Celebrating the Shad alum named 2024 Schulich Leaders – Darshan Shah

Q: How does it feel to be named a Schulich Leader?

There is nothing that can truly explain how I feel being named a Schulich Leader. I am extremely grateful and honoured to be selected out of the amazing students that make up Canada. I still feel as if I will wake up at any point and it was all just a vivid dream. The moment I read the email announcing the fact, I almost fell out of my chair. 

Q: What motivates your passion for STEAM/Entrepreneurship?

I’ve come to understand that, for me, true success is fostered in the hands of the people who have been positively impacted. This ideal allows me to fully commit to my hobbies and motivates me enough to do things for the sole reason of doing so. I’ve always been inspired by the individuals who help shape the world through their personalities, those like Seymour Schulich and Rob Gorbet (my Shad Director). Other than the enjoyment I get out of drawing, coding, learning and creating in general, it’s the thought that I might just be able to help someone with it. That is what ultimately drives me to continue innovating.

Q: At Shad we are leaders in social innovation, how do you plan to use #STEAM4Good?

I plan to take the skills and advice learned during my Shad design project and implement them into an innovation of my own at McMaster.

Q: What lessons would you share with incoming Shads?

Here are some values that I try to live by: Write a story with your life. Never doubt your own abilities and don’t be afraid of failure, embrace it. Don’t compare yourself to others, be inspired by them. If you’re curious, do it, and if you enjoy something, don’t ever stop.