Check out our latest post in our new and continuing Our People of blog posts where our employees describe what it is like to work for OPTIMUS | SBR in their own words.

OPTIMUS | SBR People Profile: Murray Dodds

Murray Dodds is a Production Specialist for OPTIMUS | SBR. He originally joined SBR Global in 1997 in the proposal unit, eventually moving into the Executive Office. Today, Murray is responsible for maintaining our website, producing our client deliverables and investigating new web technology. Aside from being our resident Photoshop expert, he’s also a huge Star Trek fan (as you can tell).

What originally made you want to start working with OPTIMUS | SBR?

When I joined SBR Global, it was a small company of 30 staff, but two things attracted me immediately: they were planning on doubling their size every year for the next couple of years, and I would be working directly for the President. I knew I would be “in the thick of things” as the company grew (and it did grow, to over 100 staff at one point). I worked in the Executive Office for 13 years before the merger, and it was one of the most challenging, and ultimately rewarding, things in my life.

What do you think has changed since the merger?

So much has changed, and all of it for the better. Management has a good handle on staff capabilities, and thus can take a “hands off” approach, confident that staff can perform the tasks assigned them and giving them the space to take initiative. Communication is constant – staff get regular updates discussing how the company is doing, what’s on the horizon, and plans for the future. The overall mood of the office is incredible – there is such incredible, positive energy flowing all the time. The office itself is light and airy, which is a far cry from the old premises where we could feel quite shuttered in, and the café fosters a sociable atmosphere where staff eat lunch together. As well we have social outings, with no other agenda than to spend time together socially and get to know one another in a non-work setting. The result is a closer-knit group.

What do you think is the best thing about working for OPTIMUS | SBR right now?

The best thing is the atmosphere. The company –in this incarnation– is only a year-and-a-half old, and it’s still growing. It’s an exciting time to be here, an exciting thing to be a part of. The energy throughout the office is fantastic – everyone is charged up about what we’re doing, where we’re going. The Production department is responsible in large part for the look and feel of our client-side documents – the front face of the company. That’s an exciting thing to be a part of, and something I take pride in.

What have you gained from working at OPTIMUS | SBR? How has it improved your career?

I’ve gained confidence in my abilities, which has in turn allowed me to take greater initiative and move ideas forward. Every day I’m getting challenging, interesting requirements, and meeting those challenges is expanding my skill set dramatically. The people are some of the best that I have ever worked with. In terms of it improving my career, my graphics skill set has expanded significantly. I’m using Photoshop (and learning new tricks and techniques) on a daily basis, and I’m quickly learning related software (Illustrator, Adobe Edge). I’m learning HTML5 and CSS3 as I work on our website. There are networking events that are helping me to get in contact with others in my field and expand my knowledge base. The common theme throughout is: I’m learning. My skillset is constantly expanding.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining OPTIMUS | SBR?

The short version? “Do it.” Of the fourteen years that I have worked for this company in its various incarnations, this last year has been the best, hands-down. It’s an incredibly open, friendly atmosphere, and you’ll be able to draw knowledge and experience from everyone here, from management on down. Staff come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, and you’re virtually guaranteed to learn something new. Simply put, it’s a great place to work.

OPTIMUS | SBR employees display a Bold Attitude that sets us apart. What does having a Bold Attitude mean to you?

Taking the initiative to try new ideas or techniques. Being on the leading edge as we drive forward our ideas. Stepping up to face the challenges our clients put for us, and exceeding expectations when meeting those challenges.

If you are interested in learning more about career opportunities at OPTIMUS | SBR please visit our career page and browse our current opportunities.

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Check out our latest post in our new and continuing Our People series of blog posts where our employees describe what it is like to work for OPTIMUS | SBR in their own words.

OPTIMUS | SBR People Profile: Arminda Dumpierrez

Arminda Dumpierrez is a Manager at OPTIMUS | SBR. She came on board in November of 2011 and specializes in Strategy and Organizational Development. Sometimes referred to as a Spanish cowgirl, Arminda was born and raised in Calgary with family from the Canary Islands, Spain. She loves to dance, especially flamenco dancing.

What originally made you want to start working with OPTIMUS | SBR?

I was inspired by the merger, the vision of the owners and the opportunity to be part of building something special. To be able to work in a start-up entrepreneurial environment with 30 years of history and a great client base is a unique opportunity to say the least. When I started to learn more about the interesting and complex work in Strategy and Organizational Development I was really sold. I really liked the fact that OPTIMUS | SBR had a great portfolio of tangible solutions and proven tools like the AFS and VBM.

What do you think has changed since the merger?

I joined one year after the merger. In fact, during my first week of employment there was a One Year Anniversary party, as well as the monthly birthday celebrations and a Sushi Friday. I was impressed with the new culture that was created after just one year. Regardless of which previous company people came or which area they work in, there was a real sense of a unified team from the first day I joined. I think our clients have benefited from the merger which brought more depth in capabilities and solutions to the table. The new office space created for OPTIMUS | SBR is a great reflection of the pride all employees have in the merged company.

What do you think is the best thing about working for OPTIMUS | SBR right now?

It’s never boring and it’s fun. There are always new clients, new projects, new challenges and new employees as we continue to grow quickly. The people are amazing to work with; everyone is smart, dedicated and friendly. We have exceptional talent and have a lot of fun together. I also respect the fact that OPTIMUS | SBR is dedicated to making a difference in a real way. We have a consulting practice dedicated to Not for Profits and Health Care as well as a meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. Also, work life balance, it’s pretty rare to achieve that at a consulting company and it reflects that our values are put into practice.

What have you gained from working at OPTIMUS | SBR? How has it improved your career?

I’ve gained a ton of experience in a very short period of time. I’ve worked on almost 20 different projects in about 6 months, but if that sounds scary don’t worry, some of our staff work on one project for a year or two. There is always opportunity to grow and I’ve learned a lot about client management. I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for different consulting models and most importantly for me I’ve developed some great relationships with clients and colleagues that make me look forward to coming to work every day.

