Written By Bavina Thirunavukarasu
On May 17, 2025, the Canadian Tamil Professionals Association (CTPA) hosted Career Crossroads: Navigating Your Next Move at the George Ashe Library & Community Centre in Pickering. This exclusive gathering brought together professionals across all career stages to explore meaningful transitions, practical strategies, and inspiring stories of transformation.
The heart of this event was an engaging panel discussion moderated by Niroja Arulananthan, Senior Project Manager at Edelman Canada, who uses her experiences to set the tone for a dynamic and inspiring discussion.
MEET THE PANELISTS
The powerhouse panel featured trailblazing Tamil leaders who have each navigated unique career paths:
- Suresh Sriskandarajah – A technology and business lawyer with a foundation in engineering and entrepreneurship.
- Luxy Thuraisingam – VP of Wireless Marketing at Bell,bringing 20+ years in B2
B and B2C marketingexpertise.
- Sumi Shanmuganathan – Chief Strategy Officer and Co-founder of Dunya Habitats, with a rich background in communications, equity, and innovation.
RETHINKING CAREER EVOLUTION
Career growth isn’t always about climbing a ladder, it’s often about shifting direction entirely. The panel unpacked three types of career transitions:
- Pivoting: Shifting industries or roles.
- Progressing: Advancing within your current field.
- Repositioning: Realigning your work to better suit your long-term goals.
MORE THAN JUST WORDS
When we receive advice, it often comes wrapped in familiar phrases: “Appreciate what you have,” “Never give up,” or “Do what it takes.” As the panelists pointed out, these sayings take on deeper meaning in the face of real career challenges. They become guiding mantras, especially when you’re stepping into the unknown.
It’s easy to feel boxed in by your degree or early career choices. But with resilience and self-belief, you can push beyond those boundaries. Every experience matters. Every skill is transferable. No experience is insignificant, it is always a reminder to reflect, adapt, and grow.
STEPPING INTO SUCCESS
Fear is natural when making a leap, but so is growth.
“If you’re afraid, think back to where you started.”
— Suresh
Sometimes, the first step is the hardest. But as our panelists shared their insight, “You’ll never know unless you take that risk.” That leap may just open the door to something transformative.
INVEST IN YOURSELF
Career growth demands intention and curiosity. Whether it’s through learning a new skill, volunteering, or taking on a personal project.
“Your career is 40+ years long.”
— Luxy
This long runway gives you time to explore, evolve, and pivot again if needed. Stay hungry, stay driven. At the end of the day, always stay ready for the next opportunity and always be working on yourself.
CATCHING BURNOUT BEFORE IT CATCHES YOU
Burnout isn’t always dramatic. Often, it’s a quiet fade.
“It’s like on an airplane; you put your oxygen mask on first before helping others”
— Sumi
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths. It’s about intentionally scheduling recovery time and wellness days that nourish your energy, focus, and purpose. You can’t support others if your own cup is empty. Schedule your breaks and take the time to refuel.
STAY READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT
Across all stories from our three panelists, one message stood out: stay ahead of the curve.
That means knowing where your industry is heading, having a 6-month safety net, and embracing change with open arms. The panelists stressed the power of continuous learning, whether that’s through training, side projects, or networking. “You don’t wait for the next opportunity, you create it.”
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
“Reimagine what success really looks like, it’s not scary to make mistakes but it’s scary to not try.”
Whether you’re pivoting, progressing, or repositioning, growth happens when you move forward. And above all, stay open to what’s next.
Let this event be a reminder: your career is a journey, not a straight line. Every shift, stumble, and success brings you closer to the life you’re meant to build and the career path that’s yours to create.
