With the pandemic still interfering in our lives, it has really limited our in-person contact, so we thought it'd be fun to re-introduce our team members and get to know them a little better. Let's jump right in and present our first team member in our Consultant Spotlight Series - our very personable and recently second-time parent, Praveen Rajasekaran!
There's no doubt that Praveen's passion lies in adding value to businesses through enabling processes and technology but if he wasn't strategically planning an ERP implementation, what would Praveen dream of focusing his time on?
If you weren't a consultant, what job would you want to do? Screenplay writer 📝
What was your very first job? I got my first job at London Drugs.
Do you have a hidden talent? That’s a good question. I can do a headstand - does that count? What new skill or hobby did you pick up during the pandemic lockdown? I learned how to parent. Having my 3 year old daughter and newborn son at home all day long and taking care of them while working is a completely new skill set that I had to learn! I’m still learning every day!
What do you wish you knew more about?
Definitely bitcoin back in 2012. And home construction - it would be a dream to build a home by myself.
Building IKEA furniture - torture or enjoyable?!
I love it! I’d do it all day if I could! 🔧
If you could go back in time, which class in high school do you wish you paid more attention in? Physics and Chemistry 🧪
What's the most memorable place you've travelled to?
My friend and I once rode a snowmobile to the top of Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler.
What's your best childhood memory?
Biking, hanging out with my friends all day and coming home late in the evening.
Do you have an irrational fear?
Insects in general. As a teenager, I got bit by an insect that ended up getting infected. I had a rash all over me and had to be hospitalized. So, I’m a little traumatized over insect bites. 🦟
What's your ideal way to start the day?
5 to 10 minutes of meditation or a short walk early in the morning. It doesn't happen everyday but I try my best to. ☀️
What's the best part about working from home?
The flexibility. Sometimes I wake up early in the morning and I like that I can get my work done before everyone else wakes up. But... with kids, sometimes it’s not the best option!
What's your favourite part of the ERP implementation process?
Connecting the dots. Understanding how different functions work for a business.
What is the most interesting business you've worked with as a consultant?
The most recent mid-sized businesses I’ve worked with have all been interesting to me - an office furniture dealer and distributor, a hot tub manufacturer and a plant-based food company, to name a few. It’s hard to choose just one! Their business models and company cultures are all so unique.
What is something you enjoy about working with the Umbrella Consulting team? The people at Umbrella Consulting. Truly an amazing team to work with! 🙌🏼
Join our conversation on Linkedin! How well did you think you knew Praveen? What surprised you the most?