
founders, NGO leaders, and tech
professionals revealed that existing
tools were too complex, fragmented,
or costly. They wanted simplicity,
automation, and peace of mind.
In that moment, Yali?CyberShield was
conceived ? not from a business plan,
but from shared frustration and a
desire to solve a real problem. We
envisioned a unified, AI?powered
platform to democratize
enterprise?grade cybersecurity for
smaller businesses.
We started small: late?night calls,
whiteboard sketches, and market
validation surveys. Turning vision into
product was far from easy.
Transitioning from corporate to startup
meant doing ten things at once with
little support. It was humbling yet
liberating, teaching me to embrace
discomfort and focus on validating
one step at a time.
Wearing many hats quickly became
the norm ? from product management
to compliance and team coordination.
Prioritization was essential.
We built a simple roadmap, set weekly
goals, and let go of what did not
matter. I also assembled a
cross?functional team to complement
my cybersecurity expertise, focusing
on growth, operations, and
partnerships.
Together, we mapped a disciplined
MVP with three core modules:
AI?powered threat detection,
simplified compliance tracking, and
actionable alerts for non?technical
users.
Imposter syndrome hit hard as I shifted
from corporate leader to founder
seeking trust. Mentorship, accelerator
programs, and seasoned
entrepreneurs reminded me that
expertise evolves through adaptability.
I leaned on their guidance, joined
founder communities, and built a
strong peer network to refine
strategies and avoid costly missteps.
We learned that building in a
fast?moving field requires constant
iteration.
Cybersecurity changes hourly, and
artificial intelligence evolves even
faster. We prioritized creating a
stable, secure, and user?friendly
product ? simplifying workflows,
iterating based on feedback, and
pivoting when needed.
We scrapped wireframes, renamed
features, and redesigned our roadmap
to ensure real value for users. Progress
over perfection became our mantra,
and resilience ? not just technical
expertise ? kept us executing through
setbacks."

089
"Building Yali?CyberShield also
required personal sacrifices. Late?night
calls across time zones, working
weekends, and skipping social events
became routine. I traded rest for pitch
decks, wireframes, and grant
applications. Leaving a steady
paycheck meant evaluating every
expense as an investment, learning to
live lean and spend intentionally. These
sacrifices reshaped me. I became more
deliberate with my time, worked
smarter, and embraced purposeful
sacrifice as a path to resilience.
The first real moment of clarity came
during a call with a director from a
small nonprofit in Canada.
Her organization handled highly
sensitive data but had zero
cybersecurity policies, no IT team, and
no backup plan. When I asked what
she would do if her systems were
breached, she paused and said,
?Honestly, I would not even know where
to start.? That sentence changed
everything.
Weeks later, another pivotal moment
came. A SaaS founder told me after
seeing our prototype, ?This is exactly
the kind of tool we wish we had during
our last compliance audit.? It was our
first validation that this was not
theoretical ? it was desperately
needed.
Just then, Canadian government
initiatives provided an unexpected
springboard. What began as a
personal mission suddenly felt backed
by national momentum.
Canada?s revamped cyber framework,
driven by Bill C?26 , the reintroduced
Bill C?8, and the 20 25 N ational Cyber
Security Strategy, created major
opportunities for agile startups. For
Yali?CyberShield, this convergence
means funding access, marquee
contracts, and a role in co?designing
Canada?s secure digital future.
LIFE LESSON S LEARN ED
Entrepreneurship has taught me that
support is not a luxury ? it is strategy.
It sharpens decisions, prevents costly
mistakes, and keeps you grounded. I
have learned to ask questions, seek
mentors, and learn faster than I fail.
Build with purpose, not just for
product?market fit ? your product may
pivot, but your purpose should ground
you.
I no longer define success by user
growth or media buzz but by
persistence, impact, and the ability to
build with integrity. I protect my energy
like equity, setting boundaries,
celebrating small wins, and staying
human. And I start before I am ready.
The best things I have built began when
I was unprepared but willing to take
the first step.
A M ISSION DEFIN ED
At Yali?CyberShield, our mission is
simple yet ambitious: to simplify and
democratize cybersecurity and
compliance for startups and growing
businesses. In an AI?driven world where
threats evolve rapidly, lean teams are
often left behind, juggling complex
compliance requirements and costly
enterprise?grade tools that were never
designed for them."

