Thirukumaran (Kumaran) Sivasubramaniam is the Co-Founder and COO of Fintex Inc. in Toronto. His story begins in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, where he was born during a time of great conflict. When he was young, his father was killed in the civil war. His mother was left to raise five children on her own.
In 1989, Kumaran moved to Canada with his family. He was only nine years old. Life was not easy at first. They moved often, relied on welfare, and had to start over from scratch. But one thing never changed. Education was always the priority. Kumaran attended several schools across Toronto and stayed focused on building a better future.
Over time, that determination shaped his path into entrepreneurship and technology. Today, he helps lead Fintex Inc., where he supports innovation and growth. He is passionate about the Canadian dream and what is possible through hard work and learning.
Outside of business, Kumaran stays active through sports like basketball, tennis, volleyball, and badminton. He also enjoys watching games and cheering on his children at soccer and volleyball matches.
Giving back is a big part of his life. He organizes yearly fundraising efforts and donates clothing to communities in need around the world. He also mentors immigrant youth and newcomers as they search for their first jobs. Through leadership, service, and constant curiosity, Kumaran continues to build opportunities for others while never forgetting where he started.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts early with a morning walk. I do it no matter the weather. Even in the cold Toronto winters, I bundle up and go. It clears my head before the day begins. After that, I check in on my priorities at Fintex. As COO, my days involve problem-solving, supporting the team, and making sure we’re building efficiently. I stay productive by keeping my schedule simple and focusing on what truly needs attention.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I like starting with conversations. I’ve learned that good ideas don’t live in isolation. At Fintex, an idea becomes real when you break it into steps and test it quickly. I’m drawn to practical execution. I ask, “What can we do this week that moves this forward?” Small actions create momentum.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Emerging technology still excites me a lot, especially how quickly tools are evolving in finance and automation. I spend time trading and following new tech closely. I enjoy seeing how innovation can open doors for people who are just starting out.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily movement. Sports have always been part of my life, whether it’s basketball, badminton, or tennis. Staying active keeps my energy steady and helps me think clearly.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self not to feel ashamed of struggle. When my family came to Canada, we relied on welfare and moved often. At the time, it felt unstable. Now I see it built resilience. I’d say, “This is not your ending. Keep going.”
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think consistency matters more than talent. People love big breakthroughs, but most success comes from showing up every day, even when it’s boring or slow.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Mentor someone. Helping immigrant youth land their first job has been one of the most meaningful things I’ve done. It reminds you that small guidance can change someone’s entire path.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away from screens and go for a walk. Movement resets my mind. Sometimes I’ll also watch my kids play sports. It brings perspective back quickly.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I focus on relationships and trust. My journey taught me that nobody succeeds alone. Whether it’s partners, teammates, or mentors, long-term progress comes from building real connections.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I once took on too much myself instead of delegating. I thought being responsible meant carrying everything. It led to burnout. I learned that leadership is about building systems and empowering others, not doing it all alone.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mentorship platform specifically for newcomers. Not just career advice, but real introductions, resume help, and first-job pathways. I’ve seen how life-changing that first opportunity can be.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
AI tools have transformed my productivity and they help me get work done faster, more thoroughly, and with greater accuracy. I also rely on Microsoft Planner for task management. It gives me a clear view of my daily priorities and makes it easy to create and organize tasks, even directly from conversations.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
For podcasts, I listen to Lex Fridman and the All-In podcast regularly. They both provide valuable insights into technology, AI, business strategy, and innovation—topics that are directly relevant to my work and help me stay informed about industry trends.
As for books, I’m a big fan of ‘The Da Vinci Code’ by Dan Brown, ‘Skin in the Game’ by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, and ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen Covey. Each offers something different—Dan Brown for engaging storytelling, Taleb for challenging conventional thinking about risk and decision-making, and Covey for timeless principles on effectiveness and leadership.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed Game of Thrones because it shows how leadership, loyalty, and choices shape outcomes over time. The storytelling pulls you in.
Key learnings
- Consistency and daily habits often matter more than talent or sudden breakthroughs.
- Mentorship can be one of the most impactful ways to create opportunity for others.
- Starting over in a new country builds resilience, perspective, and long-term drive.
- Strong relationships and trust are essential for career growth and business progress.
- Stepping away from screens and returning to simple routines can restore focus quickly.