Vanguard Magazine

28 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023 www.vanguardcanada.com G A M E C H A N G E R 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? I joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1997 as a Marine Systems Engineer. Fol- lowing graduation from the Royal Mili- tary College of Canada and completion of initial occupational training, I deployed to the Arabian Gulf in HMCS Montréal as part of Operation APOLLO, Canada's contribution to the international cam- paign against terrorism. In 2003, I volunteered for Submarine Service and after completing the training and qualifications in 2004, I served as the Marine Systems Engineering Officer on- board HMCS Victoria, HMCS Windsor, and HMCS Corner Brook. Subsequently, I completed a variety of onshore post- ings in Halifax and was selected for Post- Graduate Training in the UK. Posted to Ottawa, I then held a variety of staff posi- tions, culminating as the Deputy Director, Maritime Engineering Program Manage- ment (Submarines). Following my retirement from the navy, I then joined the Babcock team in 2018 and assumed the role of Vice President – Engineering Services in 2020. Earlier this year, my portfolio was expanded to Vice President – Engineering and Technology. Q What is your role at your organization today? As Vice President - Engineering and Technology, I have many roles. I am responsible for overseeing the totality of the engineering function at Babcock Canada, ensuring there are sufficient suitably qualified and experienced en- gineers and technologists to meet the needs of the business and that the out- puts they generate are assured and meet quality requirements. I oversee our Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) strategy, which ensures we meet our ITB commitments as laid out in the Victoria In-Service Support Contract. This program involves partnering with Canadian small and medium-sized busi- nesses from coast-to-coast, to provide practical solutions that leverage innova- tion and technology, supporting job cre- ation, skills training and development, and economic growth across Canada. I am also responsible for leading Bab- cock's digital transformation. We want to ensure that we not only adopt new technology but are also optimizing ex- isting technology to drive meaningful change to support our customers and their missions. Q What was your most challenging moment? Early in my career I was a Junior Naval Officer at sea in HMCS Victoria when the tragic fire occurred on HMCS Chi- coutimi. I was a Junior Officer on the cusp of becoming a submariner and the risks and challenges of my chosen pro- fession were laid bare. Dealing with the personal and professional challenges that arose from not only that specific event, but the subsequent months of effort that the submarine community put in to re- turn to sea safely, was exceptionally chal- lenging, but also one that was ultimately professionally rewarding when Canada's submarines did return to sea. Q What was your A-HA moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our readers, tell us that story. Early on in my naval career I benefitted from some exceptional leaders that taught me the incredible importance of humility as a leader, both when leading people and as an engineer and technical professional. I greatly benefitted from leaders who gave me the room to make mistakes and to learn from them. Not being overcon- fident, learning from those around you, and taking the time to reflect and learn from mistakes is key. Q What is the one thing that has you most firedup today? That there are major shifts occurring in the international security environment as well as in our planet's climate and that there is an increasing demand to meet these challenges head-on. In order to meet these challenges it will require the collective efforts of governments and in- dustry. It will not be easy, but making sure these critical and complex services are de- livered gets me fired up. I feel privileged to be in industry and work for a company like Babcock that positively contributes to making the world a safer place, where we are trusted to sup- port the submarine capability for the Ca- nadian Armed Forces, or deliver critical aerial emergency services to the province of Manitoba as part of our 10-year Aerial Wildfire Suppression Services contract, or where we support Ascent Helicopters in its contract for the provision of rotary- wing air ambulance services for British Columbia Emergency Health Services. Q What is the best advice you received? It is not revolutionary or particularly unique, but undoubtedly the best advice I have received is to have a 5 and 10-year plan, regularly review it, identify what needs to happen to achieve those goals, and take positive and deliberate actions. It is equally applicable to personal or profes- sional spheres. TONY MARCH VICE PRESIDENT ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY BABCOCK CANADA 3rd Annual Conference

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