Celebrated business leader Wayne Isaacs, who was presented with an honorary doctor of laws during a June 19 Spring Convocation ceremony at York University, delivered a message on hope and resilience to graduands.
Isaacs, a Jamaican-born Canadian entrepreneur, has become an icon of immigrant success for his philanthropy, business and social activism.
Introduced to graduands of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies by Dean J.J. McMurtry, Isaacs’ journey was described as “a powerful testament to resilience, dedication and ambition.”
In his address to the graduating class, Isaacs shared his first monumental success when at age 25 he was hired by a prominent financial services company in a role responsible for developing a new international department. However, after two years of hard work, he found himself unexpectedly jobless.
“Upon realizing that all my hard work, sacrifice of late nights, extra courses, endless meetings, endless criticisms – my dreams were snatched away,” he said. “I decided then and there that I would no longer be subject to the mood, whim or ire of someone who could control my future."
Urging graduands to face the complex challenges of today’s world with optimism, he shared how that experience led him to pursue self-employment – a success measured today by business ventures in more than 25 countries and roles as an executive or board member for more than 30 companies listed on stock exchanges worldwide.
“My business life has been fraught with uncertainty and high-risk ventures,” he said, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, instinct and hope. “Hope is a very, very strong ally,” he said. “It's easy to succumb to uncertainty, but true strength lies in embracing hope and harnessing hope’s great power to keep moving forward.”
Isaacs addressed the current global climate of uncertainty – referencing economic fluctuations, climate change, technological shifts and political instability as significant challenges in today's world. However, within uncertainty, he said, lie seeds of hope.
Commending the graduating class for their resilience, creativity and dedication to learning throughout their academic pursuits, he told graduands that they are each the embodiment of hope. He encouraged listeners to be empathetic in their personal and professional lives, and to listen to the voices of those who may be marginalized or overlooked.
“Your ability to connect with others and to see the world through their eyes will enrich your perspective and empower you in ways more meaningful than you could possibly understand,” he said.
Isaacs touched on the importance of community support, and urged graduands to lean on friends, family, mentors and colleagues during tough times. “These people will be your anchor in times of doubt,” he said. “Lean on them – share your hopes, your dreams as well as your fears, draw strength from their encouragement and together – together – we are stronger than any uncertainty that we may face.”
In closing, Isaacs asked the graduating class to carry hope in their hearts as they transition into the next phase of their lives. Embrace the unknown with hope, courage and optimism in a world that is unpredictable, and the potential for opportunity and success becomes limitless, he said.
“Let hope be the force that drives you to pursue your dreams with unyielding conviction,” he said. “The future is yours to shape, and with hope as your guiding star, there is no limit to what you can achieve.”