I have been working at Clio for just over 3 months now. My first impressions of Clio have been incredibly positive. Our company founders, Jack and Rian, have gone to extraordinary lengths to create a positive company culture and have hired employees that exemplify the ‘work hard, play hard’ ethic. Hard work is recognized and everyone is given the opportunity to develop and grow with the company.
How did I end up at Clio? Well, that happens to be a bit of an unusual story. Before I delve into that, allow me to back up a bit and introduce myself.
Born in Vancouver, I grew up in the suburbs of South Delta. At university my education followed my core interests of history and politics. This led me on a number of adventures, first available to me in my texts and later inspiring me to travel throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. I graduated in 2008 with a degree in history and political science, with a Middle Eastern concentration. My research led me to explore an array of subjects that examined cultural, religious, and philosophic traditions.
After graduation I was still uncertain as to which direction I wanted to go. I decided to dive head first into advocacy and awareness building with the Canadian Red Cross. I chaired and was a member on a number of working groups – primarily focused on youth empowerment and advocacy for refugees and newcomers to Canada. These experiences were incredibly enriching and helped hone my facilitation, public speaking and event organization skills.
Concurrent to my work with the Canadian Red Cross, I taught a Model United Nations Club where students aged 10 to 18 years developed their debate, research and composition skills. I found acting as the students’ guide to subjects typically reserved for adults to be an eye-opening and rewarding experience. Age was never a barrier to their compassion or capacity to learn.
All the while, I maintained my serving job at a local steakhouse. Here is where Clio enters the story . . .
On an unassuming weeknight in November, I had four lovely ladies sit down at one of my tables. They let me know that it was the accounting department’s night out and that they worked just up the street. Now, I don‘t know what kind of magic was in the air that night – maybe it was the wine, maybe it was the fact I was taking some accounting classes at the time – but by the end of their meal they were adamantly encouraging me to send in my resume to Clio. This is the kind of offer a server hears from time to time, but on this occasion there was something different. These women were so incredibly friendly and raved about the company they worked for. This was ultimately my first impression: passionate employees who are strong advocates for their employer and the product they provide.
From the moment I stepped through the doors I have not regretted my decision to join the Clio family. Clio provides me with a community of like-minded individuals. The work environment is casual yet enthusiastic. The employees are positive and helpful. Most importantly, at the end of the day, the work gets done and we have fun doing it.
I look forward to my future with Clio. Every so often I wonder what would have happened if Jocelyn, Barb, Angela and Caroline had not met me that night. But then again, I sure am glad they did!
What’s your Twitter Handle?
Meet Derek Rawlings, a member of our Sales team, a self-proclaimed nerd and Clio’s resident tea expert. When he’s not on the phone he’s busy brewing up a pot of vanilla earl grey or a green rice tea and forcing it on his coworkers. So far, they don’t seem to mind.