Kirsten Poon is an accomplished IT specialist whose journey spans over a decade of transforming the IT landscape in Edmonton and beyond. Known for her innovative approach and dedication to excellence, Kirsten Poon has built a reputation as a leader who seamlessly blends technical expertise with strategic foresight.
In this exclusive Interview Magazine feature, we explore the unique insights and experiences that have shaped Kirsten Poon’s career in the fast-evolving world of IT.
Through thoughtful reflections and in-depth discussions, Kirsten Poon shares the challenges she has overcome, the lessons she has learned, and her vision for the future of IT. Whether you’re an aspiring IT professional or a seasoned expert looking to stay ahead of industry trends, Kirsten Poon’s story will offer valuable perspectives and inspiration.
Interviewer – Tell us a little about yourself, including your educational background, professional experience, and any personal influences that have shaped your career in IT.
Kirsten Poon – I started my journey with a degree in Computer Science, which laid the foundation for my career in IT. Early on, I was drawn to problem-solving and the potential of technology to streamline processes. My professional experience has been diverse, from managing large-scale IT projects to optimizing systems for better performance.
Interviewer – Please tell us a little about your journey in the IT industry, including any significant milestones or experiences that have defined your path.
Kirsten Poon – My journey in IT has been quite dynamic. One of the pivotal moments was leading a project to overhaul the IT infrastructure for a major corporation. This experience honed my technical skills and taught me the importance of aligning IT strategies with business objectives. Another significant milestone was when I transitioned into a leadership role, which allowed me to mentor young professionals and shape the future of IT in our organization.
Interviewer – Kindly brief us about your current role and responsibilities, the areas you specialize in, and the key services or solutions you offer.
Kirsten Poon – Currently, I serve as an IT Leader specializing in systems optimization and infrastructure management. My role involves overseeing IT systems’ design, implementation, and maintenance that support business operations. We focus on enhancing performance, ensuring security, and providing innovative solutions that help businesses achieve their goals. Our services range from network management to cloud integration, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Interviewer – What do you consider to be your biggest unique selling point or distinctive feature in the IT field?
Kirsten Poon – My biggest USP is my ability to bridge the gap between technical IT solutions and business strategy. I don’t just focus on the technical aspects; I ensure that every IT initiative I lead contributes to the overall business objectives. This results-driven approach sets me apart and has been key to my success in the field.
Interviewer – What motivated you to pursue a career in IT, particularly focusing on systems optimization and infrastructure management?
Kirsten Poon – The potential to make systems more efficient and secure has always fascinated me. Early in my career, I realized that effective IT management could be a business game-changer. The ability to optimize systems, reduce downtime, and enhance security is incredibly rewarding. It’s a field that constantly evolves, and that continuous learning aspect was a significant motivator for me.
Interviewer – What were your mission and vision when you began your career in IT, and how have they evolved?
Kirsten Poon – My initial mission was to become a proficient IT specialist who could solve complex problems and contribute to the growth of any organization I was part of. Over time, as I gained experience and took on leadership roles, my vision evolved to include mentoring others and driving innovation in IT strategies. Now, my goal is not only to excel personally but to elevate the entire team and create IT solutions that lead to long-term success for businesses.
Interviewer – What is your leadership mantra when it comes to managing IT teams and complex projects?
Kirsten Poon – My leadership mantra is “Empower through trust and collaboration.” I believe in fostering an environment where team members feel valued and trusted to take ownership of their projects. Collaboration is key, and I encourage open communication to ensure that we leverage everyone’s strengths. This approach not only leads to successful project outcomes but also helps in the professional growth of the team.
Interviewer – What are your current goals within the IT field, and how do you see your work evolving in the future?
Kirsten Poon – My current goals include continuing to drive innovation in IT strategies, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and cloud solutions. I also aim to stay at the forefront of industry trends to anticipate and address emerging challenges. Looking ahead, I see my work evolving toward more strategic roles, where I can influence IT policies and practices at a higher level, ensuring they align with broader business goals.
Interviewer – What inspired you to focus on the continuous evolution of IT strategies and operations, ensuring alignment with business objectives?
Kirsten Poon – The ever-changing nature of technology itself is a constant source of inspiration. In IT, if you’re not evolving, you’re falling behind. I’ve always believed that IT should be a strategic enabler for business growth, not just a support function. This belief drives me to continuously refine and adapt IT strategies to meet the dynamic needs of businesses.
Interviewer – Can you share some challenges or setbacks you’ve encountered in your IT career, and what you’ve learned from them?
Kirsten Poon – One of the major challenges I faced was during a system migration project where we underestimated the complexity of the integration. It led to unexpected downtime and a steep learning curve for the team. From this experience, I learned the importance of thorough planning and risk assessment in IT projects. It also taught me the value of flexibility and quick problem-solving when things don’t go as planned.
Interviewer – What key factors should professionals consider before starting a career in IT, especially in system optimization and infrastructure management?
Kirsten Poon – First and foremost, a solid understanding of both technical and business aspects is crucial. IT professionals need to see the bigger picture and understand how their work impacts the overall organization. Continuous learning is another key factor, as the IT field evolves rapidly. Lastly, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work well under pressure are essential, especially in system optimization and infrastructure management.
Interviewer – What are some of the most significant mistakes you’ve made in your IT career, and what lessons have you drawn from them?
Kirsten Poon – Early in my career, I sometimes focused too much on the technical details without considering the broader business context. This approach led to solutions that were technically sound but didn’t fully align with the business needs. The lesson here was the importance of always keeping the end goal in mind and ensuring that IT solutions serve the overall business strategy.
Interviewer – If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting in the IT industry, what would it be?
Kirsten Poon – My advice would be to never stop learning. The IT industry is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is key to long-term success. Be curious, seek out new challenges, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Also, building a strong network having mentors and peers to share knowledge and experiences with can be incredibly valuable.
Interviewer – What are your success tips for young and aspiring IT professionals who want to make a significant impact in the industry?
Kirsten Poon – Focus on developing a deep understanding of both technology and business. IT is not just about fixing problems; it’s about driving growth and innovation. Be proactive, take initiative, and always look for ways to add value. Lastly, stay adaptable and resilient technology changes rapidly, and being able to pivot and adapt is crucial for long-term success in the IT industry.