The term “triple threat” is used to refer to someone who excels in 3 different areas, which together give that person a distinct advantage. For example, in show business the term “triple threat” refers to a person that can act, sing and dance, allowing for great casting versatility. What would you consider a “triple threat” when it comes to the world of business?
Sinclair ZX Spectrum – Image by Bill Bertram
Throughout my life, I’ve always been curious about new possibilities. I remember this one time when I was a kid when my older sister and I decided to write a computer program together. The family computer back then was a Sinclair Spectrum with 64KB of RAM (!!!) and we have just learned of a command that allows us to paint a dot on any location on the screen. Very excited about this, we set out to make a line 100 dots long. After about an hour of meticulous work, we finally had our line ready. We were very proud of our creation. Later that day we learned that there was also a command to draw lines on the screen, not just dots. This other command would have saved us all that work. Perhaps it was that day when I started to understand that knowing “what’s possible” gets easier the more I understand how things work. Thus started a journey of exploration…
My first area of interest was technology. The PC and Internet revolutions were in full swing by the time I launched my career, and with them came many opportunities to stretch the envelope of possibilities. For example, one opportunity was at a company specializing in optimizing Internet speeds for mobile and remote sites. I learned much about the inner workings of computer communications and was able to come up with a patented system to accelerate Internet browsing speeds by hundreds of percents. Another example would be when I joined a company that specialized in software tools for the simulation and development of electronics like mobile phones and car systems. Within 6 months I became the company’s youngest trainer and regional manager of technical services. To formalize my learning, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver. I graduated with a grade average of 95.5%, which placed me 1st of 153 computer science majors.
At the same time, I always felt that technology was just part of the equation. The other obvious part were the people. I took some time mid-way through my career and obtained a diploma in counselling. Spending 1,670 hours in a classroom, undergoing a very intense and experiential program of study, I discovered something somewhat surprising about myself: in addition to being very logical (left brain), I also find it intuitive to relate to how other people are feeling (right brain). It seems that the combination of these two abilities allows me to understand how other people are thinking and what motivates them. I developed a strong passion for mentoring and coaching.
That’s when it was getting more and more clear that the field of management was my calling. When I was working as a Lean Six Sigma process improvement leader at TELUS Communications, I learned another very important piece of the puzzle. Being a technologist, I always assumed that most business problems can be solved one way or another by using the right technology. What I then came to realize was that focusing on having the right business process first is not only more effective, but can also save the company a lot of money. Analysing what needs to be done (and what doesn’t), by whom and in what sequence can sometimes yield miraculous results. However, I learned that it is not magic – it is the application of sound management principles that take into account both business needs, people and the available technology.
Coming back to the present, I am now starting the Master of Business Administration program at the Sauder School of Business at UBC. I already believe myself to be a seasoned and effective technologist. Through formal education and experience I also gained a set of powerful skills for working with people. By December 2014, when I expect to conclude my courses at Sauder, I believe I will have acquired a significant set of tools in the field of management and business administration.
Maybe a “triple threat” in business is someone who can master technology, psychology and management. With all the skills and knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years, I intend to continue my journey in discovering what else is possible and create plenty of value for everyone I meet along the way.