Asian Star- Anu Srivastav

Native Village/Country parent’s background

I hail from the princely city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. My father was Chief Controller of Northern Railways, a division of Indian Railways and my mother was stay home mum.

Your Early Education

I did Masters in Statistics, Lucknow University, India.

When & Why You came to Canada

In 2004, I pursued an opportunity as Sales Manager in Dubai and subsequently I decided to immigrate to Canada realising that Dubai had restrictive settling opportunities.

Your career advancement initiatives, volunteer work and present occupation:

Continuing education and embracing the innovative career goals has been helpful along with fostering healthy relationships; I completed MBA from University of Alberta along with many other short-term courses from the UofA.

I have volunteered regularly at the Food Bank, Junior Achievement & Edmonton Meals on Wheels as well as an active member of the vibrant Southeast Indian Community here in Edmonton

I currently lead a team of risk professionals in a leading Chartered Bank as Assistant Vice President, Quality Assurance & Special Loans headquartered in Edmonton.

Your Regret in Life

God has been great & there have not been too many regrets so far; and each roadblock brought in tremendous opportunity to learn and even painful emotions like regret has been powerful sources of inspiration; If I were to pick one regret, I wish I had taken more time off and taken family on more holidays and now that kids are grown up, this opportunity seems in scarce. We all remember all our trips as a family.

Pick Any One of Your Best Achievements

Professionally, I’d say, passing GMAT at the age of 46 with scores high enough to get a seat in MBA program at University of Alberta and completing the course with honours has been a proud accomplishment.

Personally, starting a weekly Radio Karaoke Show during Covid situation has been a dream come true and thankfully my audience Globally has showered their love and support around the Globe.

Were You Ever Discriminated?

Discrimination is inevitable, and sometimes its hard to tell if I was discriminated. I have always worked for large Corporates who all are fair employers. We all have our own prejudices and its up to us how we carry those in our day-to-day interactions. It takes time to accept what we don’t like at first and this is where our adaptability & being ambassadors of change management help… I have been far too lucky than others as discrimination didn’t ever come in my way.

Are You Happy in Canada?

Yes, and beyond words.

Any Comments on Canada’s Culture

Canada’s culture can be best described as multicultural. The words sorry, please & thank you are best learnt here; Inclusive culture is the foundation that is built on courtesy & mutual respect. It’s built on hard work and punctuality. Thinking about the society is as important as thinking about oneself. Philanthropy starts at tender age where kids as old as 10 or even younger who will donate all money raised by selling lemonade, cookies, chocolates etc. As a Canadian, we all feel happy helping those who need us the most. And most beautifully, we all do it with humility and compassion

Any Comments on Canada’s Weather

It has left us with no other choice but to love it. It’s a marriage without a separation or divorce and constantly reminds us all that the coin has both sides; until you love the flip side, you will never be able to appreciate the good side. Canadian weather has made us both mentally & physically tough, plus makes us so appreciative of what we have. 

What Brought You Success in Canada?

Have you ever played in a bouncy castle? The harder you fall, higher you swing back, only if each one of us is ready to use the fall as our launching pad.  Adaptability, and willingness to stay positive, and never stop learning attitude has surely helped. Besides all, the great support of my significant half, Jaya Singh has been a boon. 

Are You Willing to Help New Immigrants and How?

I have always had an open-door policy in listening to those who wants to be heard; New immigrants need to embrace the new culture and be willing to adapt new ways to define success. Slow and steady will always win the game. I will never give them a fish, however, will show them how to fish!!

Your Message for Canadians of Asian Origin

Be ready to lose some battles to win a war,

And If I may quote to be clearer,

Not everyday is a good day, show up anyway; Not everyone tells the truth, trust anyway; Not everyone will love you back, love anyway; Not every game will be fair, play anyway.