Faisal Fakhani

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

“Creative problem-solver, strategic thinker, customer-obsessed tech professional, proudly queer, coffee-loving Capricorn, and devoted dog dad.”

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon (until 2017) & Toronto, Canada (2018 and on)

Fun Fact About Yourself: At six, I was sent home from school with a note that stated: ‘He speaks too much.’ I took it as a cue to find a better fitting audience. A few weeks later, I dragged my mother to an audition, landing my first job as a TV show host. For the next six years, I balanced studies with presenting a popular science show for kids that aired across the Middle East, learning the power of a growth-conducive environment while literally growing up on set.

Undergraduate School and Major: Bachelor of Business Administration and Finance, American University of Beirut

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Account Manager and Trader, Western Union Business Solutions (Now known as Convera)

Personal and professional development is one of the cornerstones of the Rotman MBA experience. What have you learned about yourself so far and what do you hope to achieve? Returning to student life at Rotman after a decade in the workforce has reshaped my perspective. I have realized the importance of standing out by embracing what makes one unique, rather than trying to fit in. This approach aligns with Rotman’s emphasis on leveraging individuality to create impact.

Throughout my MBA journey, I have focused on sharpening technical and soft skills while applying the concept of “strategic fit” to myself. Every experience has prompted me to ask: How can I amplify my strengths using this medium? This mindset has reinforced my confidence in building authentic connections and taking on leadership roles.

Looking ahead, I aim to do the following:

• Celebrate the unique combination of experience and skills I bring to each role.
• Invest in environments that value diverse and intersectional perspectives.
• Make meaningful contributions in fields that keep me curious and engaged.
• Support others from underrepresented groups, creating a smoother path for those who follow.

What has been your favorite part of Toronto so far? Why? Toronto offers the best of both worlds: big-city opportunities and a close-knit community feel. Its rich diversity, shaped by generations of immigration, fosters a culture that values and understands different experiences.

What truly sets Toronto apart is its professional culture of mentorship and openness. Regardless of seniority, professionals here willingly share their time and insights through coffee chats, making it easier to navigate careers and build networks. Personally, I have found this dynamic inspiring, as it creates a natural ecosystem for connections and opportunities to grow organically. Toronto’s unique blend of support and collaboration has been instrumental in my professional and personal development, especially as a person who identifies with a number of minority groups (i.e. Queer, Person of Color, Immigrant, Person living with a disability, Lower-middle class).

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the one key part of Toronto Rotman’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The Leadership Development Lab (LDL) was a key factor in my decision to choose Rotman. This unique experiential learning program combines one-on-one simulations, coaching, and introspection to help students understand and enhance their leadership styles.

As a professional from a Fintech background, where influence often outweighs authority, LDL stood out as an invaluable opportunity to refine my ability to lead across teams and functions. With differentiating soft skills like leadership that complement my technical skills, I am better prepared to drive impact in organizations within roles such as Product Manager or Product Marketer, while building a foundation for executive leadership in the long term.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Toronto Rotman? Several courses at Rotman have challenged my preconceptions, but Financial Accounting stands out. Initially a rules-based discipline in my mind, I discovered its nuanced assumptions, which reshaped how I analyze financial statements and approach problem-solving. Decision Making with Data Models and Strategic Management were additional favorites, enhancing my ability to make data-driven decisions and to understand how firms compete at both product and organizational levels, respectively. As a Go-to-Market professional, these courses have added to my toolkit. I look forward to putting learnings in to practice within my next role, as I help Tech firms to better understand customer behavior and needs; make products and services that speak to these pain-points; and to create and maintain value within the competitive landscape.

Rotman’s clubs have also been a highlight – most notably, the Business Technology Club and Business Design Club. Both offered engaging case competitions and panels that honed my analytical and creative expertise while connecting me with practitioners in roles I aspire to. Lastly, the Rotman Pride Club has been pivotal in fostering a sense of belonging. It provides opportunities to build authentic connections, participate in skill-building sessions, and network with confidence. The club has reinforced the importance of safe spaces, enabling me to align my career with my values while giving back to the community.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far. Immigrating to Canada in 2018 with no job and limited savings was one of my proudest achievements. Within three weeks, I secured my first role at CI Global Asset Management, a significant milestone for a newcomer. From there, I steadily built my career, earning recognition for safeguarding investments at RBC Capital Markets and later excelling at Western Union Business Solutions (now known as Convera).

At Convera, I did the following:

• Managed a cross-border portfolio spanning the U.S. and Canada, achieving 116% annual revenue performance.
• Delivered exceptional customer service rooted in empathy and problem-solving, leading to a 97% retention rate.
• Partnered with Product, Marketing, and other teams to develop user-driven solutions and contribute strategic insights.
• Conducted competitive analyses, optimized pricing and processes, and mentored team members to foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Promoted to Senior Account Manager, I became one of the top seventeen global high performers in Go-to-Market, recognized for my customer obsession, analytical thinking, growth mindset and ability to deliver results. In parallel, I prioritized giving back by mentoring newcomers to Canada and helping them navigate their career journeys.

I take much pride in this accomplishment and the resilience, adaptability, and commitment to continuous growth it reflects. Each step—from immigrating and climbing the North American corporate ladder to pursuing my MBA—has been fueled by grit, vision, and perseverance, proving that calculated risks and hard work can turn aspirations into reality.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? For me, pursuing an MBA is more than a career milestone—it is the fulfillment of a decades-long dream. Growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, amidst conflict and instability, higher education often took a backseat to survival. My father’s unfulfilled dream of completing a master’s degree inspired me to push forward, despite challenges.

At age 19, I funded my undergraduate studies through loans, working six years to repay them. At age 27, I immigrated to Canada and worked five more years to achieve financial stability before pursuing an MBA. Today, I am the first in my family to reach this goal and to fund my own graduate studies, a testament to resilience and the sacrifices my family made.

This journey underscores the broader impacts of conflict and the generational setbacks it creates. Families like mine must work harder to access opportunities others might take for granted. If you have the privilege of pursuing a degree at a world-class institution like Rotman, it is vital to recognize its significance and seize it with gratitude and purpose.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? Being selected as one of only two ROMBA (Reaching Out MBA) Fellows, from my Rotman cohort of over 300, has been my most memorable experience so far. ROMBA connects exceptional LGBTQ+ leaders across top MBA programs and leading firms. Highlights of my experience with ROMBA include the following:

• Finance Trek, New York City: Visiting firms like JPMorgan and American Express to meet LGBTQ+ professionals and discuss Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.
• Fellows Retreat, Philadelphia: Engaging in leadership activities and connecting with 60+ fellows, while exploring the city’s rich queer history.
• ROMBA Annual Conference, Los Angeles: Attending panels on career pivots and queer leadership, networking with Tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, and celebrating at a Hollywood Glam-themed gala featuring inspiring leaders like Megan Rapinoe.

Growing up in spaces that did not support authenticity, ROMBA has been transformative. It has provided a safe environment to blend my professional and authentic self, allowing me to gain insights into diverse hiring trends, and grow as a future queer leader. I am deeply grateful for this chance and look forward to giving back to the community as I advance in my career. Looking ahead, I seek to bring my global work experience and intersectional understanding to firms committed to serving diverse customers. By creating products that meet unique needs and playing a role in supporting and empowering stakeholders, I hope to drive both impact and inclusivity.

DON’T MISS: MEET TORONTO ROTMAN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

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