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Farrah Khimji

Founder, Futura Funds

Sector: Private Sector
Discipline: Private Equity Real Estate
Year: 2020

Farrah Khimji

Founder, Futura Funds

Magic Moment: Starting my own business in 2019 was definitely a magic moment in my career and life. With just the right mix of confidence and nerves I have been navigating this entrepreneurial journey amidst a pandemic, economic slowdown, civil unrest and I can say while it has been challenging it has been far more rewarding. Being responsible for your own livelihood is an enormous amount of responsibility but it allows you to feel empowered and energized by each day – as ultimately it is in your hands.

Key Influence: My sister, Saleema. My sister is the ultimate trailblazer and started her entrepreneurial journey way before me. Her example inspired me to always strive for excellence, to not be afraid and to chase my dreams no matter how big or outrageous they may seem.

My mom. My mother has influenced me immensely as she came from humble beginnings and without having completed her high school education before coming to Canada, with two young kids at home she decided she wanted to go back to school and pursed a career as a Chiropodist. She now has a thriving private practice as she nears retirement and she stands as my constant reminder that everything is achievable with hard work, determination and faith in yourself.

Next Big Challenge As An Industry: It is certainly an interesting time to be in our industry and I think we have numerous challenges ahead including the reimagining of the office, affordable housing solutions and ultimately building cities that work for the way in which people work and live, which are now a lot more intertwined. Now is a very important time to be in the industry, it is a time where we can collectively build cities that will be inclusive, innovative, affordable, technology-enabled and sustainable and I for one am excited to be hands-on in the rebuild.

Secret Talent: Not sure if this counts as a secret talent but I would say I have a very photographic memory. This means I remember vivid details about what people have worn, where we have dined, what we ate, what time of day it was (you get the idea) and I can extend that memory back pretty far…

On Championing Others… Championing women in our industry has now become part of my DNA. Having experienced first hand some of the challenges being a women in a male dominated industry has brought, I have always strived to use the platforms I have to use my voice and my time to champion women. At the moment, one of those platforms includes Toronto CREW. As the current President, it is my mission each day to ensure that I am using that platform to help my fellow CREW members be at their best. To ensure we provide continual opportunities to learn, mentor, lead and ultimately champion each other throughout our career journeys in the industry.

One word that captures you: Hard to choose one word but I have been told by many that I am approachable. I feel it is an appropriate word as I am always open to meeting new people and am genuinely interested in learning people’s stories and finding ways to help or collaborate.