091
"Our platform addresses this gap ? a
smart, accessible cybersecurity and
compliance engine that supports SOC2,
ISO 270 0 1, and PCI?DSS.
With intuitive workflows, real?time risk
dashboards, and AI?driven threat
insights, Yali?CyberShield delivers
enterprise?level protection without
enterprise overhead.
WE ARE READY TO SCALE
We are seeking a Canadian?based
Sales and Partnership Lead to drive
North American traction and expand
our pipeline of early adopters.
We are also inviting startups preparing
for SOC2 or ISO to join our early access
program with lifetime discounted
pricing and dedicated support.
Lastly, we welcome advisors with North
American compliance expertise to help
us accelerate our mission.
By the end of 20 25, our goal is to
become the go?to cybersecurity and
compliance platform for early? and
growth?stage startups across North
America, with 10 0 + active customers
and strategic partnerships with
incubators, legal firms, and
accelerators.
By 20 26, we want to be more than a
tool ? we want to be a movement.
Our mission is to level the playing field:
giving small teams big capabilities,
reducing audit prep from months to
hours, and helping non?technical
founders build trust with enterprise
buyers.
Our purpose is clear: to make
cybersecurity intuitive, lower the barrier
to compliance, and foster a culture of
proactive, values?driven security for the
next generation of builders.
Additionally in 20 26, we will launch
our Security for Startups Fellow ship,
host cyber literacy workshops with
universities, and grow a diverse
team that reflects the inclusivity
we champion.
Our mission is bigger than software. If
we can help even one brilliant idea
reach the world faster because their
security was in our hands, we will have
succeeded."
A M A R J E E T
C E O ,
K A U R
Y A L I-C Y B E R S H IE L D

LYNDSA Y
M A LCHUK :
GLOBA L
PRESENTER
093
Lyndsay M alchuk?s journey through
the world of marketing did not begin
in a boardroom, it began with
instinct, curiosity, and a deep
understanding of human connection.
Straight out of high school, while
many were still deciding what to do
next, Lyndsay jumped headfirst into
the world of marketing.
Her early years were spent learning
the mechanics, campaign strategy,
consumer behavior, and the art of
persuasion, but what set her apart
then, as it still does now, was an
unteachable sense for why people
buy, believe, and belong.
She formalized that foundation at
Capilano College (now Capilano
University), where she sharpened her
skills in communication and media.
But it was her time at Red Academy,
immersed in digital marketing,
where her trajectory shifted into
high gear.
There, she worked hands-on with
real-world clients, from professional
soccer teams to financial lenders,
gaining invaluable experience
across industries. That early
versatility set the tone for what
would become a dynamic and
multi-sector care.

095
AN N ON - LIN EAR PATH
Lyndsay followed a calling that led
her in front of the camera, as an
actor, host, and storyteller. Those
years spent on set sharpened a rare
skill: the ability to connect
emotionally, quickly, and
authentically. She did not just
perform, she felt, and more
importantly, she made audiences
feel something too. This was not just
acting, it was market research in its
rawest, most human form.
Eventually, that creative instinct
looped back into marketing, but this
time, the landscape had changed.
Digital platforms had taken over,
attention spans had shrunk, and
brands were no longer just
products, they were personalities.
It was here that Lyndsay?s hybrid
experience became her greatest
asset. She understood brand like a
marketer, voice like a writer, and
presence like a performer.
Today, Lyndsay stands at the
intersection of business and
storytelling as a global on-camera
capital markets reporter, bringing
clarity and energy to complex
financial narratives.
Whether she is breaking down
market moves, interviewing CEOs,
or uncovering the deeper currents
shaping today?s economy, she does
it all with trademark poise and
depth.
M ULTI- FACETED TALEN T
She currently works closely
on-camera with publicly traded
CEOs across a multitude of sectors,
including mining, technology,
medical innovation, and
cryptocurrency, blending insight,
accessibility, and emotional
intelligence into every exchange.
At the core of it all is a simple but
transformative belief: brands that
make people feel, win. Whether
she's hosting market conversations,
shaping narratives for growth-stage
companies, or helping leaders find
their voice, Lyndsay brings polish
and real connection to every
interaction.
Her career is proof that the best
marketers, and the best reporters
aren?t just strategic. They are
empathetic, intuitive, and fiercely
human. And Lyndsay Malchuk is all
of that? on-camera and off.

