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Class of 2017

Paul Carreiro

Paul Carreiro came to TRIUM with a well-established career behind him: he joined the class of 2017 as EVP and Chief Customer Officer, later becoming President & Managing Director for Infor Global Solutions with 35 years experience in the fields of business and technology. Having previously held senior leadership roles at organizations such as IBM and SAP, Paul joined TRIUM in order to broaden his global business perspective and to soak in the diverse perspectives and experiences of the TRIUM cohort.

If you’re wondering if it’s too late, or if you’re regularly in an environment where you’re often the smartest person in the room, take the TRIUM challenge—it’s humbling and refreshing at the same time.

The rigors of the program and the fellowship with his cohort reinvigorated Paul’s thirst for professional growth and soon after graduating he was offered a “history-making” opportunity—as Chief Revenue Officer of Kinaxis Inc., a Supply Chain Management solutions company based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Paul recently spoke with TRIUM about how the program gave him the global perspective he needed, the rewards of the Capstone Project, and how he emerged with a renewed confidence and thirst for challenge.

You joined TRIUM with a successful and established career behind you. Many people might be considering hanging up their hats at that point; you instead took on the TRIUM challenge. What motivated you to seek an EMBA when you’d already accomplished so much?

As I gained more exposure to the global economy outside of North America (my last three and a half years at Infor I was based in London), I started to better understand the benefit of gaining a much deeper understanding of global business practices and cultures. Being in the tech industry, I was also at the forefront of helping to make the world a smaller and more connected place, and felt I needed to understand more. I was hoping that a truly international EMBA would complement my previous academic studies and could provide me the additional in-depth insights into global economic business practices I needed. I have also believed that forcing yourself into uncomfortable life experiences makes you a better person professionally and personally.

Why did you choose TRIUM?

After thoroughly investigating all options, TRIUM hands down contained the most rounded global program and bredth of specialization and reputation of professors. I was also impressed with the experience of my fellow cohort, and hoping to get into robust discussions and debates!

Soon after you graduated from TRIUM, you joined Kinaxis Inc. as Chief Revenue Officer, a role in which you lead initiatives to further drive sustained revenue growth as the company continues to successfully execute its global expansion. Can you reflect on how TRIUM renewed your ambition, focus and drive for such a role?

Coming out of TRIUM I regained a thirst and renewed passion to help build and be part of something truly great and game changing and was introduced to Kinaxis. After meeting their CEO and a number of the Board members, I was hooked. Kinaxis is a publicly listed company on the TSX (KXS.TO), and at the forefront of a global growth explosion by helping large global companies transform the intricacies of their supply chains. With the professional experience I had gained over the last 30 years and the recent global EMBA program experience, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of this new journey and history-making opportunity.

Do you approach your work and business differently after TRIUM?

I wouldn’t say differently, but certainly with more depth and rigor of research. We all meet people that talk in sound bites, but lack the depth and rigor of of well researched thought once challenged. Coming out of TRIUM, I really felt I had gained a tremendous research base, which would—and is—giving me the ability to look at problems very differently.

Can you reflect on your experience with your fellow cohort and the collaborative nature of TRIUM? What have you learned from your peers?

At work and in your normal social environments, you rarely find even a small group of people who have the same thirst for learning that you do. I was part of an incredible cohort that I was truly at home with, and everyone was comfortable challenging thoughts and ideas—even if they came from the professors!

What new values have you derived from your TRIUM journey so far?

How to better prioritize and manage my time. You realize what a precious commodity it really is!

What was the highlight of the TRIUM journey?

The Capstone Project. My partners and I developed a business called CRAFT Capital, which provides debt financing for large scale construction equipment in Sub Saharan Africa. There is an incredible need for infrastructure build out in Africa, and it didn’t take a small group of us long to agree that we wanted to be part of the growth opportunities in this sector. Not only have we kept the business together, but it has thrived. The fund raised its first $10M debt round, and is already lining up more. Africa is truly on the cusp of, and in great need of, huge infrastructure expansion.

CRAFT Capital is truly an example of how the Capstone can be scaled from the classroom incubator into a real-world successful business. How did the Capstone experience challenge you, given your already already-established vast experience in business/finance/IT?

Well, one thing I never thought of myself as was an entrepreneur (my wife is the entrepreneur in the family!), or ever thought I would be building of being part of a business in Africa. I truly admire people who are able to build a business from the spark of just an idea. Being part of this Capstone Project and CRAFT Capital gave me a great chance to be part of building an entirely new business. I also walked away from this experience with new friends for life. My partners in crime at Craft Capital have formed an incredible friendship together—we all speak with each other every week!

What advice would you have to those currently considering the TRIUM Challenge? Particularly those who may wonder if it’s “too late” to embark on such an endeavor?

If you’re wondering if it’s too late, or if you’re regularly in an environment where you’re often the smartest person in the room, take the TRIUM challenge—it’s humbling and refreshing at the same time.

How would you sum up your TRIUM experience in three words?

Never stop learning!