The biggest improvement so far has been the ability to round out my portfolio by working in new sectors. I’ve also had the opportunity to develop my skill set further in other areas such as business development and sales. OPTIMUS | SBR has a great reputation for getting things done efficiently and effectively, my professional profile has definitely been improved with the additional of OPTIMUS | SBR to my experience.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining OPTIMUS | SBR?

You have a great opportunity at OPTIMUS | SBR to make an impact. This is the kind of company where taking initiative really pays off and it’s okay to take risks. Just make it happen, it’s up to you.

OPTIMUS | SBR employees display a Bold Attitude that sets us apart. What does having a Bold Attitude mean to you?

It means not telling people what they want to hear. We challenge our clients and each other on a daily basis to be better. By being bold we help our clients reach the next level of performance through new ideas and approaches.

If you are interested in learning more about career opportunities at OPTIMUS | SBR please visit our career page and browse our current opportunities.

Check out the latest post in our new and continuing Our People series of blog posts where our employees describe what it is like to work for OPTIMUS | SBR in their own words.

OPTIMUS | SBR People Profile: Patrick Sullivan

Patrick Sullivan is an Analyst on the Business Development team at OPTIMUS | SBR. He came on board in January of 2012 as the first hire from on-campus recruitment efforts at the University of Toronto in the fall of 2011. Patrick is responsible for developing proposals to support sales efforts in the organization. He is an avid country music fan and a successful fisherman.

What originally made you want to start working with OPTIMUS | SBR?

I was first introduced to management consulting during my Master’s degree through an internship opportunity at another firm. As a person with a short attention span and a passion for helping people solve their problems, I knew management consulting was the field for me.

The recruitment event at my university really made OPTIMUS | SBR stand out to me. The opportunity to interact with senior leadership showed me that they are committed to our vision and are passionate about building an organization that I would be proud to work for and that clients would want to engage with. Being part of a growing organization that had a solid foundation was also very attractive to me and OPTIMUS | SBR was that organization.

What do you think has changed since the merger?

While I only know the new OPTIMUS | SBR, I had the pleasure of attending our first alumni event in April where I connected with former SBR Global, OPTIMUS Consulting and KGI employees. The theme that emerged during my conservations was that Kevin, John and Joe have truly taken the best of all three organizations and are in the progress of creating something special. It’s exciting to be a part of the evolution.

What do you think is the best thing about working for OPTIMUS | SBR right now?

The people. Not only do I get to learn from experienced, multi-degreed professionals, but the people at OPTIMUS | SBR truly reflect our firm’s values. While we are all different in our own way, each of us has similar core principles that make our office such amazing place to work. Everyone supports each other in striving to achieve our vision; it is remarkable.

What have you gained from working at OPTIMUS | SBR? How has it improved your career?

OPTIMUS | SBR has provided substantial hands-on business experience to complement the theory acquired during my Master’s degree in Management of Innovation. I have been able to develop broad exposure across different topics like strategy, process improvement, project management and several areas of different industry sectors. As someone just starting my career, the exposure has been invaluable in determining where I might end up in the future. While I only started in January, I feel like I have gained more than a year of experience. Working in management consulting has provided me with very rigorous, real-world business training and has equipped me with the ability to solve business problems with a structured and analytical approach.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining OPTIMUS | SBR?

Management consulting is not for everyone, but if you are looking for the opportunity to help organizations solve some of their pressing issues, you won’t regret joining. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of something special from a very early stage. If you want to make a difference, OPTIMUS | SBR provides the unique opportunity to help develop our firm and our clients’ organizations.

OPTIMUS | SBR employees display a Bold Attitude that sets us apart. What does having a Bold Attitude mean to you?

Being hungry and motivated, making smart decisions to achieve big goals.

OPTIMUS | SBR is excited to be visiting university campuses in the GTA. We are looking forward to meeting students at the following schools:

• Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto
• Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto
• Schulich School of Business

Don’t see your school listed above? We are still interested in meeting you! Feel free to check out our open positions on our career page.

Check out our latest post in our new and continuing Our People series of blog posts where our employees describe what it is like to work for OPTIMUS | SBR in their own words.

OPTIMUS | SBR People Profile: Nas Farzan

Nas Farzan is an Associate on the Financial Services team at    OPTIMUS | SBR. He came on board in November of 2011. Nas has worked on a series of projects ranging from banking initiatives to healthcare engagements. He is also the chair of our Corporate Social Responsibility committee. In addition to his interest in philanthropy, Nas has visited 17 countries and was a former Chess Champion in North York.

What originally made you want to start working with           OPTIMUS | SBR?

Having recently completed an MBA at the Richard Ivey School of Business, I wanted the opportunity to transition into a more formal consulting capacity in a dynamic environment with a solid corporate culture. It was important to find an opportunity that would allow for my continued professional development while empowering me to do more than just follow – I wanted to lead. While I looked at several big firms, in the end, OPTIMUS | SBR provided the best environment to use my already-developed skills to make the type of meaningful impact I was looking to make. It also helped that two of my Ivey classmates worked here and spoke highly of the company.

What do you think has changed since the merger?

While I joined on the 1 year anniversary of the merger, my impression in speaking to my colleagues is that the merger benefitted us in the following ways by increasing our breadth of knowledge and experience; through the inception of a more cohesive organizational culture; and the transition to a much improved work environment at 30 Adelaide – bright, open spaces do wonders!

What do you think is the best thing about working for OPTIMUS | SBR right now?

This place is filled with bright and interesting people, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie that permeates its bright halls. The ‘work hard, play hard’ mantra hasn’t been truer to any other company I have worked for.

What have you gained from working at OPTIMUS | SBR? How has it improved your career?

Aside from a marked improvement in consulting acumen, the ability to quickly and efficiently multitask has been the greatest skill that I have developed during my time here. Being placed on concurrent projects with competing deadlines and deliverables has necessitated that I make the most of my time – a challenge I relish. I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in a number of committees (Social & CSR) that really get exciting things done around here!

