Muhammad Ehtisham

Originally from a family with 11 siblings in Karachi, Pakistan, he is the General Manager of Operational Risk and Enterprise Technical for Suncor Energy, and an incredibly active community member. YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career? ME: The most rewarding part of my career is ensuring the safe reliable operation to avoid any damage to people, equipment and environment, as well as developing and nurturing people to unlock their full potential. YMM: Tell us about the Board positions you have or currently do hold. ME: I sat on the board of the Multicultural Association as the Treasurer and then as General Board Director. I was Chief Judge for the Wood Buffalo Science Foundation’s regional science fair. I have participated in several initiatives and public consultations organized by FMPSD. I’ve also sat on the boards of the Regional Advisory Committee on Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (RACIDE) and Choices. I have also participated in the Advisory Council for Mental Health for the Northern Lights Health Foundation. I’ve been the Treasurer and then Advisory Council Member for more than 15 years with Markaz Ul Islam & Fort McMurray Islamic School. YMM: What do you consider to be the best things about Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo? ME: The best things about our community are: living here is like you are part of a big family, the nature surrounding the city, the multiculturalism, and the equal opportunities. YMM: Describe your perfect day in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. ME: My perfect day would be waking up at dawn, and doing a workout at Mac Island or taking a walk outside (in the summer). I would make a nice breakfast with my family, go out for a hike or bike ride, watch a nice TV program with the family, and then enjoy spotting the Northern Lights. YMM: What is the best advice that you ever received? ME: There is only one thing between you and your success, and that is yourself. YMM: What are you most grateful for? ME: I am most grateful for the strengths and skills that God has bestowed on me and my family. YMM: How have your priorities changed in the last 10 years? ME: My priorities have changed from being very ambitious about my career to what and how I am making an impact on people’s lives and the environment around me. YMM: What would you say to your 12-year-old self? ME: Don’t worry about the things happening in your surroundings; things will turn out good. YMM: How should success be measured? ME: Success should be measured by the impact that success has not on me, but on the people and environment around me. YMM: What accomplishments are you most proud of? ME: I am most proud of the services I provide to the community, and my progressive achievements at work – from starting as an intern to working my way up to General Manager. YMM: What are you best at? ME: Analyzing how today will impact tomorrow. YMM: What is one challenge you’d like to tackle in 2024? ME: I would like to learn more about disruptive technologies and how I need to keep myself up to speed so that I can continue to positively impact my personal & professional life and the community around me.