A Day in the Life - John Bailey

What work do you do for Systech?

I am currently part of a Systech team that provides commercial and contractual advice to a client organization, which is delivering a major transportation program in Ontario, Canada. My role is to assist the client’s project controls team to evaluate, assess and respond to the contractor’s claims for extension of time. Also, as part of the role, the development of the narrative highlighting how the contractor’s own issues evolved.

What is your typical day?

Get up (usually 5.00am), meditate, coffee, read something positive, work, lunch, work, knock off work, family time.
The above is a typical template for my day. However, the project we are dealing with is as unique as all projects are, and I also work exclusively from home at the moment. This obviously means a lot of online meetings and discussions to keep in touch.
We have been through learning curves, educating the team. Times when the issues and hours were intense and other times when there was the calm before the storm feeling.

What are the interesting aspects of your work?

Meeting new people and figuring out what makes them tick. There are no mundane issues that we deal with and answers are not always obvious and require working through and teamwork.

What are the challenges?

Since 2011 I have worked on construction projects in Europe, Middle East and Far East, based full time in construction site offices for contractors, engineers and client organisations. Working from home on a full time basis and not being able to walk out on site has been a major personal challenge I have had to deal with and successfully overcome in my head and work practices. For example I have found the use of Teams to be invaluable not just for meetings but as a tool for messages, telephone calls and a repository for common files and work product. Being able to see when someone is online and free for a potential chat is useful and convenient.

What training and support has Systech given you?

I get plenty of support from my team, and particularly my team leader who is always available to discuss contentious issues and listen to alternative views whilst not being dogmatic about any approach.

What words of advice would you offer someone thinking of working for Systech?

Define your own goals, talk them through with your line manager(s). Agree and plan a way forward and go for it. I found that discussing my aspirations with my team leaders has enabled an understanding of what I want dovetailing with the needs of the company. As such, Systech offers career promotion opportunities if you have the drive and have established your goals.

What is the culture like?

I have been in and around Systech and its people for over 20 years and have watched the company develop. It’s my type of company, not a one man band nor a global behemoth, but a lean organisation providing professional advice with depth and breadth of knowledge through its people.

How has working for Systech helped you achieve your personal goals?

My wife Melodie and I are originally from the UK and have traveled and worked extensively overseas. Systech has given me the opportunity to work close to our family and grandchildren here in Canada. We get to see them two or three times a week with sleepovers, gym classes and swimming lessons. Prior to this we were in living in Hong Kong for seven years around 7,500 miles and 15 hours away. Now we live 10 miles and 20 minutes down the road.

What makes working for Systech different from the competition?

I have yet to meet anyone in Systech that I dislike. I think a company thrives on its choice of employees and how it treats them.

What has been your greatest achievement working for Systech?

Despite speaking the same language, the cultural differences are there, so it has been interesting learning the work culture and enjoying the politeness of Canadians. Similarly, it was good to discover that I was easily able to fit in to my current role and highlight that the claimant was not beyond fault and meaningfully assisted in the claim negotiations ensuring the discussions were not one sided.