I would say that my career has improved the most as working here has given me the opportunity to better structure my thinking to address the complex business problems our clients engage us to solve, while dramatically improving my ability to communicate with, and relate to, different audiences.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining OPTIMUS | SBR?

If you’re bright, hard-working, have a keen eye for detail but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture, and enjoy the rigors of management consulting, this is the place for you.

OPTIMUS | SBR employees display a Bold Attitude that sets us apart. What does having a Bold Attitude mean to you?

Displaying a Bold Attitude means engaging in unconventional thinking. When we begin an engagement, we take the time to analyze the problem from all angles – no matter how rudimentary they may seem – to ensure that we not only deliver on our client’s expectations, but that we surpass them.

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Check out our latest post in our new and continuing Our People series of blog posts where our employees describe what it is like to work for OPTIMUS | SBR in their own words.

OPTIMUS | SBR People Profile: Roxanne R. Gill

Roxanne R. Gill is a Manager at OPTIMUS | SBR. She came on board in April of 2012 to pursue management consulting after a successful career managing the delivery of major high-profile initiatives, primarily within Financial Services. Aside from her time spent consulting, Roxanne is a strong supporter of the performing arts having had a unique upbringing singing, dancing, and acting within the arts and entertainment industry.

What originally made you want to start working with OPTIMUS | SBR?

Late last year, I reached a point in my career where I was ready to shift gears to management consulting so that I could focus on developing additional skills and gaining experience within strategy and business development. I was also looking to enhance my client exposure across different industries.  Having worked with various large and small organizations in different capacities over the years, I knew what I was looking for, and it was just a matter of finding the right fit.

Prior to joining, I met with OPTIMUS | SBR a number of times and was immediately drawn to the firm. With each individual I spoke with, there was consistency in the messaging and sentiments with respect to being a part of a growing organization – there was a real sense of pride knowing that what they were doing mattered and that their contributions were making a difference for both the organization and clients. The vision for the organization was clear, there was ample opportunity to contribute and learn in the areas I was interested in, and it was evident that building a solid cultural foundation based on demonstrated leadership, support, and teamwork, were very important to them. I knew I was making the right choice.

What do you think has changed since the merger?

I was not around during the merger, but any differentiation between the three organizations appears seamless since I joined. What I do love is that the firm has taken the best of its 30+ years of history and experience to shape the foundation and values in which the organization currently operates, and there is a very strong emphasis around contributing to a culture according to its values.

What do you think is the best thing about working for OPTIMUS | SBR right now?

The firm is growing and the opportunities seem endless. The entrepreneurial environment means that ideas flow freely. There is certainly no shortage of talent and experience coming from individuals with all sorts of unique backgrounds. The type of work we get provides thought-provoking and exciting challenges, and there is an encouraging support system that we feed off each other knowing that we are all working towards the same goals. Hands down, the best thing about working at OPTIMUS | SBR is the people.

The office digs are pretty cool too – have you seen our DNA wall?

What have you gained from working at OPTIMUS | SBR? How has it improved your career?

Since joining OPTIMUS | SBR in April of this year, I have already been given the types of challenges and experiences I was looking for in leading client strategy work and developing business development skills, meanwhile continuing to practice my project management capabilities. The exposure and the ability to work alongside talented and influential individuals who make things happen have allowed me to leverage their knowledge and experience, and ultimately help me learn and grow in my own career.

The career management support and ongoing development opportunities provided at OPTIMUS | SBR encourages each of us to actively participate in networking events and conferences, educational activities and workshops, and join professional development associations. There is also an extensive resource library full of books and material available.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining OPTIMUS | SBR?

Be ready to contribute, learn, lead… oh, and have fun while you’re at it.

Contribute. Consider what differentiates you from others and makes you a unique contributor. We are a firm that prides ourselves on straying from the cookie-cutters, and we want to see your talents shine.

Learn. There is no doubt you will face challenges from your clients and the team, but what you manage to learn from your experiences here will only benefit you and everyone around you in the long run.

Lead. It doesn’t matter what role you are in within the firm, everyone is expected to be a leader.

… Have fun! I’m not kidding about the fun part. We love to have a good time here and we enjoy each other’s company. There are plenty of socials and activities including ping-pong events, alumni events, picnics, monthly birthday celebrations (that often turn into late night office parties), baseball games… the list goes on.

OPTIMUS | SBR employees display a Bold Attitude that sets us apart. What does having a Bold Attitude mean to you?

Having a Bold Attitude means having the courage to take thoughtful risks, sharing your ideas, and trying new things.

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TORONTO, ON, November 29, 2012 – OPTIMUS | SBR, a Toronto-based management consulting firm, is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as one of the Best Employers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for 2013.  The study was conducted by Aon Hewitt and the Queen’s University School of Business and the results appear in the November 29th edition of the Toronto Star.

The award is a major win for the firm as it confirms the direction and commitment made by the owners, Kevin Gauci, John Whincup, and Joe Oppedisano, following the merger of SBR Global, OPTIMUS Consulting Group and Kemerer Group Inc. in November 2010.  The three owners recognized that putting a focus on people and promoting a positive and engaging working environment needed to be their top priority if the newly merged organization was to be a success.

“There were three key areas that we identified as crucial for setting the company on a path to success.  We knew that we wanted to implement a results-driven culture of accountability and transparency, focus on employee engagement and fundamentally change how we work. We know that high levels of engagement mean higher levels of performance, and this award validates our approach and sets the stage for continued success,” shares Mr. Gauci, the firm’s Managing Director.

OPTIMUS | SBR approached the topic of engagement through several different avenues. They began by implementing the Accountability Framework® System, their trademarked management framework that they recommend and use with their own clients, as well as building a brand new award-winning office. OPTIMUS | SBR also introduced various cultural initiatives such as a company picnic, a “don’t eat at your desk” rule to encourage social interaction and a comprehensive new employee training program.

Mr. Gauci also added that he is confident that this latest recognition will strengthen the engagement levels of the current team and will help in attracting top talent as the group grows.

Being recognized as a Best Employer in the GTA is a significant success for the organization after only 2 years in existence and confirms that OPTIMUS | SBR is committed to building an environment where people are keen to produce outstanding results.

