Leader

Man Of The Week – Zeeshan Hayat

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Our newest Man Of The Week is someone who’s faced his fair share of hardships growing up, from seeing his mother pass away right before his eyes at the age of six, to moving from Pakistan to Canada at the age of nine, Zeeshan Hayat never let his determination to succeed in life dampen. Zeeshan has never known any other career than entrepreneurship, and from the young age of 22 he took the bold step to launch his first company without any prior work experience or funding. A man that doesn’t shy away form the tough decisions in life, Zeeshan’s perseverance and determination, along with support from an incredible wife Karina, have helped grow his business into a multimillion dollar organization that medically serves millions across North America. Today, Zeeshan is the CEO of Prizm Health, which he co-founded with his wife Karina. A man driven by passion, Zeeshan’s desire to leave a legacy that inspires future generation is well-balanced with quality family time and exercise. As many serial entrepreneurs, his desire to give back to the community is ever-present, since 2007 the initiatives he has led with Prizm Health, they have successfully donated over 40,000 meals and supplies to those in need in Vancouver and the Downtown East Side.

Age – 36

What do you do? (Work)
I am the CEO and Co-founder of Prizm Health. My drive and vision has taken the company from a small college venture to a multimillion dollar business that serves some of the largest mail order durable medical equipment and pharmacies across US and Canada.
Prizm Health started as a lead generation firm, called Prizm Media that connects consumers suffering from chronic conditions with healthcare companies at their point of need. While building Prizm with my co-founder and wife Karina Hayat, we looked for a solution to further help people with pre-diabetes and diabetes which led us to develop our E-Health Ecosystem. Now we are transforming people’s health outcome and ultimately their quality of life through personalized interventions.
Before becoming a serial entrepreneur, I competed at a national level for Taekwondo. Learning Taekwondo gave me the discipline, ethics, and integrity needed to lead Prizm Health.
I also blog for the Huffington Post where I share my expertise in how technology is changing the healthcare industry and what the future will bring.

Why do you do it?
Because I love it. If I didn’t love my job and what I do than I would look to build a company that reflected my passion.

How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
For Business– I help make a difference in the health industry. At Prizm, we are making a change in people’s lives by connecting people with healthcare providers they desperately need to achieve their optimal health. Through our app Kudolife, we are personalizing people’s health.
Health, nutrition, and fitness should not be categorized. There is no one size fits all when it comes to people’s health. Our bodies are all different and through Kudolife, we hope to give people the personalization they need to reach their health and fitness goals. Kudolife uses machine learning and AI to give users personalized meal plans that will help optimize their health for the long term.
Personal side– For me I enjoy giving back to the community. I do this by giving back to the people closest to us and who need help- the Vancouver downtown eastside. It is important to give back to those in need and doing what is necessary to help them get back on their feet. Wether it is by giving them food, basic toiletries or by having a conversation.
Family- Giving back to my family by being present and not always being away or distracted by technology is vital. When you are around family or friends, it is important always to be present, or else life could just pass you by.
Self- Taking the time out of my day to go on a bike ride is important. By taking care of my physical, I can continue to stay fresh and be motivated to lead Prizm Health.

What are 3 defining moments in your life?
– When I saw my mother pass away infront of my eyes at the age of 6
– Moving to Canada at the age of 9 with my grandparents from Pakistan
– Starting my own family and company

What is your life purpose?
There have always been three main things I focus on. Number one and the most important one is to to provide a good life for my family. The second is to build a legacy that provides a service to help improve and individualize health. The third one is to continue to support the community around me and to help people who are in need.

How did you tap into it?
For me, it was about prioritizing and understanding what is important for me personally. My family felt the most important since I have no siblings. I receive that satisfaction of what I missed in my childhood by seeing my children grow.
I have never had any other career in my life besides being an entrepreneur, and I want to see it grow where we make a real difference in a person’s life. Building your own company and seeing it take off is the real legacy of an entrepreneur. When I first started Prizm 15 years ago, I would have never foreseen where I would be today. Now looking forward and seeing us become a global leader might be hard to imagine but I know if can become a reality. Being able to grow Prizm Health into the success it is today is proof that we can achieve the future.

Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
It would be prophet, Muhammad. As a Muslim, we are supposed to look up to him and care for the people around us. In that sense, I would say he is my role model.

Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
Staying on schedule and being organized is my daily habit. Also, no matter how busy I am I make sure that I spend time with my children every single day. As a family, we all get together to have breakfast with each other every morning. Another important daily habit that I try to be consistent with is stretching every morning. I struggle with this, but after a morning stretch, I noticed that I started to become more flexible and felt more energized and ready for the day ahead.

