I've lived in many different places. Before Edmonton I lived in Europe for five years. I had a perfect job. Obviously moving to Edmonton is a little bit unusual for someone who had it as good as I did. But I've found lots of advantages in Canada, and in this city in particular. What I find is that Edmonton allows for growth - I work full-time and am doing a part-time MBA at the University of Alberta - and balance. I'm confident that I can succeed anywhere, and in any place. It's a matter of lifestyle. Edmonton offers the lifestyle I want. I find work-life balance here.

When I moved here two years ago it was quite a challenging experience. I didn't have any arranged work here. I didn't have any friends, except one person I barely knew. My wife was due in a couple of weeks. It was our first baby.

Within one month, I managed to find a new place to live, find a job, and have a baby. Everything happened at the same time. What was really nice is that we met lots of people who were willing to help us in this pretty difficult situation. Otherwise it'd have taken much longer.

I can't pinpoint the one moment when it came together. But I came here prepared, and people were happy to help us.