About OPTIMUS | SBR

Based in Toronto, OPTIMUS | SBR is a management consulting firm that provides strategy and leadership development, process and implementation planning, and project management support to leading firms across North America. Since 1979, our consultants have provided professional advisory services custom tailored to fit the needs of each firm and each individual client. Following the merger of the former OPTIMUS Consulting Group, SBR Global, and Kemerer Group in November 2010 and the acquisition of RWS Advisory in October 2012, it now benefits from bigger talent, more experience, and deeper knowledge to provide clients with practical and effective solutions.

You can read about OPTIMUS | SBR in the March issue of Profit Magazine, on newsstands February 6th, 2013.

TORONTO, ON, December 5, 2012 – OPTIMUS | SBR, a Toronto-based management consulting firm, is proud to announce that it has been named as one of the 2013 Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada.  The study was conducted by Aon Hewitt and the Queen’s School of Business and the announcement comes shortly after OPTIMUS | SBR was named as the 8^th Best Employer in  the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for 2013.

As part of the initial integration plan in 2010, OPTIMUS | SBR management believed that in order to be successful, they needed to focus on three key themes. First, they implemented a “Bold Attitude” culture, where employees are empowered to take an active role in their work. Second, there was emphasis placed on building strong relationships between employees on both a professional and personal level. The firm celebrates successes often and hosts events throughout the year where families are invited to participate. And finally, rooted in the Accountability Framework® System, their trademarked management framework, steps were taken to fundamentally change the way that employees worked. OPTIMUS | SBR made a major investment in the tools, technologies and physical environment to improve working conditions for their employees.

“This award is really a reflection of our employees. We created the infrastructure for an engaged culture, but we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this without the team. Our people are what make OPTIMUS | SBR a great place to work,” shares Kevin Gauci, Managing Director for OPTIMUS | SBR.

By developing an organization that places a premium on high levels of engagement, and having the right team in place to carry that vision through, OPTIMUS | SBR is poised to continue building an environment where people are engaged, eager to produce outstanding results and will help drive the firm forward.

About OPTIMUS | SBR

Based in Toronto, OPTIMUS | SBR is a management consulting firm that provides strategy and leadership development, process and implementation planning, and project management support to leading firms across North America. Since 1979, our consultants have provided professional advisory services custom tailored to fit the needs of each firm and each individual client. Following the merger of the former OPTIMUS Consulting Group, SBR Global, and Kemerer Group in November 2010 and the acquisition of RWS Advisory in October 2012, it now benefits from bigger talent, more experience, and deeper knowledge to provide clients with practical and effective solutions.

Click here to read an open letter to our clients and employees.

Check out our latest post in our new and continuing Our People series of blog posts where our employees describe what it is like to work for OPTIMUS | SBR in their own words.

OPTIMUS | SBR People Profile: Katie Murray

Katie Murray is a Marketing and Special Projects Analyst for OPTIMUS | SBR. She originally joined KGI in early 2010 as an office coordinator, making stops as an Executive Assistant and a member of the Human Resources team. Today, Katie is responsible for pushing forward a variety of marketing and internal initiatives. She is an avid animal lover and fosters kittens for a local rescue organization.

What originally made you want to start working with OPTIMUS | SBR?

It was important for me to have a role where I could be actively involved from an operations standpoint. The opportunity at KGI allowed me to get first hand exposure to the internal workings of the business, but I was also fortunate to get my first taste of consulting in the healthcare and not-for-profit space. I wasn’t at KGI for very long before we became OPTIMUS | SBR. The merger really opened the door for me to pursue my interests further and make my mark on the organization.

What do you think has changed since the merger?

I would say the culture, the resources and the opportunity. From a culture perspective, we have a dynamic group that is collaborative, engaging and likes to work hard, but also laughs a lot. Merging the three organizations together has not only increased the number of employees, but also the collective experience and knowledge you can leverage. Finally, I would say the kinds of opportunities that are available to the team – both from a personal and professional perspective. The best part about the merger though is that people who have joined us since then don’t know which company existing employees worked for. That speaks volumes about the culture and how we have moved forward as one unit, which can sometimes be difficult for other post-merger organizations.

What do you think is the best thing about working for OPTIMUS | SBR right now?

The opportunity and the people. When I speak to friends, colleagues or prospective employees about why I work at OPTIMUS | SBR, I always say the same thing – I get to do things, and work on things that I wouldn’t get to anywhere else. Not only do my opinions get heard, but they also get sought out which is pretty humbling. I’ve been fortunate to work closely with the Partners so I’m able to gain insight from the top players. And the rest of the team is awesome – such creative and motivated minds. I learn something new every day.

What have you gained from working at OPTIMUS | SBR? How has it improved your career?

An incredible breadth of knowledge and experience. I’ve worked on everything from building out our office space, to organizing marketing campaigns to collecting DNA samples for our feature wall (I wasn’t kidding when I said everything). I’ve been fortunate to be able to work in different areas of the organization, which has given me insight and tools that will set me up for the rest of my career. I don’t know if I would have received that anywhere else.

The amount of experience I’ve gained in a short period of time is by far the greatest improvement to my career. The expectations are high at OPTIMUS | SBR, but it forces you to constantly check that your output is top quality. It forces you to push yourself to the next level, which I know has made me a stronger player.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining OPTIMUS | SBR?

Be prepared to work really hard and to be constantly challenged. This is an organization that requires you to be always on your toes, thinking two steps ahead and to be ready for anything. But the reward and satisfaction of your finished project makes it all worthwhile.

OPTIMUS | SBR employees display a Bold Attitude that sets us apart. What does having a Bold Attitude mean to you?

Being cheeky! Having fun! And doing things differently to achieve a better result.

Check out our latest post in our new and continuing Our People series of blog posts where our employees describe what it is like to work for OPTIMUS | SBR in their own words.