When do you know your work/life balance is off?
I like to exercise at least 4-5 times a week. If I don’t workout, I begin to feel frustrated and over worked.  Taking the time to exercise helps me relax and gives me time to feel fresh again. As for family, if I had to choose between a bike ride or to spend time with kids. My kids are always the first choice. It is all about prioritizing and understand what will make you happier.

Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us.
Going all in and taking the leap to start my own business at 22 years old with no experience or funding.

What did you learn from it?
The biggest lesson learned is that you can do anything if you put all of your energy and minds into it. My motivation was that I saw others starting successful businesses. I thought “If they can do it then we can too.” We had to give it our 100% and learn how to make the best possible decisions in the process.

If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
Never Give up. Once you set your mind to something do whatever you can to get there.

How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
Having a good understanding of each other and being supportive is one way.
My co-founder/wife and I share a family together and for us, it is important to know how to support each other when things don’t go as planned.  When we come across a problem, we can apply our entrepreneurial skills to find the solutions. We never just talk about the problem we both actively work hard together to seek its solution.

Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
In addition to pledging 2.5% of Prizm Media’s after-tax profits to charity, I also spearhead several initiatives and donate to causes close to my heart. The charitable campaign “100 Meals a Week” is a weekly initiative led by myself and Karina that supports the less fortunate on “Skid Row” in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside. We have motivated friends, family, and the Prizm Health team to provide over 40,000 meals and necessities since 2007.
More recently, my wife and I are sponsoring a Syrian refugee family. We are currently preparing to help the family assimilate to life in Canada.
Other activities we are a part of include partnering up with Homeless on Hastings organization to help give out meals to homeless youth. We have also recently started going to local high schools to teach courses on entrepreneurship and help students develop their leadership skills.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be
I don’t think I could think of just one.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Professionally I see myself as a market leader in healthcare digital and marketing and innovation.

What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
I would want to be looked at as someone who was helpful to its community, as well as someone who worked hard to grow wiser. I would want my children to look at me as a role model.
For my company, I want to grow it into a huge cooperation that is driven towards making a difference in people’s health. In the end, I want to be looked upon as a leader in the MHealth field.

What One book would you recommend for any Man?
The autobiography of Steve Jobs. I look at him as a leader. As a business man, I look up to him as a role model, but I do not look up to him for his personal life. He couldn’t support his family, but I admire his ability to give it all to his company.

If you know a Man that is making a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]

Man Of The Week – Elliot Costello

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From a very young age Elliot Costello’s life was influenced by his exposure to marginalized people, as his father was a lawyer and baptist, and his mother was heavily involved in not-for-profits. Being around those less fortunate was something of a norm. Seeing the values of his parents in action on a daily basis further cemented Elliot’s belief of community and how vital of a role they play in moving society forward. It seems only natural that Elliot sought volunteer experiences in developing nations while studying for his Bachelors and Masters. In 2008, Elliot and his friends wanted to volunteer in Africa but were asked to cough up over $5000 each to volunteer, which seemed wasteful. Not satisfied with the system in place, Elliot and his friends decided to cut out the intermediary, and thus ‘Y Generation Against Poverty’ (YGAP) was born. Their vision and approach are as simple as they are empowering, a world without poverty and the importance of empowering local people to solve local problems. Their main projects all focus on youth education and today they are active in six countries across Asia, Africa & Australia.
Elliot and YGAP’s most recent campaign, titled ‘Polished Man’, is centred around creating awareness and raise funds for the 1 in 5 children globally who will suffer physical and sexual violence before the age of 18. The campaign stems from Elliot’s visit to a village in Cambodia, where he met a little girl named Thea who was sexually abused. During their meeting, Elliot felt a love and playfulness in Thea’s eyes, little did he know that her tragic yet hopeful story would be the start of a global movement. For more information and to donate, head over to www.polishedman.com
Age: Just turned 31.
What do you do? (Work)
I am the CEO of YGAP; a movement of entrepreneurs that changes lives. We find and enable impact entrepreneurs in some of the world’s most disadvantage communities. We fund our work by running creative fundraising Campaigns and by owning and operating a range of social enterprises.
Why do you do it?
I strong believe we can live in a world without extreme poverty but achieving this requires bold and innovative approaches. Our work is changing the approach of traditional international development by dropping colonial, post WWII, methodologies to instead focus on supporting the local impact entrepreneurs with their ideas to tackle poverty on the frontline.
How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
Predominately work
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
– First trip to India in 2004 with my best friend working and living in some of India’s most challenging areas
– Starting YGAP in 2008 with a group of friends
– Quitting my job in the corporate world in 2013 to go into full-time work with the non-profit I helped start; YGAP.
What is your life purpose?
Support my family and friends on their journey of philanthropy. I believe every single person has the capacity – in some way – to help change the world.
How did you tap into it?
There was no moment or life changing experience, it was just an evolved passion. I was always working on socially motivated causes and soon realised how many people around me were keen to do the same. YGAP has become a vehicle for others to share their skills and passion, motivated by the outcomes we have.
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
My strongest role model would be William Wilberforce. As a British MP, at the age of just 23 years old, he led the abolition movement to end Britain’s dependence on the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
A cup of tea (English Breakfast) after every meal I eat. I can’t live without one!
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
When I hit an absolute wall. I am not too good at picking up the signs that my work/life balance is out of whack; instead I notice when it’s too late. Something I need to change.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us.
Vulnerability is such an important trait to recognise for all men. A YGAP Board Member once said to me: “Elliot, you are super capable, super confident, but you are not prepared to be vulnerable.” This really struck me. Because he is right.
What did you learn from it?
I had to change my leadership approach and style. Given this, I have tried to show my staff and key volunteers that I am not perfect and I am capable of being vulnerable too.
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
Displaying and expressing vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. I learnt this the hard way.
How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
Be prepared to have tough conversations about emotions. Women – as partners – are biologically more open to discussions around feelings and emotions. It is important to park the rationale explanation from time to time and connect on an emotional level where you can meet your partner.
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
Well, I work full-time for one! Outside of YGAP, I do personally fund a range of not-for-profits; both with my money and with my time (advice and an active Board Member)
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
I asked two female staff members this question. On my behalf they were quick to reply: “Your body is a wonderland” by John Mayer and “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls… I don’t agree, so I will run with “Hakuna Matata” by The Lion King.
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
As an organisation, we have set an objective to significantly and measurably impact the lives of one million people by mid-2018. I want to remain the leader who drives this powerful impact.
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
A simple belief that we all have the capacity to change the world. Be bold, be brave and be vocal in your approach to achieve this.
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
The Reluctant Fundamentalist; it’s brilliant
If you know a Man that is making a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]

