What was your background before joining Stroud?

Prior to joining Stroud, I worked for a Vancouver-based software company for three years as a technology consultant, helping implement their software. I studied mechanical engineering at Queen's University, working in mining and heavy equipment manufacturing as my summer co-ops and internships.

What is a typical day for a Project Lead?

As a Project Lead, you're simultaneously responsible for executing project goals and helping the client build a strategic vision for their operation — so no two days look the same. On a given day, I might work with the client team to design and run trials to problem solve the production line's biggest loss, support implementation of solutions on the floor, or sit down with senior client leaders to talk through high level progress and next steps. I'm also involved in internal initiatives — leading experienced hire recruitment, supporting undergraduate recruitment, and leading modules during our internal training weeks. These are some of my favorite parts of the job, since they're a chance to shape the kind of people and culture we bring into Stroud, not just the work we do for clients.

After the work day is done, my first stop is the gym. Whether checking out a local gym, taking advantage of the hotel gym, or running outside, I don’t let being on site stop me from maintaining my fitness. From there, I’ll grab a bite to eat, trying out local restaurants with my coworkers, before packing it in and getting a good nights sleep.

In what ways have you developed professionally since joining?

Since joining Stroud, I've learned the value of focus and prioritization. Clients often have hundreds of things they could be working on, and a huge part of what we do is help them use data to decide where to focus for the greatest impact. From there, we work directly with their team to drive outsized results in a short amount of time.

The other thing I've developed is the ability to influence and drive change without direct authority. I've learned a ton about how to motivate people and get great work out of them — a skill that's translated into every part of how I lead, and one that'll serve me no matter where my career goes.

What have been your favorite moments on the job so far?

Hands down, it's getting onto a new production line for the first time. I still think it's incredible how specialized these machines are — one weighs spinach and bags it, another picks up protein bars and boxes them, another fills bottles in a completely sealed, bacteria-free environment. Getting to work alongside machines like that day in and day out, and being the person who helps solve the problems they run into, never gets old.