Picture this: it’s the middle of COVID, I’m in Toronto, and I decide to jump on board with Canva. At that time, Canva was making a “modest” $200 million in ARR. Fast forward, and now we’re cruising past $2 billion in ARR! Talk about a wild ride.
The Early Days: Leading Two Teams
So there I was, fresh-faced and eager, handed the reins to two teams—the subscriptions team (the real moneymaker) and the invoicing team. The subscriptions team rakes in majority of Canva’s revenue. No pressure, right? I figured, “Why not treat this like a four-year degree in growth that I can’t get anywhere else?”
Canva’s Values: More Than Just Corporate Speak
What really hooked me were Canva’s values: Be a Good Human, Pursue Excellence, Set Crazy Big Goals and Achieve Them, Be a Force of Good, Empower Others, Make Complex Things Simple. These aren’t just catchy slogans—they’re a way of life. I loved them so much, I printed them out using Canva (naturally) and plastered them all over my home office.
The Move to Sydney: A Comedy of Homesickness
After a year and a half in Toronto, Canva said, “Pack your bags, you’re moving to Sydney!” I thought, “Australia? Kangaroos, beaches, sunshine—what’s not to love?” Little did I know, I landed right in the middle of Australian winter and a two-month monsoon courtesy of La Niña. Homesick doesn’t even begin to cover it. I missed my Toronto condo with its CN Tower view, flying planes, and cycling with friends. Booking a one-way ticket back home seemed very tempting.
The Turning Point: Sun, Thai Food, and a Famous Walk
One sunny day (finally!) changed everything. I was in Newtown, enjoying some delicious Thai food, and decided to take a walk from Bondi to Bronte. The sun, the sea, the vibe—it was like Sydney whispered, “Give me another chance.” And I did.
Making Friends and Finding My Groove
Sydney’s known for being a tough nut to crack socially. Australians stick to their school friends like glue. So, I joined Urban Rec, a sports league, and played everything from flag football to golf. If dodgeball on Thursdays doesn’t build friendships, I don’t know what will.
I also started a meetup group, “Product Growth,” to connect with fellow product nerds. At my first meetup, I met Chris, a Brit with a motorcycle jacket and scuba diving tales. He convinced me to get a motorcycle and an advanced scuba license. Now, we’re colleagues and buddies, exploring Sydney on bikes and diving with sharks. Who knew?
Life in Sydney: Fun and Frenzy
Two years in, and Sydney’s been a blast. From motorcycle adventures and scuba diving to skydiving and reconnecting with old friends from San Francisco, it’s been non-stop fun. Sydney’s chill vibe and love for travel and vacations made the transition easier, despite the initial homesickness.
I’m beyond grateful to Canva for this opportunity. Living in Sydney has been a dream, adding another chapter to my global escapades in New York, San Francisco, Europe, Dubai, Tokyo, and now here.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize how lucky I am to be part of a company that fuels both professional growth and personal adventures. Here’s to many more wild rides and crazy big goals with Canva!
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