Monette Gerrand –Manager, Business Solutions, Canon Oceania

Tell me a little about your career journey so far? Where has your career been and what prompted you to make career changes internally at Canon/Converga/HiT?
My Canon journey started in 2016 as the Technical Delivery Manager supporting Canon Australia and New Zealand. Responsible for establishing and delivering cost-effective, high quality and reliable Server, Network and End User Computing services for the Canon Group. Team made up of eight direct reports located in two countries and two cities.

In January 2018 I changed to the  IT Operations Manager which extended my previous responsibilities to include Converga New Zealand and SUNSTUDIOS. In September Converga Australia was added. The team grew to 13 direct reports and two indirect reports covering three countries and four cities.

In Nov 2018 I changed to Manager of Business Solutions supporting the Canon Group. Responsible for defining the strategic direct of the business architecture and provide a common understanding of the organisation to align strategic objectives and tactical demands. Team is made up of nine direct reports located in two countries and two cities.

During my time at Canon I have been given countless opportunities to grow and develop in my career which has enabled me to change roles. I have had supportive managers who have been open to feedback and supported my development by encouraging me to continue to challenge myself and grow professionally.

What has been your greatest work achievement?
Establishing and retaining a competent multi-disciplinary technical team based in multiple locations who were motivated, innovative and empowered to achieve excellence in the Server, Network and End User Computing services.

What has been your biggest learning challenge in growing your career?
My life journey so far has taught me to be resilient and embrace any “opportunities” that come my way via my family, life or work.

How have your previous roles set you up for success in your current role?
Being in the business for three years and gaining an understanding of its requirements and systems while also investing in building strong working relationships has given me a solid foundation for my current role. I am motivated to understand what Canon needs and work with the business to get the best outcome.

Finally, what advice would you give to others at Canon thinking about their career pathway or looking to grow internally at Canon?
Canon is a great company with Leaders who value their employees and are prepared to invest by mentoring them so they grow professionally. My journey is proof of that, anyone can do it if they really want to succeed.

Aaron Berthelot – General Manager of Sales, Canon Consumer

Tell me a little about your career journey so far? Where has your career been and what prompted you to make career changes internally at Canon/Converga/HiT?
I started with Canon in 2005 as an Account Manager in VIC with CCI. From there, I progressed to Senior Account Manager and then onto State Field Manager for VIC/TAS. This tenure lasted 5 years and I left Canon to explore what was out there. This only lasted 10 months as I realised Canon was more than just a company, it was more like a family and I missed that feeling wanting to go to work. Thankfully, Jason (McLean, Director, Canon Consumer) welcomed me back into the business in 2011 as a National Account Manager. 

In 2014, my wife and I made the “scary” decision to move from Melbourne to Sydney with an 18-month-old child, pregnant wife with number two on the way and leaving our family behind to take on the role of National Business Manager and ultimately led me to my current role.  Making these decisions was tough at the time but we had the attitude to say “yes” to nearly everything and we have never looked back.

What has been your greatest work achievement?
Seeing people I’ve nominated for Shogun (Canon’s most prestigious award) winning the accolade. 

What has been your biggest challenge?
In the early days of my tenure, it was asking for help. I thought I could do everything on my own. Now I ask for help all the time and things get done a lot quicker when you involve the right people to assist you with challenges.

How have your previous roles set you up for success in your current role?
It’s given me the experience and confidence to take on the next role.

Finally, what advice would you give to others at Canon thinking about their career pathway or looking to grow internally at Canon?
Ensure the business is aware of your aspirations and grow your career at a steady pace. We need to work until we are 65 so there is no rush to climb the corporate ladder. Take your time, learn and enjoy it.

Pina Gavrilidis - Team Leader – Client Services, Canon Business

Tell me a little about your career journey so far? Where has your career been and what prompted you to make career changes internally at Canon/Converga/HiT?
I started with Canon in September 1986, I was 17 years old (I’m now 50). My first job was as a meter reader for the photocopier division. This was a great entry into the business and it gave me a chance to get to know Canon and its customers. After 12 months I took a position in sales admin support which helped me build my knowledge and skills. In 1991 I joined the Canon Finance Team and really enjoyed the new challenges. In 1994 I joined the sales team, where I stayed for 19 years working with Corporate and Government Accounts. In 2013 I moved into a customer service management role and am now a Team Leader in the group.