IN HER WORDS
097
"My entrepreneurial instinct was
sparked remarkably early. I was no
more than ten years old when I found
myself sitting in my Uncle Ed?s office,
one of my greatest role models,
perched above the gleaming
showroom of his dealership.
He turned to me and asked, ?Lyndsay,
what do you want to do when you
grow up?? I responded without
hesitation, ?I want to run a company.
A big one.?
He paused and followed up with a
question that would shape my entire
trajectory, ?And how do you plan to
do that?? I glanced around, absorbed
the energy of the space, and said, ?By
listening to what people need, and
building a company around that. I
want to lead a business filled with
people who also listen.?
That moment became a personal
manifesto. Not long after, I began
laying the groundwork for my very
first venture. It was the beginning of
a journey fueled by intuition,
empathy, and a deep commitment to
human connection, values that remain
at the center of everything I do
today.
The first venture I brought to life was
a neighborhood dog- w alking
business that I started with a
childhood friend in sixth grade. We
hand-crafted flyers, delivered them
door to door, and within weeks, we
had a steady clientele, eight dogs,
twice a week, twenty dollars an hour.
At the time, it was simple. People
needed help, and we were eager to
step in. But beneath the surface, the
real lesson began to crystallize. If you
listen to what people need and
respond with integrity, you can create
something meaningful. That idea
would become a lifelong
cornerstone for me.
As our schoolwork and home
responsibilities inevitably took
priority, the business faded, but the
experience taught me something
powerful. Consistency is
non- negotiable. You must show up
with the same energy and
commitment when things are difficult
as you do when they are easy.
You have to keep listening, keep
adjusting, and above all, stay
present. That early lesson has stayed
with me in every stage of my
professional life.
047

"In my early twenties, I launched an
image consulting and event planning
firm.
I was driven, creative, and full of
vision. But one of my earliest, and
humblest, lessons came from a
decision to build the website myself. It
was an ambitious attempt that
quickly revealed a blind spot.
The technical side of the business was
simply not my strength. The end
product failed to convey the brand?s
tone, presence, or message. That
misstep became a pivotal turning
point. It taught me that
self-awareness is one of the most
important traits an entrepreneur can
develop.
You cannot be exceptional at
everything, and you should not try to
be. The smartest leaders are the ones
who recognize their limitations and
invite collaboration where it is
needed. That lesson of staying in your
lane and allowing others to shine in
theirs has shaped how I operate to
this day.
Over time, my journey has evolved
from building brands behind the
scenes to telling pow erful stories in
front of the camera on a global
stage.
I now travel the w orld as a capital
markets reporter, speaking with
visionary CEOs, change-makers, and
entrepreneurs across every sector,
from mining and technology to
medicine and cryptocurrency. The
greatest gift in this evolution has
been the opportunity to sit across
from these individuals and give them
something truly meaningful: a
platform. A chance to tell their story
with passion, with grit, and often, with
hope.
One of the most profound lessons I
have learned is that emotional
intelligence is essential to
everything. You must listen, not to
respond, but to truly understand.
Whether I am interviewing a global
executive, strategizing with a
founder, or helping a company refine
its message, the ability to be fully
present is what drives connection and
builds trust. Authenticity cannot be
manufactured. It has to be felt.
What continues to shape my path is
not just the stories I tell, but the
privilege of being allowed into them.
Every conversation is a reminder
that success is not defined by scale
alone, it is defined by meaning,
impact, and how deeply we allow
ourselves to connect with others."
099
L Y N D S A Y
G L O B A L
M A L C H U K
P R E S E N T E R

PORTFOLIO.YVR
VOLUM E 3 / ISSUE 7 / SPECIA L EDITION
Helen Siw ak , EIC & Publisher
Special Guest Editor: Ritchie Po
EcoLux Luv Communications & M ark eting Inc.
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BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURS
WEB SUM M IT SPECIA L EDITION
VOLUM E 3 | ISSUE 7
K A SSA NDRA LINK LA TER
M A RY CA RM ICHA EL
A LI A LA M E
IRINA M A NOLESCU
M A RGA RET DIBOR
LA ITH SA RHA N
TROPOLY
A M A RJEET K A UR
LYNDSA Y M A LCHUK