Finding out more from William…

1. Because we’re XYBOOM, what generation do you belong to? Generation X – right smack in the middle of it.

2. What has been the most unexpected experience/encounter on your journey to meaningful work? If I follow my passions and stay true to my values, things always work out (though there are definitely bumpy, anxious points along the way).

3. If you could go back and give your 2010 self one piece of advice, what would it be? I wasn’t much younger in 2010 so my advice wouldn’t be all that interesting. If I could go back farther, it would be to reassure my 30 year old self to follow my instincts. I worried at times that my job-hopping and general dissatisfaction with my work was indicative of a troublesome trend, when in fact I was finding my place, where I belonged and where I didn’t.

4. Career decision that scared you the most: Leaving a job I coveted and mostly loved because it was at an unethical digital sweatshop. Putting my values above my livelihood was terrifying, but a major moment in my life.

5. Career investment that has paid off the most: Do what you love and the money will follow. And be a little more patient than I am normally inclined to be.

6. Name one Vancouver-based community non-profit whose social impact work you value/appreciate/admire: I am partial to the Vancity Community Foundation because they do work in so many systemic areas key to the future of Vancouver such as social enterprise and community-owned real estate.

7. TV Character Alter Ego: I don’t watch much television. I have been loving Sonic Highways by Dave Grohl and totally loving it! So can I say Dave Grohl, or is that terribly pretentious?