Sophia Chan-Combrink’s journey to leadership began with a simple but powerful experience in grade nine. Her geography teacher introduced her to the concept of a recycling club. At the time, Sophia didn’t fully understand what recycling was or why it mattered, but her teacher patiently explained the importance of taking care of the earth. That lesson opened Sophia’s eyes to the profound impact small actions can have on the world, sparking a passion for environmental responsibility that would guide her career for years to come.
In the years that followed, Sophia’s commitment to community and purpose-driven work became central to everything she did. Whether she’s leading a team, organizing city-wide events, mentoring young professionals, or simply walking her kids to school, she approaches each responsibility with care and intention.
During her time at the British Council in Hong Kong, she introduced an unconventional leadership style by incorporating walking meetings into her routine. “We’d walk through the park and talk,” she said. “No notes. Just air in your lungs and ideas flowing. It was done in half an hour, and far more effective than sitting in a boardroom for an hour.”
Now based in Canada, Sophia brings that same energy to her work and her family. A mother of four, she’s used to juggling high-stakes responsibilities, and doing so with empathy and clarity. “People are always surprised to learn I have four kids,” she said, laughing. “But someone once told me, ‘That’s exactly why you’re qualified, you know how to multitask, negotiate, manage time, and get things done.”
It’s not just about doing it all—it’s about doing it well, and on her own terms. “Nobody can do it all,” she said. “But being able to live fully and be present—at work, with family—that’s what matters.”
Sophia credits her career path to that pivotal moment in grade nine, when her geography teacher introduced her to the idea of recycling and doing good for the planet. “It led me to get a master’s in environmental studies and science, back when people were questioning how you could make a career out of it.” Her passion for sustainability and social impact led her to work in nonprofit organizations, where she’s been ever since.
When asked for advice for someone looking to step into a leadership role, Sophia offered this: “Be authentic and stay true to your values. Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about empowering others to do their best. And don’t be afraid to lean into what makes you unique—your background, your experiences, your perspective. That’s your strength.”
A defining moment in Sophia’s journey occurred when she first met Hugh Chow, the CEO of ventureLAB. In true Sophia fashion, she biked to meet him. It was an unconventional choice, but one that reflected her active, hands-on approach to leadership. The meeting sparked a connection that led to her joining the ventureLAB team, where she now plays a key role in helping the organization navigate the complex landscape of venture capital, government relations, and international partnerships.
At ventureLAB, Sophia envisions expanding the support for founders by offering more specific strategic advice, particularly tailored to key sectors such as semiconductors, medtech, AI, and automotive. With a focus on developing talent and research in these industries, Sophia hopes to build a foundation that will position Canada as a leader in these critical sectors. By strengthening relationships with international jurisdictions and focusing on meaningful connections, Sophia is dedicated to ensuring that ventureLAB’s growth continues to be both impactful and sustainable.
A key part of Sophia’s approach to her role is her passion for building connections with people. Whether she’s meeting new partners, engaging with team members, or speaking with clients, she’s always looking for ways to foster relationships that create real, lasting impact. Moving forward, she’s excited to continue building on these connections, both locally and internationally, as she works to grow ventureLAB’s reach and influence.
From championing work-life balance to modeling resilience and presence, Sophia exemplifies what it means to lead with both head and heart. Her story is a testament to how a simple moment can spark a lifelong commitment to purpose and leadership.
