When you think of a TEDx event in Vancouver, you might picture a room full of corporate leaders, business strategists, and finance experts. But TEDx BBT hosted by Bear Bull Traders, a multi-million-dollar trading education platform founded by Andrew Aziz offers something unexpected.
Beyond the finance-focused talks and high-profile speakers, the event is making waves in Vancouver’s arts community, thanks to the influence of Fares, a 25-year-old creative director and performance artist. This unlikely collaboration between a top finance expert and a Gen-Z artist is reshaping the event’s identity and breaking barriers between business and art.
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A Trading Tycoon and a Creative Visionary
At 41, Andrew Aziz is well-known in the world of day trading. As a Forbes Council top 100 finance author, he’s built Bear Bull Traders into a go-to platform for aspiring traders. His resume also includes climbing the Seven Summits, making him the first Iranian man to achieve the feat.
On the other end of the spectrum is Fares, an Alexandria-born queer performance artist now based in Vancouver. Known for his experimental work with holograms and immersive art, he’s built a reputation in the city’s underground creative scene.
The collaboration between Andrew and Fares may seem like an odd pairing, but it’s at the heart of TEDx BBT’s mission: bridging the gap between business and the arts.
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A TEDx Event That Goes Beyond Business
Initially, many assumed that TEDx BBT would be a finance-heavy corporate affair, given its ties to a day trading firm. However, a quick glance at the lineup reveals a different story.
Fares, who serves as the event’s creative director, has infused the conference with artistic expression, ensuring that attendees experience something beyond business strategies and investment insights.
“We wanted to break the barriers between business and art,” Andrew explains. “This event is about showing how the two worlds can inspire each other.”
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The Intersection of Art and Business
Many companies and entrepreneurs align themselves with the arts to enhance their brand, but Andrew and Fares see this as more than a marketing strategy.
“The art world has helped me think more like a human, not just a textbook robot,” says Andrew. “Making money is great, but we can’t lose ourselves in the process.”
Fares agrees, adding that artists can benefit from business strategies just as much as finance professionals can gain from creativity.
“There’s so much for artists to learn from the business world how to market their work, build a sustainable career, and create long-term opportunities,” he says.
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Breaking the Workplace Barriers
One of the most unexpected but entertaining moments of our chat was the dynamic between these two wildly different individuals. Early in our conversation with Fares, he suddenly glanced off-camera and burst into laughter as Andrew walked into the frame. What followed was playful banter, with Fares jokingly shoving Andrew out of the shot, claiming he was “stealing his spotlight.” Andrew, refusing to back down, waved to the camera with a grin. The effortless back-and-forth wasn’t just fun to watch—it gave us a glimpse into the energy that fuels Bear Bull Traders and the culture they’ve built.
As the conversation deepened, it became clear that this wasn’t just about business or art. It was about rethinking collaboration entirely—blurring the lines between professional and personal relationships. Andrew admitted that his friendship with Fares had challenged his views on creativity, while Fares said working with Andrew helped him see the value of structure without losing artistic freedom.
TEDx BBT isn’t just a stage for fresh ideas—it’s a testament to the power of embracing differences. A 41-year-old finance heavyweight and a 25-year-old Egyptian queer performance artist found common ground, not by watering down their identities, but by leaning into them. If that kind of connection can thrive here, maybe it’s time to rethink how we define creativity, teamwork, and success in every industry.
TEDx BBT will take place at the Paradox Hotel in Vancouver on March 29th. Tickets are almost sold out, so if you want to witness this rare intersection of business and art firsthand, grab yours now before they’re gone.
