From Boardrooms to Bike Trails: The Heart and Hustle of Sophia Chan-Combrink’s Leadership

Sophia Chan-Combrink’s leadership journey began in grade nine when her geography teacher introduced her to recycling. While she initially lacked an understanding of its significance, the teacher’s insights opened Sophia’s eyes to the impact of small actions, igniting her passion for environmental responsibility. This moment set the foundation for her commitment to community and purpose-driven work throughout her career.

As she matured, Sophia embraced diverse responsibilities with intention, leading teams, organizing events, and mentoring young professionals while also balancing her role as a mother of four. Her experiences taught her to navigate high-stakes tasks empathetically and skillfully. She humorously notes that many are surprised she manages four kids, attributing her multitasking capabilities to this experience. For Sophia, effective leadership isn’t solely about achieving tasks; it’s about being present both at work and home.

Her pivotal ninth-grade lesson led her to earn a master’s in environmental studies at a time when career paths in sustainability were being scrutinized. Passionate about social impact, she built her career within nonprofit organizations, fostering her dedication to making a difference.

Sophia emphasizes authenticity in leadership, advising aspiring leaders to remain true to their values and empower others. She believes that one’s unique background and experiences are strengths that enhance leadership capabilities.

A defining moment in her career occurred when she met Hugh Chow, the CEO of ventureLAB, arriving on her bike—a representation of her hands-on approach. This meeting facilitated her entry into ventureLAB, where she now helps navigate the complexities of venture capital, government relations, and international partnerships.

At ventureLAB, Sophia aims to expand support for founders by providing tailored strategic advice in sectors like semiconductors, medtech, AI, and automotive. She is committed to positioning Canada as a leader in these domains by focusing on talent development and building international connections.

Sophia is passionate about creating meaningful relationships in her role, whether with partners, team members, or clients. She believes these connections lead to lasting impacts and looks forward to enhancing ventureLAB’s influence through collaborative efforts.

Her story exemplifies the balance of work-life commitments and resilience, illustrating the power of a single moment to foster lifelong dedication to leadership and purpose. Sophia Chan-Combrink’s journey reflects how authentic leadership rooted in personal values and community commitment can drive positive change.