Aaron Murphy BComm’09
November 2021
Aaron Murphy BComm’09
Halifax, NS
“I believe it’s incumbent upon those who can do so to give generously to organizations dedicated to education, fighting violence against women, environmental protection, or any other causes that helps make the world a better place.”
1. Could you tell us what Chris Hadfield Inc. (CHI) is and what your role is there?
It is the operating company for Chris Hadfield, former Canadian Astronaut, and ISS commander. Chris is now a public speaker, author and consultant. My role is Chief Financial Officer, where I oversee all financial operations for Chris Hadfield Inc., Hadfield Inc., Snug as a Bug Properties Corp and 92 Minutes Inc.
2. What made you choose Saint Mary’s to obtain your BComm?
Saint Mary’s, and specifically the Sobeys School of Business, is recognized as one of the top business schools in Canada, and I wanted to attend a top-tier business school.
3. Could you tell us a bit about your career path after graduating Saint Mary’s?
After graduation, I moved to Toronto and began a career in sales at Enterprise Holdings. I enjoyed it but didn’t love sales and moved to recruiting for Lannick Technologies before being approached by the Hadfield’s in the summer of 2013. I was initially doing marketing for CHI through a company co-founded by Evan Hadfield and myself called Hadfield Media Inc. I took a greater interest in finance and accounting and therefore sold my stake in Hadfield Media Inc. and became an employee of CHI, where I moved from a Finance Manager to Controller to CFO. The move into Finance/Accounting motivated me to pursue my CPA.
4. What inspires you?
Education and community service/charitable work. I believe it’s incumbent upon those who can do so to give generously to organizations dedicated to education, fighting violence against women, environmental protection, or any other causes that helps make the world a better place.
5. Are you involved in any community, volunteer, or advocacy work?
I’m the Director and Treasurer of Heal with Horses Therapeutic Centre (a registered charity), which provides equine therapy for at-risk youth, persons with disabilities, and those struggling with mental health challenges.
6. What motivated you to establish the Paul J. Murphy Memorial Scholarship at Saint Mary’s?
Before he passed away, my father and I spoke at length about the importance of trying to help others. Knowing how important education was to him and how hard he and my mother worked to instill that same sense in myself and my siblings, I thought it would be a nice way to honour him and to help continue the lessons he taught my family. I hope that it will benefit students by encouraging a focus on high academic achievement and also as a small financial benefit to hopefully ease some of the financial burden I believe many students feel.
7. How does it feel to give?
In my opinion, giving back is one of the most satisfying experiences a person can have. My motivation comes from all the people and organizations that have helped me throughout my life. Whether it was financial help from bursaries and scholarships at Saint Mary’s, or advice and mentorship from my personal and professional network, I have been lucky enough to always be given help when I’ve needed it. I volunteer and give to Saint Mary’s and other institutions in the hopes that others can have that same experience.