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CAN'T FIND SOMETHING? |
Shabnam RezaeiManaging director, Big Bad Boo Studios Inc.Age: 36 Shabnam Rezaei has travelled all over the world, and exposure to different ways of life has given her a passion for multiculturalism. Rezaei was born in Iran and lived there until her and her family left during the Iran-Iraq war, and that’s where her travels began. “I lived through the revolution there, and then went to Vienna, where I went to an international school, and all my friends were from different parts of the world,” explained Rezaei. In Vienna, Rezaei learned how to speak English, German, French and bits of Croatian in addition to her native Farsi. “It was really eye-opening to see what one language can do in terms of endearing you to someone who doesn’t speak any other languages,” she said. “It opens up a whole other world.” After Vienna, Rezaei pursued more academic interests. In 1995, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia with two degrees – a B.Sc. in computer science and a BA in German language and literature. Then she earned an MBA at New York University while working for Exis Consulting, a financial-services consultant, where she eventually became a global sales manager. She’s also worked for Deloitte & Touche LLP and MISYS Banking Systems, a financial-software service provider. But it was a lifelong passion for different cultures that led Rezaei to Vancouver in 2005 with husband Aly Jetha (see p. 21) to found Big Bad Boo Studios Inc. The production company develops cartoons for children that educate viewers about multiculturalism. In her travels, Rezaei learned an important lesson about the world that she wanted to teach to children, and she said that’s what Big Bad Boo allowed her to do. “Really, in the end, you come to the conclusion that people are the same wherever you go.” • Birthplace: Tehran, Iran Where do you live now: Vancouver and New York Highest level of education: An MBA from NYU Car or chosen mode of transport: My feet Currently reading: A History of Iran, Empire of the Mind by Michael Axworthy and Lost Symbol by Dan Brown Last CD bought or music downloaded: Viva La Vida by Coldplay Favourite movie: It’s a Wonderful Life Favourite local restaurant: Vij’s and Rangoli Person you would most like to meet (living or deceased): Steve Jobs and J.J. Abrams Profession you would most like to try: Astronaut Mentor: My dad Most memorable career milestone or event: Realizing the impact of our work when one mom told me her four-year-old finally called her “Maman” (Mom in Persian) after watching our cartoon Toughest business or professional decision: Anything with people involved; you are affecting their livelihood and future and often have to rely on your gut What’s left to do: This is just the dress rehearsal This article from Business in Vancouver December 29, 2009-January 4, 2010; issue 1053 Business in Vancouver (www.biv.com) has been publishing in-depth local business news, analysis and commentary since 1989. The newspaper also produces a weekly ranked list of the biggest companies and players in a wide range of B.C. industries and commercial sectors, monthly features and industry-focused sections that arm its subscribers with a complete package of local business intelligence each week. |
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