Meet Catherine!
We’re thankful that so many customers use commonsku as the platform to power their business and many of you have asked about our team so, we thought we would share more about the people behind the platform!
At commonsku, when we say, “our fearless leader” we really do mean fearless. If a “writer’s writer” denotes someone who inspires other writers, you could call Catherine a CEO’s CEO. Personable and approachable, and with high standards of excellence, Catherine’s not only our fearless leader, but our Coach and Chief Encourager.
What is your role at commonsku?
My role is the CEO, or the “Chief of Getting Shit Done” as Sam likes to call me 😉
What do you like best about your role?
I like being involved in all areas of the organization, I work with a fantastic team, and I get to speak with our amazing customers every day! My role challenges me; there is always something new to learn.
Can you give us an idea of the types of projects you are working on right now for commonsku?
The list is too long! Since I have to pick one, I’ll pick: working on our roadmap for development, how we look at constantly innovating.
What does a typical day at commonsku look like in your role?
Meetings, meetings, meetings … and talking to customers.
Is there a memorable project that stands out for you?
Where I derive joy is working directly with a new customer, to help them transition from a clunky, multi-system process to a smooth system that streamlines their workflow.
Where were you born? Where did you grow up?
Born and raised Torontonian.
Where was the most exciting place that you have lived?
Switzerland – I lived there for a year at the end of high school and traveled all over Europe.
What was your most memorable trip?
I spent two months backpacking through South America after university and then spent another month in South America right before starting my MBA. The first trip fundamentally changed me, I had never seen poverty as I saw there, but I had also never seen happiness with so little. It shaped my viewpoint that experiences are far more valuable than things.
What do you enjoy doing when not at work?
Playing hockey! I love the team element of playing hockey, both in terms of strategy and cohesiveness on the ice. And the beer in the locker room after.
Best live band you’ve ever seen?
Rolling Stones, U2, Tragically Hip
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Raising three kids who amaze me every day and building outstanding teams at commonsku and RIGHTSLEEVE, they make me very proud to be a part of it all.
What is your favorite boring activity?
Playing solitaire on the iPad – wonderfully mind numbing.
If this afternoon, you suddenly found yourself without anything to do and you decided just to go hang out somewhere outside (with no agenda, no appointments, no obligations), where would you go?
Walking through the ravine system in Toronto.
What are you typically doing on a Saturday morning?
Hanging around the rink, coaching the kids’ hockey teams.
What’s your latest binge TV or movie series?
Haven’t watched TV in years…
When you travel, what is imperative that you take with you (outside of normal hygiene products, clothes, luggage, etc.)
A good book and three months of the New York Times magazine that I have to catch up on!
Do you have any daily, weekly, monthly, or annual rituals you observe that are very important to you?
Yoga – currently trying to do it every damn day.