OPTIMUS | SBR People Profile: Brian Roblin

Brian Roblin is a Manager at OPTIMUS | SBR. He has been with the organization for nearly 7 years and is part of the Energy and Infrastructure Group. When Brian isn’t focusing on his delivery game, he can be found sweeping up a storm at the curling rink. In 2011, Brian represented Ontario at the Canadian Seniors Curling Championships. Discover why Brian chose consulting and his advice for those thinking of joining in the industry.

What originally made you want to start working with OPTIMUS | SBR?

Back in my University of Waterloo days (so many years ago!), I stayed with the same company for all six work terms but at graduation time I thought that a change to the consulting environment was worth a try – and I have been consulting ever since. I have most enjoyed the variety and challenge of assignments, the always changing work environments, and the chance to work with so many influential and genuinely interesting people. Consulting has offered me the chance to develop specialist expertise in different industries and new technologies, work and live abroad, and build professional services practices that delivered value to our clients and rewarded my partners. While this may appear that I am always looking for change – my shortest stay at any one consulting company was 3 years and I am heading into 7 years with OPTIMUS | SBR!

What do you think is the best thing about working for OPTIMUS | SBR right now?

The biggest change since the merger, however, has been in our dealings with our clients and the focus that we are placing on narrowing our service lines. Every successful organization that I have been a part of started by being extremely proficient in delivering a few specialist services very well and then ensuring that those clients continue to be happy.  As we build and establish this solid base of services, I certainly see OPTIMUS | SBR being able to strategically and opportunistically expand into more service areas in the future.

What have you gained from working at OPTIMUS | SBR? How has it improved your career?

Consulting is all about instilling confidence in people – which is demonstrated in what you can provide to your clients, but also the trust that your organization places in its staff. The positive influences that OPTIMUS | SBR  management has brought to this organization is reflected in the support it provides to its staff through challenging assignments, by providing insightful and meaningful advice, and by fostering a company attitude that we are all in this together. Over the past year, I have seen the confidence level that we all have in ourselves – and that we see in the future of the organization – increase significantly.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining OPTIMUS | SBR?

Consulting is often a springboard to a career – either as a long term consultative professional, progression through a series of consulting, management and/or sales positions, or finding the industry that really excites you. And to work within a company that is open to new ideas, where communication from top to bottom is readily apparent, and to be part of a new organization that seems to be going places, would appear to me to be an excellent opportunity.

OPTIMUS | SBR employees display a Bold Attitude that sets us apart. What does having a Bold Attitude mean to you?

A Bold Attitude is a winning attitude – through teamwork, enthusiasm, and confidence in our abilities to provide real value to our clients.

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Check out our latest post in our new and continuing Our People series of blog posts where our employees describe what it is like to work for OPTIMUS | SBR in their own words.

Mikael Hansson joined OPTIMUS | SBR as a Manager in the Financial Services Group in July 2012. In addition to having a passion for solving complex problems, Mikael spends his spare time as an active musician and producer. He grew up playing classical piano, but moved on to jazz improve before making the leap to creating full productions with synthesizers and computers. Mikael has collaborated with other musicians on several projects and most recently, he finished a project called ‘Their Other Band’, and released an album on Bandcamp and iTunes.

What originally made you want to start working with OPTIMUS | SBR?

I had worked in consulting earlier – both as an external consultant with one of the Big 4 and internally with one of the banks in Canada – and always enjoyed helping business partners to understand their options to solve their business problems.

Of course, a lot of consulting companies do that. What I thought really set OPTIMUS | SBR apart from the rest was that no matter who I talked to, from leadership to consultants, I heard the same description of the company and what makes it special, and a real sense of people being there to help build something. That’s harder to get with large companies.

What do you think is the best thing about working for OPTIMUS | SBR right now?

The company is at a real sweet spot in terms of growth. We’ve grown over the past two years to a size of business that has a great client base, an established project approach, and a team of driven, skilled employees. At the same time, there’s still a strong entrepreneurial spirit in the company, with a focus on continuing to build the business.

What have you gained from working at OPTIMUS | SBR? How was your career improved by working at OPTIMUS | SBR?

I’ve been working in Canada for 17 years in a variety of roles. For me, being part of OPTIMUS | SBR has been a great opportunity to get involved in a wide range of tasks and accountabilities all in the same company where it’s not just about project delivery, but also helping to improve how we do things in the company.

It’s a terrific group of people, and I’m learning something new from everyone I work with, regardless of their role in the company and how long they’ve been here.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining OPTIMUS | SBR?

There are many consulting organizations out there that do great work. OPTIMUS | SBR offers an opportunity to not just do consulting work, but to be part of building something. It requires a willingness to help across practices on any project work that may come up, getting involved in helping to attract talent and making connections to people, assisting with things like methodology development, etc.

It’s hard work, but for people who like to seek out challenges and are able to deliver, it’s very rewarding.

OPTIMUS | SBR employees display a Bold Attitude that sets us apart. What does having a Bold Attitude mean to you?

To me it’s about having the conviction to ask difficult questions of the people around you, whether it is internal or client team members. We are driven by the same objective of always bringing the best of OPTIMUS | SBR to each engagement, and it requires all of us to both test assumptions, and have the courage to have other people challenge you.

Check out our latest post in our new and continuing Our People series of blog posts where our employees describe what it is like to work for OPTIMUS | SBR in their own words.

Carrie Anderson is an Associate at OPTIMUS | SBR. She joined the organization in August of 2012 as part of the Energy and Infrastructure group. In addition, Carrie plays an active role on the firm’s Innovation Committee and Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. Outside of work, Carrie is an avid networker and enjoys attending energy, sustainability and general networking events. She is a member of Young Professionals in Energy and the Women’s Executive Network. In her spare time, Carrie loves to travel and has visited Central and South America, Morocco, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Australia and Europe.

What originally made you want to start working with OPTIMUS | SBR?

