Olya Ollila

I am a project manager with Esri Canada. Esri is the leader in digitizing the geography of the world using geographic information systems (GIS). We collect data to visualize different layers of information to help users navigate an increasingly complex landscape and make informed decisions.

I am a lifelong learner. Shortly after I graduated from SFU’s EMBA program, I became a mom and had some time to continue learning. I chose the Digital Transformation Leadership program because I wanted to understand change management. In my previous role, I was in operations management, so I was an expert in championing implementation, but I wanted to learn how companies arrived at decisions and navigated digital transformation.

I chose the DTL program because of its practicality. I liked that you had to meet with your cohort weekly to produce a deliverable. One of the first things I learned is that digital transformation has no finish line. The technology we adopt today will quickly become obsolete, so we should always be looking ahead, learning, and adapting. “There is no finish line” is now my mantra, which I use in all aspects of my life.

My cohort had 50 participants from the banking industry, telecommunication, healthcare, port authorities, etc. Everyone came with an open mind. I made many friends through that program — we collaborated on everything during our weekly sessions. People would talk about their challenges and others would offer advice and help solve the problem.

• Roadmap for Change: As one of the key deliverables in the program, the roadmap for change had to be specific, detailed, and applicable to my organization. That was the biggest takeaway because at the end of the program, I had a very well-designed presentation — logical and structured — and I was confident I could present it to the VP of my company and advocate for the change that I think my organization needs.
• Tools, Frameworks, and Strategies: The Digital Transformation Leadership program also gave me a great collection of tools, frameworks, and strategies that allowed me to change industries and remain confident in my abilities. I was in my previous industry for 15 years, but when a new opportunity presented itself, I was able to change clients, products, and industries while keeping my confidence.
• Network: One of the highlights for me is meeting colleagues from different industries and working together on projects. At Simon Fraser University, building a strong community is a point of pride, and the DTL program is no exception. Even after the program ended, I have stayed in touch with some of my colleagues. We aim to support each other in our careers while embracing digitalization.

For anyone who is reading this and hesitating or wondering if it’s their path, I would say, don’t hesitate, do it. You will experience a fantastic program and meet colleagues from different industries who are just as passionate about learning as you are. You don’t know what doors will open. This program was a turning point in my career. After 15 years in hotel management, I joined a new industry, and I’m excited to see what the future has in store for me.