After 23 years of syndicating real estate deals, I’ve developed a theory about why so many Canadians choose independence and financial struggle over collaboration and financial ease. It seems to stem from a deep-seated belief that freedom and independence are the same thing. Again and again, I’ve watched people choose to “go it alone,” even when partnership could have brought them abundance. They cling to a sense of control—yet ironically, that control often leads to limitation.
On the surface, we all agree that cooperation is good. Society itself depends on it—laws, commerce, and communities all rely on collective participation. The same principle applies to joint ventures: a group of investors pool their resources to acquire something far larger than any could achieve alone. Through a legal agreement, they appoint a General or Managing Partner to oversee daily operations and safeguard their interests. It’s cooperation with structure—and structure with purpose.
Investors who prize autonomy tend to be creative, innovative, and self-reliant. These are wonderful traits—until taken to extremes. Without balance, autonomy can morph into isolation, lack of support, and unnecessary conflict. On the other hand, investors who value collaboration often prioritize harmony, shared welfare, and stability. But when overemphasized, collaboration can lead to resistance to change or groupthink. The healthiest investor mindset blends both—independent thought with interdependent strategy.
Our investor profile, at its core, mirrors our psychological beliefs about money. These beliefs often live deep in the subconscious, quietly shaping every financial choice we make. I once observed an investor self-sabotage every step toward financial independence—even in simulated exercises. It was a remarkable display of the unconscious mind overriding conscious intention. Despite genuine effort, this person’s inner program ran the show.
Knowing this, you’d think joint ownership of assets would be common sense. And yet, it isn’t—at least not here. Immigrants from collective cultures seem to understand this naturally. They pool resources, collaborate, and within a single generation move from Toyota Corollas to Aston Martins. The difference isn’t luck—it’s mindset.
As an educator, mentor, investor, and real estate developer, my role is to create opportunities for those who have already refined their inner “money blueprint.” Their results show in their net worth, but their success began with a shift in perspective. They learned the language of money.
Our education system, unfortunately, wasn’t designed for this. It trains good employees, not entrepreneurs. And most teachers, through no fault of their own, can’t teach financial literacy unless they’ve achieved it themselves. But knowing this gives you power. You can choose differently.
Financial literacy offers true control—the kind that comes from understanding, not from resistance. It helps you ask better questions, make better choices, and recognize the incredible leverage found in collaboration. When you learn to combine knowledge, time, and resources with others, you unlock the highest return on value—and that is real freedom.
So start there: learn the language of money, and let collaboration become your new definition of control.
References:
Abraham, M. (2025). Accountant explains: The 4 money personalities – which one are you? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6-F2EEn-Ps
Drew, C. (2023). Collectivism vs. individualism: Similarities and differences. https://helpfulprofessor.com/collectivism-vs-individualism/
Eker, T.H. (2025). Secrets of mastering the inner game of wealth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbGnB-qLyRI&t=96s
Milton, S. (2020). How is your money personality impacting your finances? https://retirehappy.ca/which-money-personality-are-you/
Contact July Ono
July Ono
Professional Real Estate Investor