OPTIMUS | SBR came to recruit at the Rotman School of Management when I was doing my MBA.  After attending their information session I knew it was the right fit for me. I was attracted to the firm because it was small, entrepreneurial and worked with a diverse set of clients. I had always enjoyed working at smaller firms as you can more directly see the impact of the work you are doing. The firm’s entrepreneurial spirit and focus meant that I would learn a lot in a short amount of time. Also, working at a generalist firm would allow me to be exposed to a variety of sectors – energy, infrastructure, cleantech, financial services, public sector, and healthcare.

What do you think is the best thing about working for OPTIMUS | SBR right now?

The project work and the firm’s culture. Each project is exciting and interesting as we work with top-tier clients helping them to solve their pressing business problems. Taking on an advisor role working with our clients at each stage of the project is fulfilling and leaving our clients with a realistic implementation plan and/or assisting them to implement our recommendations is rewarding. The firm has a ‘work hard, play hard’ culture while taking into account work/life balance. Monthly social events allow staff to bond outside of work which I enjoy since my colleagues are smart, interesting and genuinely good hearted people.

What have you gained from working at OPTIMUS | SBR? How was your career improved by working at OPTIMUS | SBR?

I have been able to work in my sector of interest, Energy, and apply my previous work experiences in energy services, clean technology and executive recruitment, plus my MBA knowledge to help clients solve their critical business problems. Also, since OPTIMUS | SBR is a smaller firm I have greater exposure and access to senior management which has led to additional learning and growth opportunities.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining OPTIMUS | SBR?

It is important to be flexible and adaptable. OPTIMUS | SBR provides an ever changing project environment with various lengths of engagements. Also, being a smaller firm requires all hands on deck at times so you should be keen to help out your colleagues when needed.

OPTIMUS | SBR employees display a Bold Attitude that sets us apart. What does having a Bold Attitude mean to you?

Being opportunistic! I am a networker and connector. I enjoy meeting new people and learning about their interests in order to provide value through information sharing and connecting them with others.

OPTIMUS | SBR is excited to be visiting university campuses in the GTA. We are looking forward to meeting students at the following schools:

• Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto
• Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto
• Schulich School of Business

Don’t see your school listed above? We are still interested in meeting you! Feel free to check out our open positions on our career page.

We are very proud to announce that OPTIMUS | SBR has been recognized as a Best Small & Medium Employer in Canada for a second consecutive year. The annual study is conducted by Aon Hewitt and the Queen’s School of Business.

This award is important to us because we know it is a reflection of how our people feel about OPTIMUS | SBR. We constantly strive to provide a working environment that promotes creativity and excellence, and we use the results of the survey to refine our approach to engagement.

Over the past year, we have implemented a few key initiatives which have continued to engage our employees and further their development:

• Initiatives from our Corporate Social Responsibility, Innovation, and Health & Wellness committees have led to the adoption of healthier and greener office practices, and new partnerships with several local charities which have increased our connection to our local community
• Encouraged open channels of communication for employees to voice their ideas, suggestions, and concerns directly to the senior leadership team
• Provided opportunities for all consultants to continuously hone their skills by drawing on expertise from other sectors, setting the stage for a learning-driven environment

We are proud to provide a working environment where people feel empowered and take an active role in the outcome of their work. This is an important part of our mutually beneficial philosophy and plays a critical role in our commitment to deliver consistently at a higher standard.

This latest achievement sets the stage for continued success and we look forward to what the next 12 months will bring.

For more information about this recognition, please visit profitguide.com.

For more information about OPTIMUS | SBR, please contact us at info@optimussbr.com or 416.649.6000

This is the next post in our new and continuing Our People series of blog posts where our employees describe what it is like to work for OPTIMUS | SBR in their own words.

OPTIMUS | SBR People Profile: Adrian Biafore

Adrian Biafore is a Portfolio Lead for OPTIMUS | SBR. He has over 10 years’ experience in leading cross-functional client and 3rd-party vendor teams to implement award winning enterprise-wide system solutions, process and organizational redesign, and outcome-based Board-level, Executive and Management reporting improvement initiatives. He originally joined SBR Global in 1999 in the Proposals & Marketing unit after returning to Toronto from grad school at the Royal Military College. In 2003, 2 years after he left SBR Global, he joined Optimus Consulting Group and has been with OPTIMUS | SBR ever since.

If you want to meet Adrian, he will be a speaking as a panelist at the ProjectWorld Conference in Toronto on Monday, May 14th, 2012. Here’s a little about his experience working at OPTIMUS | SBR, in his own words:

What originally made you want to start working with OPTIMUS | SBR?

A short attention span, an enjoyment of variety, and a disdain for doing the same thing day in and day out is what drew me to management consulting in general. The Managing Director at SBR Global is what kept me there, but after a few years I knew it was time to move on. The camaraderie, trust, loyalty and belief in “our way” of consulting which I developed and benefited from as a result of going through that shared experience with Joe Oppedisano and Kevin Gauci is what brought me back to Optimus Consulting Group in 2003 and keeps me at OPTIMUS | SBR to this day.

What do you think has changed since the merger?

What’s become most apparent to me is the breadth and depth of our capabilities and offering, and the efficiency with which we can truly address our various clients’ needs across multiple industry sectors and market segments.

What have you gained from working at OPTIMUS | SBR? How has it improved your career?

I came to term my time at SBR Global as my “Real Life” MBA. Grad school was the theory, and in my case the theory of Military Strategy, Operations and Tactics; and SBR Global put that theory into practice. What I gained most from my time with Optimus Consulting Group was the opportunity to work very closely and directly with senior executives and business leaders to hone my skills in the development, packaging and communication of consulting solutions for an executive client, and the opportunity to cut my teeth on some basic principles of relationship and account management. What I’ve gained from working at the new OPTIMUS | SBR is the deepening of those relationship and account management skills, and broadening my staff management skills from that of pure project resource management to people and career management of functional reports. The best thing about OPTIMUS | SBR in my opinion now is that as a consulting leader, you have access to an end-to-end staff leadership, project management and client relationship management experience.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining OPTIMUS | SBR?

If you’re looking for an opportunity in management consulting; whether you’re right out of school, or making a career transition, OPTIMUS | SBR is the place to be. It’s truly unlike any other management consulting experience you can find.

