Vanguard Magazine

44 JUNE/JULY 2017 www.vanguardcanada.com 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 was running sales and operations for a company that sponsored the air show at Shearwater, Nova Scotia. A family friend was retiring and suggested that I would enjoy the opportunity. Part of the air show was a trade event focused on the Maritime Helicopter Replacement Project – Canada's Sea Kings were being replaced. My new position had me in the thick of the competition at its height. Hangers full of industry displays and VIP tents full of executives, as well as military procurement staff and the Canadian Forces' crews – and future operators of the competition's win- ner. Q What is your role in the organiza- tion today? My task was to reinvigorate the trade event as a three-service industry event and create a networking opportunity for Atlantic Canadian businesses so that they might find partnerships with OEMs in the various procurements we knew of in the Canadian Forces. We learned quickly that the needs of the participants had to drive every decision we would make. By listening to them and fulfilling their de- sires, we created a thriving 1200-person networking space and partnership oppor- tunity that continues to change with the procurement landscape and the needs of the A&D Community. As the Executive Director, I marshal the skills of a tiny but talented staff and a great group of volunteers who are committed to delivering a professional event that has the feel of an Atlantic Canadian kitchen party. Q What was your worst moment? I was challenged in my first year as Direc- tor by a sponsor who had paid for expo- sure and profile, but felt they had not re- ceived what they paid for. We had failed to deliver, and he let me know with sincerity that they were disappointed. Q What was your "Aha!" moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our reader? Well, the same experience that I've just related about the failure to deliver really made an impact and drove me to commit myself to delivering, or over-delivering, on every partnership in the future. This serves as my "aha" moment, as I learned it is not a lightning bolt of inspiration that saves the day; It is determination and at- tention to the project and knowing that "luck" is the moment when preparation meets opportunity. Q Step back and analyse your journey; what is the take away you want to give to our audience? We know in Atlantic Canada that we must know who we are, and who we are not. We must discover our strengths and take advantage of our natural advantages. We must compete globally while remaining grounded in the character of our place. We can survive and thrive, not by trying to be a mirror or poor imitation of some- thing else, but by being our best selves. Q What is the one thing that has you most fired up today? I am most excited by the opportunity that is represented in the new Atlantic Canadi- an Aerospace and Defence Association. To have our region's industry voice channelled through a well-structured organization that focuses on the supply chain opportu- nities of our SMEs is the best way to create success for all of our region. DEFSEC is the place where it is annually focused, but it happens all year and in all places. The Association will be the glue that holds us together, even on choppy seas. Q What are some of the biggest impediments to innovation in your organization or industry sector? While DEFSEC is not an innovation oor- ganization, it is a listening and delivering organization. We create a space where partners can come together and succeed. Fulfilling ITB obligations, sourcing sup- ply chain needs and finding out where one fits in the challenging environment of De- fence acquisitions: that's the job of gov- ernment facilitators at all levels and the companies they serve. Exploiting oppor- tunity is the job of the participants, and we must give them the setting to do it. Q What technologies, business models, and trends will drive the biggest change in your industry over the next two years? Keeping pace with the evolution of the procurement world and creating educa- tional opportunities for our attendees in our program is the race we must run. The DEFSEC team is supported by a great steering group from industry and govern- ment who keep us informed so we can provide an environment for success. Colin stephenson executive directOr defSec aTlanTIc g gAME ChANGER

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