“My skills learned at Concordia, both in class and as a Stingers football player, have allowed me to excel in various positions.”
As vice-president of Sales and Business Development for Central and Northern Ontario of CI Investments, Devendra Maharajh handles $3.7 billion in assets from Assante Wealth Management. The investment giant is charged with looking after the assets of about 1.3 million Canadians.
Maharajh says his studies at Concordia were instrumental to his success: “My skills learned at Concordia, both in class and as a Stingers football player, have allowed me to excel in various positions.”
Proudest professional moment
“Seeing my name on our daily companywide national sales figures memo. I had received a promotion from associate vice-president to vice-president and that day, when the report came in, my name was inscribed next to the addition of assets to our company. After working tirelessly for five years, I felt immensely proud.”
Biggest professional challenge
“I am about 20 years younger than my average client. This means I have to work harder to build a rapport and trust. I have really learned how to be open-minded and listen to what someone is saying so that I have the opportunity to connect with them on common ground. Ultimately, it’s helped me grow a lot as a person.”
Best career advice
“Always be honest, respectful and humble. In Toronto, the ‘street’ is a very small place and you are only as good as your reputation.”
Prof who made all the difference
“During my first year at Concordia, my calculus teacher really inspired and motivated me. It was by far my worst subject in high school and with his attention and care, I was able to get a high mark in this course.”