In just a blink of an eye, one year can pass

By Mark Leung

Reflecting on my first year after founding Interhouse, I have so much to be proud of and grateful for.

First, my family. Most people don't know this, but before launching my firm, I was unemployed and was even collecting EI. Most lawyers would probably never share this publicly, but I do so because never for a second did my family make me feel guilty or ashamed about my situation. My wife and two young boys would regularly remind me, "It's going to be alright, baba. This just means there's something better coming our way." And with their unwavering love and support, here I am today. Without a doubt, my "success" would not be possible if it wasn't for their steadfast faith and belief in me.

Second, my team. Yes, who knew, within my first year, I would have the privilege of working with / building a team! Every day I get to work with these amazing people, I learn something valuable. Whether it's related to the law or business, industry or culture, or even character or the human spirit, I've grown so much this past year because of the incredible people in my circle. There are so many people to thank, but a special shoutout to Suzanne Mercier, Sukhi Ram, Sonia Khan, Ruby Lau, and Aakash Taneja for being superstar "coworkers".

Lastly, my clients. It's a wild feeling when you land your first client. There's a moment when they select you, and you point to yourself, asking, "Who, me?" And then you do the best that you can, and end up knocking things out of the park, and things just keep rolling. And before you know it, you have real relationships with those you work for and with, relationships where you truly care about the people. So to my clients - whether our time together has already ended, will end someday, or if it just keeps on going, I thank you for trusting me with your problems, and letting me help you with your opportunities. I will never take that for granted.

But my first year hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. In this time, I have discovered things like "working too much", and even experience small bouts of burnout. But here's what I've learned - the root of these issues are not external. Instead, they are often fuelled by our own ambitions and, dare I say, insecurities. Honestly, some of these have been hard lessons to learn.

But after a breakneck first year, I finally took a true hiatus over Spring Break, where my family and I drove to Edmonton. I snapped the photo above while coursing through the Rocky Mountains, and it reminds me why I started Interhouse in the first place - not just so that I could work differently, but to live differently. To build something that fits into my uniquely-shaped life, rather than expecting (or forcing) it to fill some pre-existing industry mold. 

So here's to Year 2 and the blessings, lessons, and surprises that it will bring. If it's anything like Year 1, the journey will be just as rewarding as the destination.

#GoInterhouse