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CAN'T FIND SOMETHING? |
Olga StachovaCOO, MITACS Inc.Age: 37 Olga Stachova has come along way since 2000, when she was organizing the bookshelves at a local Chapters bookstore. Despite having a master’s degree in English and philosophy, Chapters was the only place Stachova could find work when she immigrated to Canada from Slovakia the year before. “I sent out a ton of resumés, [but] no one wants to even talk to you because you don’t have previous working experience in Canada,” said Stachova. Her stint at Chapters was, fortunately, brief. In 2000, Arvind Gupta had just taken leadership of MITACS Inc., a grant-driven organization that connects math and science students to industry through research projects, and he required an assistant to help him realize his vision for the organization. While Gupta has received many accolades for MITACS’ success in bridging the gap between academia and industry, Stachova has, as MITACS’ COO for the last nine years, led the implementation of Gupta’s lofty vision. During the last two years, Stachova was almost entirely responsible for growing MITACS from a team of three to a team of 60. She is essentially the architect who manifests MITACS’ boardroom ideas: more than 500 scientists and 1,000 students at 52 universities have partnered with 375 public- and private-sector organizations on research projects through MITACS. “In our formula, it’s the students who are the conduit between the university and the industry,” she said. Since Stachova took the administrative reins at MITACS, the organization’s annual budget has grown from less than $10 million to $37 million in 2009. Her ongoing volunteer service with organizations in the scientific community such as the Musée de la civilisation is additional testament to her interest in promoting math and science and ensuring that Canadian graduates stay in Canada to help build a knowledge-based economy. • Birthplace: Bratislava, Slovakia Where do you live now: Coquitlam Highest level of education: Master’s degree in English and philosophy from the University of Constantin and Method Currently reading: The Devil’s Queen: A Novel of Catherine de Medici by Jeanne Kalogridis Last CD bought or music downloaded: Sounds of the Universe by Depeche Mode Favourite movie: Yentl Favourite local restaurant: Osamu Sushi Person you would most like to meet (living or deceased): Maria Theresa, 18th-century Empress of Austria, Queen of Hungary and Bohemia Profession you would most like to try: Air-traffic controller Mentor: Anna Kubickova, former HR director of the Zurich-based Holcim Group, a friend of 16 years, my first manager, and a role model of professionalism and leadership; Arvind Gupta, scientific director, MITACS Inc., my supervisor who continually challenges me to venture outside of my comfort zone and who has taught me to believe that I can achieve anything should I set my mind on it Most memorable career milestone or event: The moment I told my supervisor I don’t like to be bored and that the more work I have the happier I am. I am being reminded of that conversation ever since Toughest business or professional decision: Any time we have to let an employee go What’s left to do: Lots. There is still so much to learn, particularly in the area of management and coaching This article from Business in Vancouver December 29, 2009-January 4, 2010; issue 1053 Business in Vancouver (www.biv.com) has been publishing in-depth local business news, analysis and commentary since 1989. The newspaper also produces a weekly ranked list of the biggest companies and players in a wide range of B.C. industries and commercial sectors, monthly features and industry-focused sections that arm its subscribers with a complete package of local business intelligence each week. |
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