Building a stable career in an ever-changing world
Pathway(s): Business, Finance and Big Data
Title: Technology Sales Leader, IBM
The world is getting smaller every day. Technology’s rapid evolution continues to bring us closer together — something Tim Wilshaw has fully embraced over his 27 years and counting at IBM. With a passion for meeting new people, visiting new destinations and discovering new opportunities, he has built a longstanding, borderless career by cultivating relationships with clients and colleagues worldwide and solving problems through technology.
“My career at IBM has taken me all around the globe, with roles that have allowed me to visit and work in some of the world’s most incredible cities as I serve my clients,” Tim shared. “While the advancement of technology has always been at the core of my work, in the end, it is about understanding people — their needs and finding creative solutions that address them. Glendon was the starting line for this adventure.”
In his search for postsecondary education, one skill Tim was eager to develop was his French, having gained an appreciation for the language during an overseas exchange to Clermont-Ferrand. At Glendon, he found that and more, immersing himself in a program where he could discover how global events and issues impact at the local level, and vice versa, and how to navigate diverse perspectives.
“International Studies gave me the unique opportunity to learn — and learn how to learn —alongside a small but diverse, multi-lingual and internationally focussed community. Beyond the classroom, it also allowed me to get involved while learning to think critically and work with or lead dynamic teams of people. This experience prepared me with skills I would use throughout my career.”
Upon graduation and following an MA in International Political Economy at the UK’s University of Warwick, Tim’s uniquely global education and perspective became a distinguishing factor for him as he successfully joined IBM in response to an immediate need for bilingual resources. And over the past several decades, he has applied it to gain a wide breadth of experience — from sales roles focusing on IT systems management, data, security, analytics and business automation, he grew his sales, management and leadership expertise while clocking in from home in Ottawa to across North America, the Caribbean and Europe.
And there has been no shortage of rewarding projects to keep Tim busy as IBM remains at the forefront of technology innovation, including in the AI and machine learning spaces. In his latest role, he works with the federal government on how best to integrate these emerging technologies to serve Canadian citizens.
“With the advent of Generative AI, there are countless opportunities to make the world better, and the government context is no exception. This technology also raises many concerns, particularly in the public sector, including ethics, cyber security threats, privacy violations and accuracy of information. It’s my job to help address these concerns for my clients while helping them capitalize on AI’s many benefits.”
As technology continues to evolve, Tim remains open to whatever might be next with IBM. And while frequent role or career changes have become the standard for today’s professionals, his journey is no less desirable. His secret to sustaining this longstanding career? It’s simple, he says: making the most of the opportunities right in front of you.
“The search for new professional challenges doesn't always have to mean looking elsewhere or going far — they can meet you right where you are. I found a company that allowed me to grow from within, constantly learning and doing new things while exploring the world. Ultimately though, whether it’s three decades at one company, multiple roles at different companies, or something else entirely, it’s for you to define what success looks like.”
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS
What is your hometown?
Peterborough, Ontario
What is your favourite city in the world and why?
If I could live everywhere at once, I would! I’ve been to some of the world’s most amazing cities over the years and would love to spend more time in all of them. If I had to pick one though, it would be Ottawa, where I got married, bought a home and raised a family.
What is your favourite hobby?
I still love playing hockey, but what I enjoy even more now is helping as a coach with my youngest daughter’s hockey team. Working with the kids on the ice and watching them play and improve over the years has been a ton of fun.
What is your greatest achievement thus far?
To put it simply, raising my two amazing kids alongside my wife.
What do you want to be remembered for?
Personally, it’s that I’m a loyal friend and, professionally, that I’m a creative problem solver. In both cases, I want people to remember that I always do what I say I will do.