OPTIMUS | SBR employees display a Bold Attitude that sets us apart. What does having a Bold Attitude mean to you?

Challenging people to think and approach the way they do things differently, and possessing the confidence in yourself and your team to do so.

If you are interested in learning more about career opportunities at OPTIMUS | SBR please visit our career page and browse our current opportunities.

The post OPTIMUS | SBR Portfolio Lead Shares His Experiences in Consulting appeared first on OPTIMUS | SBR.

April 19th, 2012 marked the date of OPTIMUS | SBR’s Alumni Reception. Hosted in our new office, we wanted to take the opportunity to invite our alumni to see what our new space looked like! From our “DNA wall,” to our open-concept workspaces, alumni were excited to see the changes that are happening!

The event was a wonderful success. Many alumni were able to attend the evening, and we were sad to hear of those that couldn’t make it. Over 100 alumni and current employees gathered for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, to hear our leadership team speak, and to even win some great prizes.

We were privileged to have two of our alumni, Natashia Jefferies and Lisa Collins, donate to the prize draw. Natashia, now an accomplished author presented a copy of her first book, entitled The Little Book of Green Minutes. In addition, Lisa, who recently just opened her own flower boutique, Sweet Woodruff, was pleased to gift a $50 gift certificate for an arrangement at her shop.

Thank you to all that came out and made the April 19th Alumni Reception such a success!

The post OPTIMUS | SBR Alumni Reception appeared first on OPTIMUS | SBR.

Check out our latest post in our new and continuing Our People of blog posts where our employees describe what it is like to work for OPTIMUS | SBR in their own words.

OPTIMUS | SBR People Profile: Murray Dodds

Murray Dodds is a Production Specialist for OPTIMUS | SBR. He originally joined SBR Global in 1997 in the proposal unit, eventually moving into the Executive Office. Today, Murray is responsible for maintaining our website, producing our client deliverables and investigating new web technology. Aside from being our resident Photoshop expert, he’s also a huge Star Trek fan (as you can tell).

What originally made you want to start working with OPTIMUS | SBR?

When I joined SBR Global, it was a small company of 30 staff, but two things attracted me immediately: they were planning on doubling their size every year for the next couple of years, and I would be working directly for the President. I knew I would be “in the thick of things” as the company grew (and it did grow, to over 100 staff at one point). I worked in the Executive Office for 13 years before the merger, and it was one of the most challenging, and ultimately rewarding, things in my life.

What do you think has changed since the merger?

So much has changed, and all of it for the better. Management has a good handle on staff capabilities, and thus can take a “hands off” approach, confident that staff can perform the tasks assigned them and giving them the space to take initiative. Communication is constant – staff get regular updates discussing how the company is doing, what’s on the horizon, and plans for the future. The overall mood of the office is incredible – there is such incredible, positive energy flowing all the time. The office itself is light and airy, which is a far cry from the old premises where we could feel quite shuttered in, and the café fosters a sociable atmosphere where staff eat lunch together. As well we have social outings, with no other agenda than to spend time together socially and get to know one another in a non-work setting. The result is a closer-knit group.

What do you think is the best thing about working for OPTIMUS | SBR right now?

The best thing is the atmosphere. The company –in this incarnation– is only a year-and-a-half old, and it’s still growing. It’s an exciting time to be here, an exciting thing to be a part of. The energy throughout the office is fantastic – everyone is charged up about what we’re doing, where we’re going. The Production department is responsible in large part for the look and feel of our client-side documents – the front face of the company. That’s an exciting thing to be a part of, and something I take pride in.

What have you gained from working at OPTIMUS | SBR? How has it improved your career?

I’ve gained confidence in my abilities, which has in turn allowed me to take greater initiative and move ideas forward. Every day I’m getting challenging, interesting requirements, and meeting those challenges is expanding my skill set dramatically. The people are some of the best that I have ever worked with. In terms of it improving my career, my graphics skill set has expanded significantly. I’m using Photoshop (and learning new tricks and techniques) on a daily basis, and I’m quickly learning related software (Illustrator, Adobe Edge). I’m learning HTML5 and CSS3 as I work on our website. There are networking events that are helping me to get in contact with others in my field and expand my knowledge base. The common theme throughout is: I’m learning. My skillset is constantly expanding.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining OPTIMUS | SBR?

The short version? “Do it.” Of the fourteen years that I have worked for this company in its various incarnations, this last year has been the best, hands-down. It’s an incredibly open, friendly atmosphere, and you’ll be able to draw knowledge and experience from everyone here, from management on down. Staff come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, and you’re virtually guaranteed to learn something new. Simply put, it’s a great place to work.

OPTIMUS | SBR employees display a Bold Attitude that sets us apart. What does having a Bold Attitude mean to you?

Taking the initiative to try new ideas or techniques. Being on the leading edge as we drive forward our ideas. Stepping up to face the challenges our clients put for us, and exceeding expectations when meeting those challenges.

If you are interested in learning more about career opportunities at OPTIMUS | SBR please visit our career page and browse our current opportunities.

The post Employee of 15 Years Shares His Experiences at OPTIMUS | SBR appeared first on OPTIMUS | SBR.

Back in September, OPTIMUS | SBR got involved in a weekend packed with volunteer activities. On September 13th, five OPTIMUS | SBR staff members volunteered at Fort York Food Bank (FYFB), an organization dedicated to feeding the hungry and providing counseling to help people find jobs, safe housing, and appropriate social and community programs. Our volunteers worked alongside the Rotary Club to clean, organize, and serve food for low-income individuals and families in the downtown Toronto area. Over the course of the day, 205 meals were served with both vegetarian and meat options offered to cater to dietary preferences. FYFB works with registered dieticians to ensure that the meals served provide adequate nourishment and are consistent with the Canada Food Guide.

OPTIMUS | SBR first began its partnership with FYFB in July 2012 and since then, has regularly been involved in the volunteer events hosted by the organization. Past engagements have ranged from helping with the renovations at the FYFB office, to serving prepared food to clients, to assisting with the grocery shopping program. OPTIMUS | SBR values the importance of aiding people affected by poverty and homelessness, which is a key driver in our continual efforts to work to FYFB.

