Building Relationships

Rishi Sharma is a seasoned public servant and community leader based in Saanich, British Columbia, with four decades of experience in private, public and and non-profit sectors. In his most recent role with the BC government he specialized in intergovernmental relations, Indigenous engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and public policy development. Rishi's skills allow him to provide strategic leadership on federal-provincial collaboration and stakeholder outreach to advance inclusive and skills-focused education policies.

Rishi has held many senior leadership roles, leading dedicated and professional teams. He has worked in portfolios including serving as Chief of Staff to various BC government Ministers and working in the Office of the Premier. As well as leading as a director in the bureaucracy, his past legislative work involved strategic planning, management of office operations, policy development, and stakeholder relations. Rishi also led a team of communication and media monitoring specialist in the BC government's Public Affairs Bureau, while studying communications at the University Of Victoria. 

Rishi holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, where he completed a thesis on utilizing uncomfortable conversations to build relationships. He has also completed extensive professional training in diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Rishi offers private leadership training focused on building relationships and facilitating productive dialogue and provides tools, skills, and competencies to help individuals and organizations navigate challenging discussions effectively. He is also an instructor at the University of Victoria Continuing Education Department where he teaches workshops on leadership and effective dialogue.

Rishi's has hands-on experience in trades including being certified through Camosun College's trades program. He previously worked as an Ironworker, contributing to high-rise construction in Vancouver, and also worked at Leslie Forest Products in Delta. He has a deep understanding of both industrial labour and workforce development.

Rishi also brings residential construction expertise, with his family working in the industry since the 1980s. He and his wife have completed several rezoning and building projects in Langford and Saanich.

Rishi has significantly contributed to equity and inclusion initiatives. He has been involved with the BC Centre for Women in the Trades and the BC Construction Association’s Builders Code, both dedicated to promoting diversity and safer workplaces across industries.

He currently serves on the District of Saanich’s Technical Accessibility Committee. He sits as an advisory member on University of Victoria's Continuing Education Business Management Program Advisory Committee. His volunteer work also included being a board member for Minerva BC, a director for Fixed Ash Road Now, and a director for the Gordon Head Residents Association. His commitment to youth mentorship is evident in his role as a local soccer coach.

His political experience includes vying for a municipal and provincial seat, where he championed community-focused policies and inclusive governance.

Rishi has a strong background in sports. He was a BC select youth soccer and field hockey player, competed in basketball at the BC Winter Games, and was invited to a BC select volleyball training camp at BCIT. He continues to stay active.