Thirukumaran Sivasubramaniam – Building Leadership Through Resilience

Some careers are built on momentum. Others are built on meaning. Thirukumaran Sivasubramaniam’s path falls into the second group. As Co-Founder and COO of Fintex Inc. in Toronto, his leadership style is shaped by lived experience. Loss. Migration. Education. Discipline. Over time, those forces turned into a steady, people-focused approach to business. His story moves from early hardship to operational leadership in a technology-driven company, with a clear throughline: progress comes from consistency and care.

Early life and immigration: Lessons that last

Thirukumaran was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, during a period of civil conflict. His father was a police officer who was killed in the civil war. That moment changed everything. His mother was left to raise four children alone.

“She never let us forget that education was the way forward,” he says. “No matter how hard things were, school always came first.”

When he was 9 years old, his uncle sponsored the family's immigration to Canada. The move brought safety, but not stability. The family relied on social support programs and moved often. Thirukumaran attended several schools across Toronto. Each move meant adapting again.

“It wasn’t easy,” he says. “But moving around taught me how to observe, listen, and adjust. Those are skills I still use in business.”

Education as a foundation for leadership

Education was not optional in the Sivasubramaniam household. It was a responsibility. Thirukumaran carried that mindset through his school years. He learned early that effort mattered more than comfort.

“When you see your Mom sacrifice everything, you don’t waste opportunities,” he says.

This focus helped shape his work ethic. It also influenced how he views teams today. He believes people perform best when expectations are clear and support is real.

Entering the business world

Over time, Thirukumaran moved into roles that blended structure with problem-solving. Those experiences eventually led him to Fintex Inc., where he now serves as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer.

As COO, his focus is on operational clarity. Systems. Processes. Accountability. He works behind the scenes to make sure teams can execute without friction.

“My job is to remove obstacles,” he explains. “If people are confused, progress slows. Clear systems let people do their best work.”

Rather than chasing visibility, he prioritizes stability. That approach reflects his background. He values long-term thinking over quick wins.

Leadership style: Calm, consistent, people-first

Thirukumaran’s leadership style is shaped by observation. He pays attention to how people work and what they need to succeed. He believes consistency builds trust.

“Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice,” he says. “It’s about being reliable.”

At Fintex, he focuses on execution and alignment. He believes strong operations enable innovation without chaos. His role is to make sure ideas turn into outcomes.

He also sees leadership as service. That belief comes from watching his mother hold the family together under pressure.

“She showed me that leadership is about responsibility,” he says. “Not control.”

Mentorship and giving back

Mentorship plays a central role in Thirukumaran’s life. He has helped many immigrant youth and newcomers to Canada land their first jobs. For him, this work is personal.

“I know what it feels like to start with nothing,” he says. “Sometimes all someone needs is one person to believe in them.”

He also volunteers as a judge for Youth Leadership Programs, focusing on technology categories. He enjoys seeing young people present ideas and build confidence.

Beyond mentorship, he organizes annual fundraising efforts with family and friends. Each year, they raise close to $5,000 and send it directly to people facing hardship. He also helps collect and ship clothing to communities in need around the world.

“Giving back keeps you grounded,” he says. “It reminds you why progress matters.”

Life outside work: Balance and discipline

Outside the office, Thirukumaran Sivasubramaniam stays active. He plays basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, and baseball. He also enjoys watching sports and cheering on his kids at soccer and volleyball games.

Mornings start with a walk, no matter the weather.

“It clears my head,” he says. “It’s my time to reset.”

He also spends time learning about trading and emerging technologies. For him, learning never stops. It is a habit, not a phase.

A leader built over time

Thirukumaran Sivasubramaniam’s career did not follow a straight line. It followed a steady one. From Jaffna to Toronto. From hardship to leadership. From survival to service.

“I didn’t get here alone,” he says. “Everything I do is built on what others gave me.”

Today, as a business leader, mentor, and community contributor, he brings that perspective into every role he holds. His story is not about speed. It is about endurance. And in business, that often makes all the difference.