We Should be a Vessel of Change
Senior Vice President – Lebie Curate
What I learned from this experience is that no mountain is too high if you climb it with will, perseverance and determination.
Lebie Curate with wife Leslie and kids.
In 2006, after our wedding, my spouse and I decided to migrate to Canada to start a family. My wife is a nurse and I am an electrical engineer by profession. A year later, our application to Canada was approved. Moving to a foreign country to start a new life - with no relatives to rely on – was very challenging. We were back at square one and took menial jobs. I worked in the construction industry, as a labourer from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm; then went straight to my second job in the theatre from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. I also took weekend courses in preparation for licensing examinations, to practice within my original profession. Fortunately, my wife and I got our licences and landed full time jobs. I was hired by Canada Line, a light rail transit passenger train to maintain the electromechanical systems, my wife as a nurse within a healthcare facility. We were so grateful that our hard work paid off. We’ve also been blessed with three kids, while living the Canadian dream. We found opportunity in every difficulty, and all of these things happened because of our growth mindset. (Related: Changing Your Mindset)
Our friend introduced us to Greatway Financial. One night, he invited us over for dinner. We didn’t know that he was brewing something; the presentation. I am an open-minded person and my decision that night changed the course of my life. Joining Greatway Financial, I intended to gain financial knowledge, learning how to manage personal finances while earning extra income. We both had stable employment and the thought of leaving our jobs to become full-time advisors was not on our agenda. That being said, the more I immersed myself in the Greatway Financial philosophy and culture, I learned that our organization is much more than just a Managing General Agent (MGA). We are changing people’s lives. As a client, I was impressed by the way Greatway Financial delivers service, especially in how advisors explain all the details of my plan. I’ve never experienced such service before.
When I became an advisor, I committed to do the same – to provide the same high-quality service that was rendered to me. I signed my contract with Greatway in May 2015. I did the business part-time for four years. I travelled all over Canada for my clients during my days off, encountering various challenges along the way. What sustained me, then and now, is my supportive wife. Now, my purpose (my “why”) is to make an impact while earning an income. (Related: Add Value)
If we don’t make an effort to improve our life and help others, then we are just taking up space here on earth. We should be a vessel of change.
Ultimately, I want my family to be secured financially; and to enjoy what I do. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful and enjoyed the benefits of a full-time job, but at some point, I appreciated being paid by results and not per hour. That’s where I found my passion for creating an impact. Finally, on January 1, 2019, I made a decision to quit my lucrative job and become a full-time business owner. My friends called me crazy for leaving a six-figure income career, with good retirement benefits. My only response was “Yes, I am crazy because only crazy people succeed.” No doubt it was a life changing decision, and at the same time, a chance for me to fulfill my purpose as quickly as possible. I quit my job with no overrides or passive income. As unpredictable as that seemed, I was determined to reach my personal goal of becoming a Senior Vice President (SVP). I focused on building and eventually got my promotion on May 5, 2020.
I’ve learned from this experience that no mountain is too high if you climb it with a strong will, perseverance and determination. Presently, my team is continually growing. Along with my wife, we now have a bigger responsibility to lead and guide my colleagues. Being an SVP is just the beginning. We are raising the bar and heading to our next goal of becoming Executive Vice President (EVP) and soon after Executive Vice Chair (EVC). That being said, beyond the title, our focus is the process of getting those titles – and the growth that happens. It completely transforms us into a new person. (Related: Have Faith)
We came from a humble beginning, aspiring for bigger dreams and by God’s grace - and Greatway Financial’s help - we will surely fulfill our life goals. If we don’t make an effort to improve our life, and help others, then we are just taking up space here on earth. We should be a vessel of change.
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