Aleks Djurdjevic
President, Canada, Advantage Solutions
Where did you grow up? Born in Toronto but raised in Oakville, Ont. from age of 7.
First job in the business? My first role within CPG was as a sales representative in the GTA with General Mills Canada.
Who or what has inspired you? My parents, who emigrated to Canada in the 1960s. They made an incredible sacrifice escaping communist Yugoslavia to create a better future for us. I have drawn inspiration from many great mentors and leaders.
How would you describe yourself? Positive and passionate who draws energy from working with people and teams, and brainstorming to build something new.
Favourite meal? Bacon and eggs.
Favourite sports team? Toronto Maple Leafs, even though they keep breaking my heart!
Favourite business books? Good to Great by Jim Collins, and The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey.
Most treasured possession? My family, and a watch my parents bought me as a gift for graduating university (they never splurged on themselves).
Ideal golf foursome: Wendel Clark, Michael Jordan and Novak Djokovic.
What’s on your music playlist? Queen, U2, the Rolling Stones, Van Halen and AC/DC.
If you could join a musician on stage to sing with, who would it be? Mick Jagger. Though I can’t move like him! Favourite podcast? “A Bit of Optimism” with Simon Sinek.
Celebrities you have met? Darryl Sittler, Frank Mahovlich, Catriona Le May Doan, Jamie Salé & David Pelletier, Vicky Sunohara, Pinball Clemons, Tony Mandarich, The Tragically Hip, Jeff Healy, Sid Seixeiro.
Things to do on your bucket list? The pyramids in Egypt, the Great Wall of China and the annual Great Migration in Africa.
Pet peeve? Negative and victim mentalities.
Favourite saying? People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. —Maya Angelou
Unusual thing that has happened to you? Working with strangers to pull someone out of the sea at a beach in Greece after the lifeguard hours ended. Our reward was a Greek coffee and two shots of ouzo to warm up.
What would people be surprised to know about you? I have been interviewed on TV twice despite having a face for radio. Played semi-pro soccer.
