Vanguard Magazine

44 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 www.vanguardcanada.com gaMe CHangeR See the full interview online Q How did you start out in this industry, and how has it brought you to where you are today? My first introduction to technology- based work was when we got our first accounting computer in Base Internal Audit at CFB Esquimalt. I jumped at the opportunity to use the tool and took my Certified Information Systems Audi- tor training; after that I was hooked! I moved on to AbeBooks to bridge the gap between accounting and technology and found that I loved working with the developers there. The owners also men- tored me to become an entrepreneur – guidance that led me to co-found and take the role of CFO at RaceRocks. In this role, I found that I wanted to work more with the team and understand our products and motivations better. I expanded into project management, be- came Director of Operations, and then took the role of President. Q What is your role at your organization today? I am the President and Co-Founder. I build and model our great company cul- ture, provide inspired leadership to the executive team, establish a collaborative working relationship with our board of directors, and set a course for com- pany strategy. As a proud, Indigenous woman, one of the things I enjoy most is working with our diverse and inclusive team. We are one of the few women- and Indigenous-led high technology compa- nies in the Canadian defence industry. Q What was your most challenging moment? In the early days, we were trying to sell leading-edge technology that wasn't yet widely adopted. As the defence indus- try progressed, we gained traction and built partnerships to create pioneering products that met our clients' needs. Our products, such as the MV Asterix and MARTECH Leading Seaman Elec- trical training platforms, are now train- ing personnel at sea, online, and in the classroom. Q What was your "aha" moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our reader? Tell us that story. In 2019, we learned about the value of partnership. That year, RaceRocks worked with Boeing and Babcock on $1.2 million worth of R&D programs through the ITB Investment framework. At CANSEC, Boeing announced our in- vestment into Big Data Analytics, and Babcock had our interactive class plan on display in their booth. We realized these successful projects are built on strong relationships. Looking forward, we will bring the power of data to the training products we build with our partners. Q What is the one thing that has you most fired up today? Creating truly decision-driven training! RaceRocks sees the potential of integrat- ing data in learning products in an in- dustry that is forever changing. We want our training to be immersive and adap- tive so we can continually improve and learn alongside our partners. I am fired up to see how we can collaboratively de- velop creative solutions and build train- ing based on informed decisions. Q What is a habit that contributes to your success? My leadership style focuses on clear communication, goal-setting and em- ployee motivation. Through a people- first mindset, I empower and support our team to take risks and be innovative. Together, we drive the company towards our goal to become thought leaders in immersive learning. Q What people or organizations do you believe best embody the innovation mindset? Organizations that embrace creativity best embody an innovative mindset. Instead of starting with established processes and or- ganizational structures, start with creative thinking. Q What are some of the biggest impediments to innovation in your industry sector? The Canadian Armed Forces and defence primes truly want to innovate, but are of- ten constrained by the IT, HR, contracts, legal and security issues that come with their size. By utilizing an innovative small partner, forward-thinking organizations can bypass many of these constraints and achieve their innovation agendas. Q How has innovation become engrained in your organization's culture and how is it being optimized? We empower our team to express them- selves as thought leaders. This culture drives us and encourages our industry to be the best in the world. We don't create gim- micks – we collaborate with partners and empower them with innovative solutions. Q What technologies, business models, and trends will drive the biggest changes in your industry over the next two years? We believe that integrating data into immer- sive and decision-driven learning will funda- mentally change training in the industry. It will empower the learner and enable orga- nizations to make critical decisions. We are embedding data warehousing, visualization, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in our training products. Q What is your parting piece of advice? Embrace your roots and let your team em- brace theirs. Diversity in collaboration al- ways creates a better solution than a single point of view. anita Pawluk President RaCeRoCks 3D inC.

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