By Adrian Olivier
In his July 2010 Assumption of Command message at HMCS STAR, LCdr Shekhar Gothi quoted Mahatma Ghandi, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” It was a fitting inclusion for the newly appointed CO. Gothi’s family immigrated to Canada from India in 1977, trading the warm weather of Bombay for the decidedly colder Thunder Bay, when he was just six years old.
Like many kids, Gothi and his friends pretended to be soldiers on missions when they played. Those childhood games, combined with Gothi’s love of sailing and his strong desire to serve and give back to his new country, inspired him to join the CAF as an officer in the naval reserve. Once he finished his undergraduate studies in political science and business, he continued with full-time service and never looked back.
Gothi’s innate drive and passion for facing challenges head-on have served the RCN, and his own career, very well. He was twice deployed on UN peacekeeping missions—coordinating the Ceasefire Joint Military Committee which mediated the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in 2008, and then on peacekeeping operations in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 2009. It was during his second UN deployment that he survived the devastating January 2010 earthquake in Haiti during which the UN building he was in collapsed, burying him alive while taking the lives of his many of his colleagues.
In September 2018, LCdr Gothi was selected to the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) headquarters, and in spring 2022 he was appointed its Innovation Director. In that position, he oversaw a team tasked with sourcing emerging and disruptive technologies to prepare front line personnel for the future operating environment. Later that same year, he was appointed as an Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell. A little more than a year later, he became Chief Aide-de-Camp, overseeing 50 Aides and 15 volunteers throughout Ontario, a position he still holds under the current Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Edith Dumont.
For Gothi, joining the Commissionaires Great Lakes senior management team as its Vice President of Partnerships in April 2024 was a natural progression in a career of service, a new and challenging opportunity to apply the many skills and experiences he’s gained through advancing levels of military leadership. Gothi is responsible for engagement with all levels of government, industry and the veteran community, to establish meaningful partnerships and strengthen existing business relationships for Commissionaires. He finds this to be a particularly exciting time to be part of Commissionaires, just months before the organization begins its centennial year, celebrations of which are already taking shape.
“The most rewarding aspects of my career revolve around the opportunity to contribute to something larger than myself and to make a meaningful impact on society,” Gothi told us. “This is why I was careful to choose the right private sector path for myself, one that allows me to continue serving with purpose. The new step builds on a foundation of contributing to national security, working in a challenging and dynamic environment, teamwork and camaraderie, while pursuing growth and development, and honouring traditions.”
Gothi offers thorough and practical advice for those who wish to build their military experience and apply it to executive roles in the private sector:
1. Understand the complexities: The defence industry is complex, involving geopolitics, technology, regulations, and more. Take the time to learn the intricacies to navigate effectively.
2. Embrace innovation: The defence sector is constantly evolving, with technology playing a crucial role. Embrace innovation and be open to new ideas and approaches to solve challenges.
3. Build relationships: Networking is key in any industry, especially in defence where relationships often shape business opportunities. Connect with colleagues, mentors and industry leaders to learn and grow.
4. Focus on ethics: The defence industry carries significant responsibility. Always prioritize ethics and integrity in your decision-making, ensuring that your work contributes positively to society.
5. Stay informed: Keep current with industry news, policy changes, and technological advancements. Being well-informed will help you anticipate trends and make strategic decisions.
6. Adaptability is key: The defence landscape can change rapidly due to geopolitical shifts, budget constraints, or technological breakthroughs. Be adaptable and ready to pivot your strategies when necessary.
7. Continuous learning: Never stop learning. Invest in your professional development through courses, certifications, and workshops to stay ahead in your field.
8. Be resilient: The defence industry can be challenging with long project timelines, stringent regulations, and high stakes. Develop resilience to persevere through obstacles and setbacks.
9. Think globally: Defence is an international industry, with partnerships and collaborations spanning across borders. Keep a global perspective in your approach to business and strategy.
10. Lead with purpose: As a young executive, lead with a clear sense of purpose and vision. Inspire your team to work towards common goals that align with the values of the organization and contribute to the greater good.
In addition to his many achievements, Gothi’s career has included meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II at the State Dinner and her last ever visit to Canada, His Royal Highness, the late Prince Phillip, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, and Her Royal Highness Princess Sophie.
As we wrapped up our interview, Gothi reinforced that his view of success—including the success of the CAF and Commissionaires—is derived from how we face challenges and seize opportunities, punctuating his point with another famous quote from Gandhi, “The future depends on what we do in the present.”
