Get to know the faces that are working hard behind the scenes to unleash your data’s potential.
This month for our Face Behind the Data profile series, we are excited to introduce, Paul MacLaren, Operations Manager. Since joining Katalyst, Paul went from Account and Software Development Manager to Operations Manager of Canada!
Paul’s passion, enthusiasm, and ambition has been a great contribution to Katalyst. We are excited he could contribute his experience to Face Behind the Data, a series of profiles that feature the hard-working employees behind the solutions and services at Katalyst.
What is your educational and work experience background?
- Born and raised in Calgary, I attended The University of Calgary where I studied marketing and computer science for 2 years before joining the workforce fulltime. In Dec of 1987 Instead of working part time at the Calgary Winter Olympic games, I took a permanent position with a seismic data processing company called Exssel and my journey in oil & gas began. In 1999 I moved on to a role of Marketing Manager with a small vectorizing company called Lynx Information Systems.
- In 2002 I took on the position of Transcription Manager at Kestrel data. While working at Kestrel I went back to University where I completed a diploma program in Operations & Project management. After several acquisitions and mergers I was the Director Operations, Canada for Fugro. In 2010 I joined Katalyst (Kelman) as an Account manager, spent time as the Software Development Manager and in 2014 was promoted to my current role as Operations Manager of Canada.
What are some of the highlights of your career?
- Biggest highlight is the people I’ve gotten to work with and meet. It continues to be the best part of my job.
- The successful completion of my first major project as a project manager. It was the first time I had full autonomy over budget, hiring, processes and time lines. Scanning 180K documents was a huge success, on time, and under budget despite having to overcome numerous obstacles. It set the stage for many projects to come over the years.
- Spending a few years in a marketing and sales role was a real learning opportunity and closing my first big sale was a major milestone.
Did you grow up wanting to be a data manager?
No! My father was a geophysicist that ran his own consulting company in the 70’s and 80’s, so our family lived through all the ups and downs of the Canadian Oil & Gas industry. Therefore, I planned on avoiding the Oil & Gas industry. Thought I would find something more stable.
How did you get here?
After successfully completing multiple company mergers, I was downsized once the projects were completed. After taking a few months off, I reached out to Katalyst and had a great meeting with Steve Darnell where we discussed the industry, my background and the future of Katalyst. Shortly after that, I joined the team at Katalyst.
What are some big lessons learned and/or challenges faced along the way?
Always be kind. You can’t accomplish anything without a dedicated team helping you. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with clients, co-workers, subordinates or superiors. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated and people will move mountains to help you.
What advice do you have for people beginning their career?
Always look at challenges as an opportunity to learn new skills to add to your personal toolbox so you can be as employable as you want to be. The more tools in your toolbox the better prepared you will be for the next challenge in life.
Are there any organizations or volunteer groups that you are passionate about?
Safe Haven Foundation. A program dedicated to keeping homeless and at-risk girls safe. It’s a charity that is near and dear to our family.
What are some of your favorite things to do and/ or places to visit outside of work?
I love the beach and being on the water. So traveling to places with the sun, sand, and surf is always a priority. Spending time with my family at the cabin on Lake Windermere, BC (see picture). Playing competitive soccer (when not injured).
