From the bustling streets of New Delhi to the serene landscapes of Kelowna, Shiven Vinod Khera’s journey is a testament to bold choices and transformative growth. Drawn to UBC Okanagan’s Faculty of Management for its entrepreneurial spirit and real-world learning opportunities, Shiven honed his skills through impactful projects and inspiring mentorship. His university experience, both in and out of the classroom, prepared him to co-found Linkbase, a SaaS platform revolutionizing operations for vacation rental property managers. Shiven’s story highlights the power of stepping out of your comfort zone, seizing opportunities, and embracing innovation to create meaningful change.
Q: What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
A: After finishing high school in one of the biggest cities in the world, New Delhi, I was ready for something completely different. Kelowna and UBCO immediately caught my eye. The area had so much to offer—amazing natural beauty, endless mountain biking trails, and a lifestyle that felt like a perfect fit for me.
Looking back, I think what really sealed the deal was how entrepreneurial the Faculty of Management was. I loved the focus on innovation and real-world learning, and it felt like the kind of place where I could explore my interests and grow. Choosing UBCO turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made—it gave me the tools I needed in an environment that allowed me to pursue my passions.
Q: What were some of your biggest takeaways from the program?
A: Looking back at my time in the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO, I can confidently say it shaped me in ways I never imagined. One of my biggest takeaways was the opportunity to learn from incredible professors like Dr. Eric Li, who truly went above and beyond to make learning meaningful. I was lucky to work with him on solving real-world problems, like building an inventory system for the local food bank, which was such an eye-opening experience. It taught me the value of creating practical solutions that make a tangible impact in the community.
The structure of the program was amazing too—it wasn’t just about sitting in lectures. There were so many group activities that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me build skills I never thought I’d have. For example, public speaking was one of my biggest fears at one point, but the program encouraged me to step up, share ideas, and collaborate with my peers. The entrepreneurial spirit that the professors fostered in the classroom gave students the freedom to explore, experiment, and create, which was so inspiring.
All in all, the program wasn’t just about academics—it was about personal growth, building confidence, and learning how to think big. I’ll always be grateful for that.
Q: What was the most rewarding part of the program?
A: The most rewarding part of the program for me was seeing my personal growth throughout those years. When I look back, I can see just how much I’ve evolved—not just academically, but as a person. One of the things that stood out was how close we got to be with our professors. At UBCO, it felt like the professors genuinely cared about our success. Professors like Dr. Eric Li were so approachable and supportive, always there to guide us and push us to do our best. That kind of connection isn’t something you find everywhere, and it made a huge difference in my confidence and how I approached challenges.
The program didn’t just teach me about management—it helped me discover what I was capable of and gave me the confidence I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I’m incredibly grateful, and I always will be, for everything UBCO gave me—the experiences, the growth, and the people. It’s something I’ll cherish forever.
Q: What advice or insight would you give to a prospective student considering this program?
A: If I could give one piece of advice to a prospective student considering this program, it would be this: don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. This program isn’t just about academics; it’s about building those soft skills that will serve you for the rest of your life. Take every opportunity to grow—whether it’s public speaking, group work, or simply sharing your ideas in class. And don’t hesitate to lean on your professors. They’re truly there to help you succeed, and their support can make all the difference.
Also, make sure to get involved! Join clubs run by the Management Students Association (MSA)—they’re a fantastic way to meet people, build connections, and gain experience. If you’re up for it, try running for the Students’ Union. For me, being Vice President at the Students’ Union was one of the best experiences of my university journey. It taught me so much about navigating challenging situations, managing expectations of different groups, and working under pressure.
The key is to take advantage of everything the program and UBCO have to offer. It’s about more than just earning a degree—it’s about growing into the best version of yourself. And trust me, it’s worth it!
Q: What is your current occupation and how did you get there?
A: I’m currently running a tech company called Linkbase, which I co-founded with Brandon Caiza, who is also from UBCO. Linkbase is a SaaS platform that helps vacation rental property managers automate their guest operations, including check-ins through doors and lobbies. We’ve built integrations with large smart lock companies like Salto, Schlage, Yale, and August, and we can also sync data from major booking platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Getting here has been a journey filled with learning and growth. During my time at UBCO, I had the chance to work on several projects—Linkbase wasn’t my first idea. I’m incredibly grateful to Dr. Eric Li for giving me opportunities to work on real-world problems and develop community partnerships with multiple organizations. Those experiences taught me so much about problem-solving and teamwork.
I met my business partner, Brandon, when he was in his second year of Computer Science. We started working on some of my ideas together, and it was a lot of trial and error—trying, pivoting, and then trying again. After many projects and lessons, we eventually landed on Linkbase. Looking back, I feel so fortunate for the support and opportunities I had during university. They helped shape the skills and mindset that brought me to where I am today.
Q: Do you have any career advice you’d like to share?
A: My career path has been quite different, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: just go for it. Put yourself out there, take the leap, and start somewhere. You don’t need to have it all figured out at the beginning—what matters is that you try. Every step, whether it works out or not, will teach you something valuable and help you grow.
Another piece of advice I can’t emphasize enough is to network. Build connections, meet people, and learn from their experiences. Networking has been such a big part of my journey, and it’s amazing how far it can take you. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will come your way. So, take that first step, embrace the learning process, and don’t be afraid to connect with others—it makes all the difference!
Q: What are your future career goals?
A: My future career goals are centered around growth and impact. With Linkbase, my focus is on scaling the platform not just in Canada and the US, but globally. I want to see Linkbase become the go-to solution for vacation rental property managers everywhere. A big part of that is consistently growing our Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) and increasing the number of properties on the platform. Eventually, my goal is to build Linkbase to a point where I can successfully exit the company and look back knowing we made a difference in the industry.
Beyond Linkbase, I’m passionate about giving back and working on community-driven projects, especially in the renewable energy space. I believe there’s so much potential to create initiatives that are both impactful and sustainable, and I’d love to contribute to that in the years to come. For me, it’s about building things that leave a lasting positive impact—whether it’s through technology or community work.
Q: Do you have anything else you would like to share?
A: I have so much to say and so much to give back to the Management program at UBCO because it truly shaped me into who I am today. I still remember walking into the program as a shy student, trying to find my way. Public speaking was one of my biggest fears, and I would have never imagined myself addressing a room full of people, let alone running for a leadership role. But this program changed me. By the time I graduated, I was the elected Vice President of the SUO, having successfully run a university-wide election. That experience gave me a level of confidence I never thought I’d have, and it’s something I’ll carry with me forever.
