Meet Raoul (@bhattman). This Edmonton dad is a Coder, CEO, and #swimsuitmodel.
Why did you choose this career path?
It didn’t happen overnight! It was a slow progression over 22 years. I took my time and learned the ropes before setting out on my own and I was better for it. I really love connecting with others and my work has allowed me the pleasure of getting to know clients from around the world. This journey has been really inspiring and I’m grateful to have so many amazing people believing in me and my passion.
How would you describe yourself?
I’m always eager to learn from myself and from others. I take every challenge as an opportunity to become a better person, whether it’s growing my business or my family. I’m a people person and I really enjoy listening to people’s stories and journeys. There’s a lot of value in letting others into your life and that’s something I remind myself of everyday.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I think something people would be surprised to know is that I’m really artistic- I love art, drawing illustrations, photography, cinematography, and creative writing. Of course, coding is my true passion, I love learning about space, and I’m really into hot sauce.
What are three personality traits that you identify with?
Empathic, creative, and obsessive (about the things I’m passionate about).
What are three words your best friend or partner would use to describe you?
Hard working, loyal, and generous.
What do you want people to know about you?
I want people to know that I make it look easy, but earning my success took time, a lot of risk and a lot of hard work- you don’t wake up one day to a beautiful family and a thriving business. I’m so fortunate to live a life I’m passionate about, both at work and at home.
What are you hoping to achieve with your social following and your relationship with your followers?
I want to use my platform to uplift and tell stories about people in my community. This is where I share what I’m passionate about it, the projects I’m involved with, and the things I love.
How do you hope to connect with the people that follow you?
My goal is to relate with people- I’m just a regular guy who happens to be an entrepreneur, a dad, a husband, and a coder. I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am and I love connecting with people who are working towards a similar goal. I have so many people who I’ve looked up to along the way and if I can provide that same inspiration to someone else then I feel like I’ve succeeded.
We selected you for this campaign because we believe that your life is aspirational. What do you feel makes your life aspirational? Why did you decide to participate in this campaign?
I chose to participate in this campaign because it’s all about being confident- in yourself, in your abilities, in your intellect, in your body. I think a little bit of a confidence and determination can help you achieve amazing things.
I was really flattered to be asked to be part of this project. I loved getting to work with the Swimco team, the values of this company align with the values I have at my company. I always encourage the people around me to be confident and invest in their character. I love boosting people up and giving them that extra push when they don’t think they can make it to their milestone or finish line. If I could have a fraction of that effect on people that see my photos or read my blog, that’s the reason I chose to participate. Plus, I’ve never been a #swimsuitmodel, so I wasn’t about to pass up a new opportunity!
What did you enjoy about working with Swimco on this campaign?
What I love about Swimco is that they are working to make a positive difference in the Canadian community. Joining forces with them and their professional, organized team was fantastic.
Did you discover anything about yourself?
Who knew you just have to put on a pair of swim shorts to be a #swimsuitmodel? It was that easy! Leading up to the photoshoot I wasn’t sure if I could do this, but when the day came and the camera came out I felt comfortable and confident. Building a business has taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to, and this experience was no different. I was really proud of my body during the shoot and that felt incredible.
If you could say one thing to someone who may not be confident with their body, what would it be?
Take inventory of everything that you love about yourself. Leverage your favourite parts and remember that it’s personality, confidence, and interests in life that will take you the furthest.