Brian Cheng: How trust fuels growth at every stage
Brian Cheng (he/him) is the Regional Managing Partner of Advisory and Consulting for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. However, long before taking on that role, he was a co-op student exploring what kind of career and culture would help him thrive. It’s not often someone finds the perfect fit so early in their journey, but for Brian, MNP has been the perfect environment to grow alongside the Firm and his colleagues.
“I didn’t know much starting out, but I was surprised by how quickly I got to work directly with clients,” Brian says. “That kind of early experience really helped me understand what I enjoyed and what I was good at.”
That trust also helped him grow quickly. As a junior team member, he recalls flagging something on a file that didn’t look right. “I brought it to the Partner I was working with. He agreed, and we ended up issuing a restatement for the client. I had done all the research and figured it out on my own, which was a big confidence boost.”
"What stood out to me is that people here genuinely want to help you succeed. It’s not about taking credit. It’s about being entrepreneurial: getting the work done, helping each other, and growing the practice together."
Later, as a Senior Manager, he brought in a prospective client that was a growing tech startup. “I reached out to a Partner for advice, and instead of stepping in, he helped me through it and let me take the lead,” Brian says. “That really showed me what support looks like here.” It was one of those moments that confirmed he was in the right place — a Firm that truly nurtures mentorship and growth.
“What stood out to me is that people here genuinely want to help you succeed,” he recalls. “It’s not about taking credit. It’s about being entrepreneurial: getting the work done, helping each other, and growing the practice together.”
Now leading a diverse team, Brian sees that mindset in action every day. “I’ve always believed that people grow the most when they’re given a chance to try something before they think they’re ready,” he shares. “That’s how I learned: by being encouraged to step up and figure things out, and supported by my leaders whether the result is a success or failure.”
Today, he makes a point of offering others the same kind of encouragement. At home, Brian and his wife, who he met during university, are raising two kids. “Having a family has definitely shaped how I lead,” he adds. “It reminds me what matters and what kind of environment I want to help create for others.”