For Raphael Tachie, partner and head of the Vancouver Private Client Services Group at global law firm Gowling WLG, how he got to where he is today was a combination of hard work and happy accidents along the way. He went on to complete his executive MBA (EMBA) at SFU Beedie.

My Journey

Early on, Raphael saw the importance of role models and representation—which is why he continues to serve as a long-time volunteer with the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL). Originally a political science and criminology major at SFU, Raphael later went on to complete an EMBA at SFU Beedie and dedicates much of his time to volunteering with CABL as their current national president. Raphael also served on the SFU Alumni Board for six years.

Raphael points out that being a Black partner at a big downtown law firm in Vancouver is rare. He recalls being a young student trying to figure out if a big corporate firm was meant for him. “Role models matter,” says Raphael. “That’s one of the reasons why volunteering with CABL is so important to me. Growing up, I realized the importance of role models. If you see one, you can be one. That’s why I’m doing this work today—to highlight Vancouver to the population of Black professionals as a place to live and work.”

Raphael’s interest in pursuing business studies began when, during the course of his work, he started to look for new ways that he could add value to his practice and differentiate himself with a unique skillset.

My experience at SFU Beedie

Raphael had come to appreciate that as an estates and trusts lawyer, he was part of a larger wealth management industry.

“As much as I enjoy doing my part, I wanted to learn more about how all the pieces fit together and gain a better understanding of the roles different professionals play in the wealth management industry that services high-net-worth clients,” says Raphael. “I had a conversation with a partner who had been incredibly generous in mentoring me and every year she would ask me, ‘What is your practice going to look like?’ SFU Beedie’s EMBA program became an avenue for me to learn about the wealth management, how it all fits together and my role in it.”

Highlights

Raphael found his niche by specializing in serving the senior demographic and leveraging his expertise in insurance within the realm of estate law.

Recognizing the importance of immigrant wealth and the unique perspectives it brings, Raphael has embraced his own immigrant background and leverages his understanding to better support his clients.

Where I am today

Today, Raphael is a recognized specialist in estate and tax planning, focusing on serving high-net-worth clients.

Thanks to his EMBA experience, Raphael has developed a stronger and more diverse skill set that allowed him to reflect on his career path and envision his future as a specialist in the wealth management industry.