Man Of The Week – Mike Campbell

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Our newest Man Of The Week is somebody who has gone through a decade-long journey of evolution, realization and change. Starting off as a personal trainer over 11 years ago, Mike Campbell knew one of his strengths was in helping men. Being an astute observer, Mike noticed an opportunity to help beyond just the physical aspect as many of his clients shared their personal struggles in life. Mike saw a trend where men often pose as the biggest obstacle to their own success by accepting mediocrity as the hand dealt to them. A born problem solver, rather than stand idly by, Mike decided he was going to “be the difference [he] wanted to see in the world.” From being a bestselling author, to coaching and hosting workshops for men around the world, Mike makes a conscious decision to encourage men globally to become the best versions of themselves by showing men their true potential.
 
Age – 33
What do you do? (Work)
I’m a Man Coach. I help men get off the ‘Mediocre-Man Treadmill’ and become their own perfect mix of James Bond, Nelson Mandela and Batman. Well, that’s the snappy pitch that does the trick of creating the kind of questions that lead to meaningful conversations and work.
I do this via coaching and workshops based around what I call ‘Masculine Attraction’, essentially doing the work to uncover who you really are as a man, what drives your behaviours and what it is you really want your life to be.
Why do you do it?
I started as a personal trainer about 11 years ago, and being naturally curious, observant and quite practical, I soon figured out that not only was there more to helping people than just the physical, but the issues that were coming up were the same. It was also in men, who I largely worked with. So I dug deeper and uncovered an overwhelming conclusion; we’ve forgotten how to be men – and a strong fire in me; to help men realize their potential and actually love their life.
I couldn’t understand how so many men just accepted mediocrity as if it were “their lot”, so the natural evolution of myself as a man as well as a coach just led me to solving these problems for men.
How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
As stated above, I am passionate about helping men become their best. To gain clarity and direction in their life so they can actually work out what is important to them and then go about making that part of their everyday life. So every part of my business is geared towards this. Now I know that I can bring every guy into my workshops or coaching, which is why my book: “Unleash Your Alpha – eat like a man, train like a beast, operate like a gentleman and become a legend” is such an important part of what I do, because it can reach anyone.
Outside of that, I truly believe that we are all a constant evolution, and I work to continually be a better man in every area of life; as a partner, a son, brother, mate, uncle. A big aspect of this for me is to practise what I preach and lead by example. I want to ‘be the difference I want to see in the world’.
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
Because I reflect and assess myself and my life a bit, I would say that I have moments that were defining in at the time, and then those that were defining upon reflection with more awareness. Having said that, a combo probably does the trick.
– The first isn’t a moment but a big selection of them. Undoubtedly my upbringing has been hugely influential in how I have turned out. My parents, sisters and the situations that became my earlier years provided the clay that eventually molded me into who I am today.
– A second more specific one would be my previous relationship and engagement ending about 5 years ago. I think I was improving as a man then, which opened me up to really take a look at myself when this happened. It wasn’t bitter or anything, it just made me really look hard at who I was and what I needed to work on.
– Three would be losing my mother to lung cancer (as a non smoker), which was around this time too. Always having had a high importance on health, watching her live with more balls for four years after being diagnosed than most do their entire life, really rammed home to me the importance of health, knowing what you want out fo life and doing your best to live it.
What is your life purpose?
I consider my purpose to be two fold; both holding up a mirror to the men of today that forces them to assess themselves and their lives, and then helping them to realize their potential.
How did you tap into it?
It was a process, a long one! One that involved my own work, allowing clarity in my head around what was important to me. From here I looked at who I was and what I am skilled at, best suited to do and what really lights me up.
