Career and community, these are two things at the top of Inka Bari’s mind on a day-to-day basis. Inka works hard in the fast-moving corporate world everyday while giving back her time, energy, and ideas to social causes that truly benefit from her dedication. Get to know Inka Bari, our featured young professional on Notable.
Notable: What is the name of the company you work for and what industry is it in?
Inka: The professional services firm KPMG LLP www.kpmg.ca
Notable: Elevator Pitch (we just met on an elevator, we have 30 seconds together in the elevator, please describe your business):
Inka: I am with KPMG Advisory. KPMG provides Audit, Tax, and Advisory services and industry insight to help organizations manage risk and performance in the dynamic and challenging environments in which they do business.
Notable: Why did you get involved in your industry, why this one, what was the inspiration?
Inka: Providing business advice is very stimulating and every day I am faced with exciting challenges and opportunities for learning new skills. I meet and interact with people from various backgrounds through both my client and community work. I have had many opportunities to work with leaders from both the corporate and public sector. My job allows me to not only become a good business leader but also to get involved in various city building activities.
Notable: What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Inka: The best part of what I do is working on a variety of projects in diverse teams to bring solutions to challenging problems, and being passionate about the end goal of doing the right thing for the task at hand.
Notable: What is the most challenging part of your job?
Inka: Working in diverse teams can be challenging, particularly as there are various dynamics and the accompanying difficulty of turning ideas into action. This is why it is important to remain focused on priorities.
Notable: Where do you see yourself going in 5 years?
Inka: Through my involvement with CivicAction, Business for Arts and other organizations, I have the opportunity to work on various city issues including leveraging Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to support the arts and culture in the city. I am very excited to see how this city and I grow together through a network of strong collaboration of action oriented civic leaders.
Notable: Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Inka: Find the time to give back to the community! No matter where we come from and what our life experience has been, we have directly or indirectly received the help and support from the community. I strongly believe what goes around comes around and what is a better way than to give back to your own community and make it an even better place to live!
Notable: What is your greatest asset as it relates to business?
Inka: Building relationships – our business is largely a relationship business. At work, it’s about knowing and leveraging the strengths of each other to solve problems and advise clients accordingly. In the community, it’s about connecting with like-minded individuals and finding creative ways to turn idea into reality that create positive civic impacts. Positive energy through strong relationships can be very contagious. I know how it feels and it’s great!
Notable: What does success look like to you?
Inka: Doing what you do passionately and believing in it. Success will eventually follow you.
Notable: What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Inka: Every milestone in my career has been memorable for different reasons. What I do remember is being awarded for managing one of the best campaigns in the city for United Way and receiving the KPMG Community Leader Award. I am a passionate city builder who loves to give back to the community. However, it’s nice to have that recognition from time to time.
Notable: Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Inka: I am in involved in various organizations that represent different causes. I try my best to divide my time among them all. It’s not easy but the excitement of meeting and knowing people who donate their time and energy voluntarily is a great feeling. Notable: What is Notable to you? Inka: People who practice what they preach.
Notable: Anything Else?
Inka: Thank you for the opportunity to showcase me!