HARMAN SINGH OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND ARCHERY CLUB

BRIEF HISTORY, BACKGROUND, UNDERTAKINGS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario and graduated from McMaster University with a BA Major in Political Science and a Minor in Religious Studies.  I further continued my studies and graduated from Medaille College with a Masters of Science in Education.  Once I completed my education, I spent a few years substitute teaching in the Peel region.

After my education and teaching endeavor, I decided to leave it all behind to become an entrepreneur.  I first started The Archery Club, which is a boutique creative agency specializing in branding, design, and storytelling through film.  Then after a few years of working for different clients and testing out ideas, I am have now shifted my focus on Committee Members – a Made in Canada apparel line.

WHAT FUTURE PROJECTS CAN THE COMMUNITY EXPECT?

Taking Committee Members to the next level!

We’ve had some fun in creating apparel between professional projects, but it’s exciting to now focus on building this product to be carried nation wide. In the near future, we would like to see this venture reach the global markets.

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT SOME OBSTACLES YOU FACED IN YOUR LIFE? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?

Shifting from one career (teaching) to working in the creative field without any professional training was tough! The passion was there, but it lacked the right training methods. Everyone has cool ideas about the way things can be, but none of that matter unless you are able to execute. At the start it was a lot of ‘yes we can do that’ and then spending endless nights trying to figure it all out. It probably would have been a smoother transition if I spent time working for an agency before doing it on my own. But I guess there is some beauty in that as well. Having no plan B allowed us to get to where we needed to go. We’re now at the point where business, creative, and operations can work in harmony to really make some strides.

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES? WHY?

My personal hero will forever be my Mother. The sacrifices she made for her family – only my siblings and father know. I hope one day she can look back at her life and know it was all worth it.

My professional heroes are Tyler Brule (Monocle Magazine, Winkcreative) , Matt George (Ransom Holding Co, Akid Clothing) and Oliver El-Khatib (Octobers Very Own), Canadians who took their perspective lanes and crushed it.

WHAT ARE YOUR ULTIMATE GOALS?

My ultimate goal is continuing living a life with meaning. I continuously want to improve in all aspects in life and reach the highest state of consciousness.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A LEADER?

I recently read this book “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. They are both ex US Navy Seals. They say that no matter what scenario you are in, whether leading your subordinates or taking direction from the higher ups, you have to take responsibility for everything that happens – good or bad. So this means the buck stops with you at all times. You can never blame anyone for anything ever. You have to take ownership of everything, always.

Once I started looking at life from this perspective I stopped making excuses for things not getting done around me and I started to take action. I worked backwards from the desired result and started filling in the gaps.
I think anyone can be a leader if you abide by this mentality, because the goal isn’t to flex your superiority or to pass blame, it’s simply to get things done in the most effective, efficient way possible.  Ego gets checked at the door, and you get to work.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU PROVIDE SOMEBODY WHO WANTS TO FOLLOW THE SAME PATH AS YOU?

I have four points that I would like to stress:

1. The only way you will get help is if you ask for it.
2. Find mentors out there in your field. Write them an email. You’ll be surprised how many people will offer help/advice for free.
3. Know all the rules, and then break them.
4. There is a lot to learn. Get to work!

ANY FINAL THOUGHTS?

Figure out if you want a happy life or a life with meaning. A happy life is playing it safe and staying within the margins. Living a life with a meaning means creating your own path. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it.