There are lots of knowledge silos at large engineering firms and it's useful to get to know people on other teams and understand what they do. I have often made progress much faster on issues with my subsystem by having relationships with engineers on other teams who often have relevant experience or understanding I would not have benefited from otherwise. Even areas I'm less involved with like project management, bids, or HR, have people willing to share a lot of information that helps me get a better understanding of the organization as a whole and all the things that go into making a project successful.

The Golden Rule is : Treat others how you want to be treated. I have always treated my suppliers with utmost respect. Even when they are not perfect. In my 25+ years of career in purchasing, I have learned that working together and making yourself available in order to achieve Alstom's goal is the winning formula. When things are not going well with my supplier, instead of being angry and demanding, I always ask "how can I help?" or "what can we do together in order to achieve X or Y ?" . This has worked every single time. It has opened the relationship with them and has done more than being angry. Suppliers are people and people will go the extra mile when you ask them to go that extra mile with you, not when they are being demanded to. That is my biggest advice for a buyer or potential candidate.

As the Ecosystem and Partnership Manager at Alstom in Montreal, my primary focus is on creating value through strategic partnerships that drive growth and innovation. I believe that fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders is essential for the success of any organization. My role involves developing and maintaining these partnerships, identifying and pursuing new opportunities with government bodies, universities, and public organizations. One of my significant achievements includes leading the North America Battery Strategy, which encompassed scouting new technologies, managing data rooms, and implementing a Power Lab. This initiative has been crucial in positioning Alstom at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions. This involves conducting thorough market research to identify emerging trends and potential opportunities, ensuring that Alstom remains competitive in the industry. Effective communication is also a key part of my role. I work closely with internal stakeholders across various departments, including engineering, sales, and public affairs, to align our activities and goals. Furthermore, I proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with partnership agreements, ensuring that all collaborations are beneficial and sustainable in the long term. In every endeavor, my goal is to create value and drive meaningful progress for Alstom and its partners.