Selwan Oraha is a renowned Canadian entrepreneur and visionary in the construction and property development sector, hailing from Toronto, Ontario. Born on April 15, 1975, to Iraqi immigrant parents, Oraha developed a passion for building and design at a young age, inspired by his civil engineer father. He pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto, followed by an MBA with a specialization in Real Estate and Infrastructure from the Rotman School of Management.
Starting his career at EllisDon, Oraha managed major projects like the revitalization of Union Station and the Bay Adelaide Centre construction. In 2005, he founded Oraha Developments Inc., focusing on sustainable and innovative urban projects. His notable developments include GreenVista Towers, an eco-friendly residential complex, and Liberty Square, a mixed-use development known for its modern design and sustainability features.
Oraha’s contributions have earned him several accolades, including the LEED Platinum Certification, Toronto Urban Design Award, and the Canadian Green Building Award. Recognized as one of the Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction by On-Site Magazine, he is a prominent figure in the industry.
Married to landscape architect Lina Oraha, Selwan is a father of two and lives in an eco-friendly home in Toronto’s Rosedale neighborhood. He is an avid classic car collector, outdoor enthusiast, and a committed volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Oraha’s dedication to sustainable development and community-focused projects continues to shape the landscape of modern urban living.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early with a morning run, which helps clear my mind and set a positive tone. I then review my schedule and prioritize tasks, focusing on high-impact projects first. I make it a point to visit at least one project site daily to stay connected with on-the-ground developments and address any issues firsthand. Regular team meetings are essential, where we brainstorm, troubleshoot, and align on project goals. To ensure productivity, I also allocate time for reading industry news and trends, which keeps me informed and inspired.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life starts with a strong foundation of research and brainstorming. I encourage my team to think outside the box and explore innovative solutions. Once we have a solid concept, we move to detailed planning, creating prototypes or models to visualize the idea. I believe in iterative development, so we refine our ideas based on feedback and practical considerations. Throughout the process, I maintain open communication with all stakeholders to ensure the idea aligns with our vision and market needs.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the rise of smart cities and the integration of technology in urban development. The potential to create more efficient, sustainable, and livable cities through IoT, AI, and green technologies is immense. I’m particularly interested in how smart infrastructure can enhance energy efficiency, reduce waste, and improve the quality of life for residents. This trend aligns with my commitment to sustainability and innovation in property development. It’s exciting to think about how these advancements will shape the future of urban living.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
A habit that significantly boosts my productivity is setting clear, achievable goals for each day. Every morning, I outline my top three priorities and allocate specific time blocks to focus on them. This practice helps me stay focused and avoid distractions, ensuring that I make steady progress on critical tasks. Additionally, I practice regular reflection and review at the end of the day to assess what went well and identify areas for improvement. This continuous cycle of planning and reflection keeps me aligned with my long-term objectives.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and not fear taking risks. The path to success is often nonlinear, and each setback is a valuable lesson that brings you closer to your goals. I’d also emphasize the importance of building a strong network and seeking mentorship early on, as these relationships can provide invaluable guidance and support. Furthermore, I’d advise maintaining a balance between work and personal life, as overall well-being is crucial for sustained success. Lastly, always stay curious and never stop learning, as continuous growth is key to staying ahead in any field.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that the future of urban development should heavily integrate vertical farming within residential and commercial buildings. While many see urban farming as a niche or supplementary practice, I envision it becoming a core component of city planning. This integration can significantly enhance food security, reduce transportation emissions, and improve urban air quality. Although this idea is often met with skepticism due to perceived costs and feasibility challenges, I’m convinced that with technological advancements, vertical farming will become a standard feature in modern urban landscapes.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One practice I consistently follow and recommend is dedicating time to mentor and support others in the industry. Sharing knowledge and experiences not only helps others grow but also reinforces my own understanding and inspires new ideas. Mentorship fosters a collaborative environment, driving innovation and collective success. I also find that mentoring keeps me connected with emerging trends and fresh perspectives. It’s a mutually beneficial practice that contributes to personal and professional development.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a short break to clear my mind and re-center myself. A quick walk outside or a few minutes of meditation can significantly reduce stress and improve focus. I also revisit my task list, prioritizing immediate actions and breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps. This helps me regain a sense of control and clarity. Additionally, I find it helpful to discuss challenges with a trusted colleague or mentor, as external perspectives can provide valuable insights and solutions.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
A key strategy that has significantly contributed to my business growth is embracing sustainability as a core value in all our projects. By prioritizing eco-friendly designs and technologies, we’ve been able to differentiate Oraha Developments in a competitive market, attracting environmentally conscious clients and investors. This commitment to sustainability not only aligns with global trends but also enhances our brand reputation and reduces operational costs over time. Additionally, we actively seek out and integrate innovative construction methods, which keeps us at the forefront of the industry. This strategic focus has helped us build a loyal customer base and secure long-term success.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I faced a significant setback with a project that ran over budget and behind schedule due to unforeseen regulatory hurdles. Overcoming this challenge involved transparent communication with all stakeholders, renegotiating contracts, and implementing stricter project management protocols. The experience taught me the importance of thorough due diligence and contingency planning in project management. It also reinforced the value of flexibility and adaptability in navigating unexpected challenges. This failure ultimately strengthened my problem-solving skills and improved our project planning processes for future developments.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I’m excited to share is the concept of creating modular, prefabricated urban greenhouses that can be easily integrated into existing buildings. These greenhouses could utilize hydroponic systems to grow fresh produce year-round, providing a sustainable food source for urban populations. By partnering with local governments and businesses, these greenhouses could be installed on rooftops, in unused spaces, or as part of new developments, promoting urban agriculture and reducing the carbon footprint of food transportation. This idea leverages the growing trend towards sustainability and urban farming, offering a scalable solution to enhance food security in cities.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One essential software tool that enhances my productivity is Asana, a project management platform. I use Asana to organize tasks, set deadlines, and track the progress of various projects across my team. It allows for clear delegation of responsibilities and fosters effective collaboration through its communication features and real-time updates. By integrating Asana with other tools like Slack and Google Drive, we streamline our workflow and ensure everyone is aligned and informed. This software has been instrumental in maintaining project efficiency and meeting deadlines consistently.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One of my favorite books is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries, which has profoundly influenced my approach to business and innovation. The principles of validated learning, rapid prototyping, and iterative development have been invaluable in refining our project development processes. This book emphasizes the importance of agility and customer feedback, which are crucial for staying competitive and responsive to market needs. I also enjoy listening to the “TED Talks Business” podcast, which provides a wealth of insights from industry leaders and innovators. Both resources offer practical strategies and inspire continuous learning and improvement.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed the series “Our Planet” on Netflix, which offers stunning visuals and compelling narratives about the natural world and the impact of human activity on it. This series resonated with me due to its emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation, topics I’m deeply passionate about. The breathtaking cinematography and insightful commentary provided a profound appreciation for the planet’s biodiversity and the urgent need for sustainable practices. Watching “Our Planet” reinforced my commitment to integrating eco-friendly solutions in my projects and inspired new ideas for promoting sustainability in urban development.
Key learnings:
- Emphasizing sustainability in projects has differentiated Oraha Developments, attracting eco-conscious clients and enhancing brand reputation.
- Overcoming early career challenges underscored the importance of due diligence, contingency planning, and adaptability in project management.
- Investing in ergonomic office solutions significantly boosts comfort, productivity, and overall well-being.