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Ian Watt
Principal at Virthym | Lieutenant Colonel, Canadian Forces
Professional Background
Ian Watt is an accomplished consultant and management executive with over two decades of exceptional leadership experience across diverse sectors. His career is distinguished by his extensive role in high-value projects, including managing a remarkable $40 million initiative that facilitated the launch of a billion-dollar government program. Ian is adept at setting up and managing multiple Project Management Offices (PMOs) and has successfully delivered major enterprise solutions for renowned corporations such as Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Goodyear, as well as various municipal, provincial, and federal government bodies. His expansive career also includes significant international experience, providing consultancy to foreign ministerial organizations focused on strategic and policy advisement. In addition to his professional pursuits, Ian proudly serves as a commanding officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, attesting to his commitment to leadership and service.
Ian is also a serial entrepreneur, having founded, invested in, and directed numerous businesses, showcasing his versatility and innovative spirit in the bustling startup landscape.
Education and Achievements
Ian's impressive educational background bolsters his extensive professional portfolio. He holds several advanced degrees, including a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Simon Fraser University, a Master of Defence Studies, and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Security, Defence Management and Policy, both from the Royal Military College of Canada. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Computer Science from Brandon University, providing a strong technical foundation that complements his managerial expertise.
Ian's commitment to continuing education is evident in his multiple certifications, which include Project Management Professional (PMP), PRINCE2 certification, Change Management Methodology (PROSCI), and ITIL Foundations and ITIL Service Offerings and Agreements training. His military education includes certifications from the Canadian Forces College Joint Command and Staff Programme and the Canadian Army Command and Staff College, where he honed his leadership skills in a military context. These certifications not only enhance his capability as a project manager but also reflect his dedication to mastering his craft and keeping abreast of best practices in project management and organizational leadership.
Achievements
Throughout his illustrious career, Ian has been involved in numerous noteworthy engagements that have solidified his standing as a leader in project management and organizational excellence.
- Major Project Management: Ian has a proven track record of successfully managing large-scale projects that involve complex logistics and multiple stakeholders. His ability to lead teams of hundreds in pursuit of shared goals underscores his strong leadership qualities and managerial aptitude.
- Public Sector Impact: By delivering major enterprise solutions to various levels of government, Ian has made substantial contributions to public sector efficiency and effectiveness. His work has not only advanced the operational capabilities of governmental bodies but has also had a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
- Entrepreneurial Ventures: As a serial entrepreneur, Ian has demonstrated his innovative thinking and business acumen through founding and investing in various successful companies. His leadership within startups highlights his capacity to drive growth and foster innovation in competitive markets.
- Military Service: Ian’s rank as a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Canadian Forces reflects his leadership and dedication to service, reinforcing his commitment to Canada and its defense.
Ian Watt embodies the characteristics of an accomplished professional, blending a wealth of experience with a strong educational foundation to foster successful ventures and initiatives. His extraordinary contributions are a testament to his ability to continuously inspire and lead both teams and organizations toward achieving significant goals.
tags':['consultant','management executive','leadership experience','Project Management Office','P&G','Goodyear','government program','Canadian Armed Forces','serial entrepreneur','founder','investor','Master of Business Administration','Master of Arts','Bachelor of Science','Project Management Professional','PRINCE2','Change Management Methodology','ITIL','military education','Canadian Forces College','commanding officer','entrepreneurial','business management','strategic advisement','public sector solutions','international experience'],
questions':['How did Ian Watt develop his expertise in project management and consulting over his extensive career?','In what ways has Ian applied his military leadership experience to his roles in the private sector?','What motivated Ian Watt to pursue multiple advanced degrees in diverse fields such as business administration and defence studies?','How does Ian Watt balance his responsibilities as a commanding officer in the Canadian Armed Forces with his roles as a consultant and entrepreneur?','What unique perspectives does Ian bring to his consultancy work given his international experience with ministerial organizations?','What strategies has Ian implemented to successfully manage large teams and complex projects in his career?','How has Ian’s educational background in computer science influenced his approach to project management and business leadership?','What are some notable achievements from Ian’s entrepreneurial ventures that showcase his impact on the startup ecosystem?'],
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