Connections
Portrait
Never a dull moment
New challenges—and surprises—are all in a day’s work for this IT supervisor at Hudson’s Bay Co.
by Mike Westholder
Q: What’s the most surprising thing your data warehouse has ever done for you?
A: Assisted local authorities with a crime investigation! During the investigation, the data warehouse helped us track down a piece of evidence (I believe it was a knapsack) that was sold in one of our stores.
Q: What will be the next big thing for your business?
A: To continue to meet—and exceed—the Canadian customer’s expectations in a post-recession economy, with a focus on our core customer and recognition of evolving demographics.
Q: How would you explain your job to a 5-year-old?
A: I collect a lot of information so people can ask lots of questions and get good answers.
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in IT?
A: Everything is changing very quickly. Don’t be afraid to try new things, enjoy the challenge of learning something new, keep your sense of humor and always take a backup!
Q: What decision do you wish you could do over again?
A: I believe it would be to have stayed more involved in sports medicine. I was a part-time trainer (or athletic therapist, as we call them in Canada) for the University of Toronto for a number of years. I looked after football, track and field, swimming, and various other teams that needed assistance.
Q: If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be and what actress would play you?
A: I think the title would be something like “Are We There Yet?” I have done many different things in my life and plan to do many more. I would like someone as talented and sophisticated as Charlize Theron to play the role of me.
Q: What possession can’t you live without?
A: My iPod. I listen to it all the time.
Q: Who is the most prevalent artist on your iPod?
A: Probably Van Morrison.
Photography by Stacey Brandford