I can now say wholeheartedly that I believe every man was born with the potential to be a real masculine leader in our society, and it is my mission to help them realize that potential. It took time though, I had to keep working on it, digging, uncovering, refining. Trial and error. But the work is worth it, this gives my life purpose.
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
I have had a few of both. My father was very present as I grew up, in fact he coached my rugby teams until the age of 17, so this was very influential as both a role model and mentor of sorts. At the same time my mother helped mold the feminine aspect of me. However, as an adult and entrepreneur I’ve had a few mentors, one that stands out to mention would be Daniel Priestley (author of Entrepreneur Revolution)
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
My days can be quite different, but on the whole, yes. I try to meditate in the morning for 20 minutes first thing. Phone hasn’t been turned on. I then make breakfast, sit down to it and read a few pieces from a (big) book called ‘1001 ideas that changed the way we think’.
I try to move every day, be it training or just playing around on the ground with some bodyweight work or walking.
I love to cook, so usually make dinner and listen to music. And always aim to have some quality time with my partner.
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
When my partner and I are only talking about work/business (we both work from home a lot), when I haven’t seen my sister and my nieces much, or seen my mates.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us
Yes, this is one of my biggest messages to my clients/readers; vulnerability is courage – so happy to share. Long story shortened; I was at home in NZ with Nardia (my partner) at her brother’s place with all her family. Sitting round her father asked “So Mike, what are you intentions with our Nardia?” Everyone turned to stare at me expectantly. I put my hand on her leg next to mine, looked him in the eye and said “I’ll continue to love Nardia with all my heart and do whatever I can to make our lives together as good as they can be.”
What did you learn from it?
This was another thing to reinforce saying what feels naturally right, listening to my gut. But also to be vulnerable and show my strength.
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
I am and I have many pieces of advice… ha. But one of my main would be to “Drop the ego and get out of your own way, so that you can break out of what’s comfortable in order to grow and become your best”
How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
I do this by trying to truly understand her; what love language she speaks, when she needs attention/love and when she needs space. I do this by allowing her to be herself and do what makes her happy. I do this by being the best man I can be and creating a life that is meaningful for us.
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
Yes I’m involved with ‘Project Futures’ whose mission is to end human trafficking. I see modern slavery and in particular the sex trade as something that starts and stops with men. I want to have more men having conversations about this issue, not just ignoring it. I’m passionate about men being their best/sorting their shit out, so this hits home with me. This year I’ll be participating in a cycle tour through Cambodia for this, visiting rehabilitation centres and raising funds/awareness.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Shine on you crazy diamond. Not much because of some of the darker lyrics, but the concept of knowing your ‘crazy diamond’/weird and shining on as yourself.
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Married, one kid and thriving in this small family unit, supporting all of us, including Nardia to be living her passion as well. I see myself having authored one more bestselling book, delivered my 2 day workshop to 1000 men globally and started a movement for a new manhood, inspiring men every day to get off the mediocre-man treadmill and realize their potential.
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
I talk about legacy a lot in my workshops as I believe it’s important for every man to think about this for himself. For me I want my legacy to be around continually becoming your best, in all areas of life. Don’t accept the status quo, but search out what is right for you and make it happen.
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
Why my own of course! I say that part in jest, part not. I wrote this book to simplify the information around health, fitness and manhood in order to help men get in great shape, not just physically, but in all areas of their life. I sincerely believe there are messages in there for a large proportion of men who are looking to get more out of life.
That said, I’d also recommend ‘The New Manhood’ by Steve Biddulph. A great look at masculinity and manhood for the 21st century.
If you know a Man that is making a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]

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