Published by Leonardo Calcagno
In every industry, whether it’s law, lending, wellness, or even pet services, there’s a story behind why someone chooses their career. Sometimes it’s a defining moment. Sometimes it’s a personal experience. And sometimes it’s simply discovering a talent that turns into a lifelong passion.
To explore this theme more deeply, we interviewed six very different professionals, three criminal lawyers, a home equity lender, a dog walker, and a wellness centre owner. While their careers vary dramatically, their stories reveal shared themes of purpose, impact, and personal meaning.
Here’s what we learned.
The Criminal Lawyer Who Wanted to Give People a Fighting Chance
Toronto criminal lawyer Ahmad Karzai of Karzai Law spoke openly about what drew him into the justice system: fairness. Growing up, he witnessed a close family friend face charges they didn’t fully understand. He remembered the confusion, the fear, and how complex the process felt.
That experience stuck with him.
“I became a criminal lawyer because I wanted to be the person who explains, protects, and advocates,” he said.“ Most people who walk into my office aren’t bad people, they’re scared, overwhelmed, and unfamiliar with the legal world. I chose this career to give people a fighting chance.”
His story highlights something fundamental: people often underestimate how intimidating the legal system can be. For him, the purpose wasn’t winning cases, it was guiding people through the darkest moments of their lives with clarity and dignity.
The Criminal Lawyer Motivated by Systemic Change
Brampton Criminal Lawyer Amar Bhinder of Polaris Legal Group entered the field driven by a bigger-picture purpose: reforming the system from within. Early in his academic career, he gravitated toward criminal justice research and quickly realized how many small decisions, biases, and structural gaps shape outcomes.
He wanted to do more than observe, he wanted to participate.
“Many people feel the system is stacked against them,” he explained.“ I became a criminal defence lawyer because I wanted to be part of the solution. Change doesn’t only happen in policy – it happens case by case, person by person.”
He sees each case as an opportunity to level the playing field, set precedents, and challenge assumptions. For him, criminal law isn’t just a job, it’s a mission.
The Criminal Lawyer Who Found Purpose in Advocacy
Gurasish Pal Singh, a Brampton Criminal Lawyer with GPS Criminal Law admitted he didn’t always know he’d pursue law. His interest began when he volunteered with a local community centre, helping at-risk youth who often found themselves entangled in the justice system at a young age.
“I realized that advocacy, real advocacy, isn’t just about speaking for someone,” he said. “It’s about listening to them, understanding their experiences, and helping them navigate systems that weren’t built for them.”
That sense of advocacy eventually evolved into a career defending people who often feel voiceless. He sees criminal law as a way to stand up for clients who don’t always have the resources or knowledge to stand up for themselves.
The Home Equity Lender Inspired by Financial Empowerment
Shifting from law to lending, we asked AJ Makkunel of Homebase Mortgages, a Toronto area home equity loan lender, how he found his way into the world of finance. His answer was simple but powerful: he wanted to help people regain control of their lives.
“Most people think lending is about numbers,” he said, “but it’s really about people who are stuck and don’t know how to move forward.”
He described homeowners who needed funding for business expansion, debt consolidation, emergency repairs, or life transitions. Many were turned away by traditional lenders and felt out of options.
“That’s why I chose this career,” he explained. “When you show someone they actually do have options, you give them more than money, you give them relief, confidence, and a path forward.”
His career is built around unlocking financial flexibility for people at crucial moments.
The Dog Walker Who Turned Passion Into a Profession
Not every business story is dramatic, some are joyful. Lori Blair, the owner of Toronto dog walking company Urban Tail laughed when she explained how it all began: “ I was always the friend who offered to watch everyone’s dogs.”
What started as a favour quickly evolved into a small side gig, then a full-time business. But behind that growth was something deeper.
“Dogs have this way of grounding people,” she said. “I became a dog walker because it combines what I love, movement, animals, routine, and connection.”
Her profession is built around trust. She often becomes an extension of a family’s support system, caring for pets, managing schedules, and becoming part of people’s everyday lives.
“It’s not just walking dogs,” she added. “It’s being reliable in ways that genuinely matter.”
The Wellness Centre Owner Driven by Personal Healing
Sumeet Brar, the owner of Brampton Wellness Centre Ignite Health Clinic, didn’t enter the field from a business-first perspective, she entered from personal experience. Years ago, she struggled with chronic pain and exhaustion while working a corporate job. After trying various treatments, she finally found relief through a combination of physiotherapy, massage therapy, and lifestyle changes.
“I didn’t just feel better physically,” she said. “I felt like I got my life back.”
That transformation inspired her to create a space where others could experience the same. Today, she operates a multidisciplinary wellness centre focused on movement, recovery, and preventative care.
“I chose this career because healing shouldn’t be a luxury,” she explained. “I wanted to build a business that helps people feel human again.”
Her story shows how personal experiences often spark professional purpose.
Photo by Pixabay