About Myself 

To date, I lived and worked in four countries. I moved to Canada from Dubai about five years ago. I’ve started my career as a mechanical engineer, yet soon shifted my focus to process improvement and lean enterprise projects. I’ve started working for the public sector for the first time in my career in 2017, and since then, I’m truly enjoying working on projects that touch the lives of Ontarians across the province.

Current Occupation

I currently work for the provincial government (Ontario Public Services) as a “Team Lead-Business Planning & Program Delivery” at the Ministry of Transportation.

Experience and Education

I’ve started my career hands-on, I was a fresh graduate from Mechanical Engineering school, and I worked as a Service Engineer at Carrier Air-Conditioning, leading over forty technicians and team leads. After five years, I realized I needed to expand my knowledge, so I packed up and moved to Germany to acquire a master’s degree in quality management. That when I got my first Project Manager job in one of the biggest asset management companies in the middle east. Over the years, and in addition to my PMP certification, I also acquired a Six Sigma Green Belt and aiming for the Black Belt soon!

PMI Member since:  June 2014

Why did I join PMI Toronto Chapter

Just like everyone else, starting a new life in a new country, I wanted to surround myself with like-minded people, professionally and personally. That’s when I found PMI-Toronto Chapter. I attended a few meetings, started conversations with portfolios directors, shown my interest in joining their volunteering team and soon enough I was in.  Knowing the chapter was a great addition to my life, I found new friends, met a lot of people, exchanged interesting chats and I’m proud to take part in such an interesting and warm community.

Why did I obtain my PMP/CAPM Certification

I wanted to solidify my project management experience with a certificate that is recognized worldwide. I was determined to get a PMP certificate to distinguish myself from other Project Managers who practiced but lack the systematic approach that the certificate adds.

Greatest learning from PMP/CAPM

Over the years, working on renewing my PDUs, I realized how invaluable it is to stay up to date with the latest, the world is moving fast and maintaining the certification is a major self-motivation to keep myself up to date.

More About Me

Work Passions:  Process Improvement! I believe this is not a luxury for any organization; continuous improvement is a must; otherwise, there is a risk of becoming irrelevant. Process Improvement projects are so rewarding and touch a lot of end-users and stakeholders, turning the current situation to a better future.

Personal Passions:  Traveling. I’ve travelled to 16 countries on four continents and lots of travel plans are still on my bucket list. I particularly enjoy hiking trips to exotic places.

Something interesting about me:  I’m a firm believer in renewable energy, and I once started a small business specialized in portable solar panels.

Contact information: hkarim08@hotmail.com