Employees of OPTIMUS | SBR participate in the Terry Fox Run

The following day, a team of eleven OPTIMUS | SBR employees participated in the Terry Fox Run to commemorate the Canadian cancer activist and to raise awareness for cancer research. This year, the Terry Fox Foundation held 220 run sites in Ontario with about 35 taking place in the Greater Toronto Area. Close to 80,000 runners participated in the event this year in Ontario, which is about a 5% increase from last year’s run. Ontario event organizers are optimistic that the money raised from community runs and school campaigns this year will surpass last year’s amount of $12.5 million. As of May, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $650 million for cancer research.

This day marked the 34th year since Terry Fox first embarked on the Marathon of Hope across Canada to raise awareness and funds for research into the disease that eventually killed him before his 23rd birthday. OPTIMUS | SBR hopes to continue to participate in this annual event to help reach Terry’s goal of finding the cure for cancer.

The post A Weekend of Fun and Charity for our CSR Team appeared first on OPTIMUS | SBR.

Our CSR Team hard at work planting trees with Evergreen Brickworks

On Saturday October 25^th 2014, 10 OPTIMUS | SBR employees volunteered at Evergreen Brick Works Canada in Sussex Park, Richmond Hill to plant trees and shrubs. Evergreen Brick Works is an organization that supports community action and promotes the connection between a sustainable natural environment and health. One of the organizations goals is to create healthy, sustainable environments by building urban green space. Green space not only creates space for our communities to live and connect with nature, but it also nurtures wildlife habitat and increases biodiversity. Since this is a cause we are passionate about, our consultants rolled up their sleeves and spent Saturday morning digging holes, planting trees and cleaning up the park. Through this initiative alone, OPTIMUS | SBR and volunteers from all over the city of Toronto planted over 280 trees!

This is our first volunteer event with Evergreen Brick works and it was a perfect opportunity for OPTIMUS | SBR to show its’ committed to making a positive impact in the environment and communities we all share.

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Our CSR committee continues to put community engagement at the center of its mandate. On Saturday November 15^th, a group of volunteers from OPTIMUS | SBR spent time working with the amazing team at the Furniture Bank, a registered charity and social enterprise that has been helping people in the Greater Toronto Area establish their homes since 1998. The Furniture Bank provides a critical service to members of our community who find themselves in difficult circumstances, including people transitioning out of poverty and homelessness, women and children escaping abusive situations, and recent newcomers to the country. With the help the dedicated staff and network of volunteers at the Furniture Bank, as well as dozens of shelters and partner agencies in the social sector, disadvantaged persons are given access to affordable furniture and household items that raise their standard of living at a time when it is most needed.

OPTIMUS | SBR and Furniture Bank enjoy a long standing relationship, so for some of our team it was not the first time volunteering with this organization. Working under the direction of Furniture Bank’s passionate Community Manager and Fundraising Coordinator Noah Kravitz, our team assisted clients as they selected items from the warehouse showroom, and also helped to box and package selected items for delivery. It was a tremendously rewarding experience for our volunteers, but also a stark reminder of the poor living conditions some of our fellow community members endure.

We encourage all of our friends and business partners to consider how they can help make a difference in their own communities, including through worthy organizations like Furniture Bank. They rely heavily on volunteers to carry out their mission, so we were grateful for the opportunity to make a contribution and look forward to working with them again in the near future. If you are interested in making a donation to this outstanding organization (your furniture, your time, or a financial contribution), please visit their website or call them at (416) 934-1229.

The post A “Moving” Experience at Furniture Bank appeared first on OPTIMUS | SBR.

Click Here to Donate to the Warm Feet Drive

Many of us take for granted the accessibility we have to clean, dry socks during the frigid winter season, and cannot imagine having to walk long hours of the day without them. Unfortunately, for the more than 5,000 displaced individuals who live on Toronto’s streets, that is their living reality. Owing to factors such as limited access to dry and warm environments, substandard footwear, and constantly having to queue for basic services (often outdoors), the feet of the homeless community are at significantly higher risk to frostbite, fungal infections, and other maladies that come with exposure to the elements.

We can change this unfortunate reality and easily prevent these sub-standard conditions with new socks. This year, the OPTIMUS | SBR Corporate Social Responsibility Committee is pleased to announce the Warm Feet Drive, in support of Street Health. Our goal is to raise funds to provide relief to Street Health’s target community before the onset of the cold winter months. All of the proceeds collected in this initiative will be used to purchase thermal socks to help protect the feet and preserve the dignity of homeless persons in our community.

Street Health is a community-based agency that offers physical and mental health programs designed to improve the well-being of homeless and under-housed people in downtown Toronto. Street Health caters to those affected by extreme poverty, chronic unemployment, insecurity in housing, poor nutrition, high stress and loneliness. Their work is mainly focused in the Dundas and Sherbourne neighbourhood, an area with one of the largest concentrations of homeless shelters and drop-in centres in Canada.

We take our responsibility to our community seriously, so we’re asking for your help. Get into the holiday spirit and join OPTIMUS | SBR in our efforts to fundraise for this very worthy cause.

To make a donation, please visit Warm Feet Drive.

The post We are excited to announce the launch of the Warm Feet Drive! appeared first on OPTIMUS | SBR.

Click Here to Donate to the Warm Feet Drive

The OPTIMUS | SBR Corporate Social Responsibility Committee would like to thank everyone who has generously donated to the Warm Feet Drive so far! We have just passed the mid-way point, but have already raised more than 82% of our target – that’s enough to purchase 820 pairs of thermal socks!

This would not be possible without the outstanding support of our friends, families, and business partners, so to those who have made a contribution either financially or by spreading the word, we offer our sincere thanks.

We still need your help to reach our goal to help protect the feet and preserve the dignity of homeless persons in our community. If you have not made a donation, please consider doing so.

Click here to donate to the Warm Feet Drive today!

Click here for more information on Street Health, and the important work they do in our community.

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