“When people perceive you to be successful, everyone wants to chase you and give you money,” says Alan Thiru. “But when the lines blur between friendship and business, it’s tough.”
Thiru’s entry into the restaurant industry was more than a career shift; it was a profound learning experience that exposed him to the intricacies of managing a business.
“The restaurant industry showed me just how intricate and demanding a business could be,” he explains.
Ajan Thiru’s journey is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of grit, resilience, and an insatiable quest for meaning. His story begins at the University of Waterloo, where he pursued biomedical sciences, immersing himself in rigorous academics while navigating the demanding world of work.
Juggling classes by day and late-night shifts as a baker at Tim Hortons, Thiru recalls, “I’d start my shift at 11 p.m., finish around 7 a.m., then head straight to class. It was exhausting, but when you’re young, your body can take it.”
This was ten years ago and the exhaustion was palpable, yet there was joy in the struggle—a shared camaraderie among fellow students and workers that made the painful grind rewarding.
Upon graduation, however, the reality of the biomedical field hit him hard. “I realized that my biomedical study didn’t translate into the financial success I expected,” he admits. With modest salaries and unfulfilled aspirations, Thiru found himself at a crossroads, questioning whether his study would ever yield the success he dreamed.
It was then that he decided to forge a new path—one that led him to the bustling world of entrepreneurship.
Teaming up with a friend, he invested in a restaurant franchise called Wild Wing, embracing business challenges with limited resources. The initial triumph of expanding to five locations was exhilarating, yet it soon revealed the complexities of financial management and the pitfalls of mixing personal relationships with business.
This experience would later serve as a foundation for his next venture—launching his own consultancy, Thiru Inc.
At Thiru Inc., Thiru channeled his skills into solving complex problems and making strategic investments. “What motivates me is finding creative solutions to complicated problems,” he says.
The firm rapidly established a reputation for delivering high-impact strategies, enabling Thiru to invest capital, facilitate high-value networking, and drive growth for a range of clients. Through this platform, he not only realized his potential but began to make a name for himself in strategic consulting.
Vaani Vetriko, Co-founder of Neitiv, received guidance and mentorship from Thiru when working on her startup and says she would recommend him to any individual or organization.
“Ajan possesses a remarkable ability to understand the intricacies of startups and consistently offers insightful suggestions. Working with him has been an invaluable opportunity, and I am immensely grateful for his advice,” says Vetriko.
Thiru’s work with his start-up, Thiru Inc., expanded well beyond the hospitality industry. He managed an offshore team of 150 people for major clients, including Air France and HSBC, and spearheaded business development for a tech company in Toronto.
“Meaningful, challenging work wakes me up in the morning—and I’m just getting started,” he declares, embodying an unwavering commitment to creating value and mentoring others.
Keith Nugara, EVP for business development at Telus, who received mentorship from Thiru, adds, “Ajan is a great collaborative leader and is fully engaged in all his projects.”
Through mentorship, networking, and resources, Thiru is dedicated to empowering local entrepreneurs who face barriers to success. In 2024, this drive led Thiru to launch Scarborough Innovates, an initiative to foster economic growth.
“Scarborough has so much potential, and it deserves the kind of support that helps people turn their ideas into realities,” Thiru asserts.
With Scarborough Innovates, he envisions bridging the gap for aspiring entrepreneurs and contributing to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Outside of his professional achievements, Thiru finds balance through his passions.
“When I’m not helping to build awesome companies,” he says, “I’m out playing badminton, telling stories through photography, camping, or riding my Ducati around race tracks.”
These hobbies are a creative outlet, offering him fulfillment and a chance to recharge.
Ajan Thiru’s career trajectory from a student managing grueling shifts to a successful entrepreneur and consultant encapsulates adaptability and drive.
His journey reflects a commitment to impactful work, whether strategizing for Fortune 500 companies, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, or simply enjoying a game of chess.
Thiru embodies a sense of purpose and humility in every endeavor that fuels his ongoing success. “If you’re going to be doing something for decades, my attitude is you better darn well enjoy it,” he concludes, a testament to his belief in finding joy in the work that defines his life.