Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an extraordinary guest who is an example for women in leadership—Amri Murray. She made a big decision during her maternity leave, which changed her pursuit as a professor. She talked about what work-life balance really means to her. Amri is now a Licensed Paralegal, Entrepreneur, and Educator with a remarkable journey in the legal world. As the Founder and Business Owner of AJ Murray Legal Services P.C., You can find Amri Murray at https://www.ajmurraylaw.ca/Amri has been providing top-notch legal services for over six years, specializing in landlord and tenant disputes, small claims court, human rights, and more. Her dedication to securing the best outcomes for her clients is unmatched.But Amri’s story doesn’t stop there. Her commitment to the legal profession extends beyond client advocacy. She tutored aspiring paralegals preparing for their licensing exams. Her passion for mentoring future legal professionals speaks volumes about her dedication to giving back and shaping the next generation of leaders.Amri’s impact isn’t limited to the courtroom or classroom. She actively volunteers with Reach Canada, providing pro bono legal services to individuals with disabilities in Ottawa, helping them navigate complex legal matters with compassion and care. She also serves on the Paralegal Education & Advocacy Committee for the County of Carleton Law Association (CCLA), where she champions professional development and knowledge-sharing for paralegals in Eastern Ontario.So, if you’re considering a career in law, wondering what it takes to run a successful legal practice, or simply curious about the journey of a driven and passionate legal entrepreneur, this episode is for you!

Join Sandra Yuk-Sim Wu—artist-turned-leader, MBA, PMP,and Executive Certified in Management and Leadership—as she shares her unconventional career journey and insights on navigating career and education choices.

From her beginnings as an artist and art teacher to herroles in healthcare, education, and international business, Sandra’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention, lifelong learning, and purposeful decision-making. Because success isn’t a straight line—it’s a canvas, layered with experiences, risks, and new opportunities.

She’ll also invite business-minded, like-minded leaders,entrepreneurs, and change-makers to share their own journeys.

Each episode will inspire you to embrace change, leverageyour unique strengths, and design a future filled with purpose and possibility.

Welcome to Career Canvas with Sandra Wu — the podcastwhere creativity meets strategy to shape a career and life you love.

Today’s guest, Ali Pahlavani, is proof that your career pathdoesn’t have to be linear to be successful.

Ali started his career as a civil engineer — a world rootedin structure, analysis, and problem-solving. However, his curiosity and passion for working with people led him to make a bold pivot into financial services. Armed with an analytical mindset from his engineering background, Ali quickly found his footing in the world of investment strategies, wealth management, and financial planning — eventually becoming a Certified Financial Planner.

His leadership skills didn’t go unnoticed. Ali rose toexecutive roles at major financial institutions, driving business development, and operational strategy, and fostering a culture of innovation. Beyond the corporate world, Ali is also a passionate advocate for the financial services profession.

Through his involvement with Advocis, the Financial AdvisorsAssociation of Canada, he’s held leadership roles both locally and nationally — championing the voice of financial advisors across the country.

Today, Ali continues to work closely with clients as aCertified Financial Planner with Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network and Desjardins Financial Security Investments Incorporation, combining his technical expertise with a deeply human approach to financial planning.

But what really sets Ali apart is his passion for giving itback. As a professor, mentor, and educator, he loves helping the next generation of financial professionals — and even shares his best tips on teaching financial literacy to children!

This is a conversation about career pivots, transferableskills, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Let’s dive in — and start painting the canvas of yourcareer, one bold stroke at a time.