What was the single most important thing we’ve learned from Aaron?

That you can never get enough math for use.

Speak up and define our own future or else others will do it for us.

Rely on the data to tell the story and let them see it for themselves.

Suffering from Imposter Syndrome is not a bad thing.

Creating a successful team and meaningful work is about open conversations, seeking out learning opportunities, and engaging in play.

Keep learning!

See the value in your work (even when others don’t). Be confident in your knowledge and persistent in sharing it.

If he was an astronomical phenomenon, what would he be?

Pulsar

Blue moon

Halley’s Comet

Because I saw it once and I can specifically recall the buzz in those around me, and the feeling that I wanted to learn more and understand more, and that’s akin to the impact that you have on people and groups.

The Northern Lights

(guiding, mysterious, canadian icon)

Do aliens count? Aaron is an alien ;P

Cat

Aaron IS one of the most aspiring leadership person that I am blessed to come across in my lifetime (both on and off the work environment) – evangelizing people helping people “for the people” with genuine compassion!

A visionary deep thinker, attentive listener, as well, he offers his time doing and learning things together – demonstrating TRUST and making a difference!

Kin

Good luck

Margy

When I started at TC, I was amazed by the level of innovation and enthusiasm at the CoE – thank you for building such an amazing team that changed my perceptions of what it would be like to work for the government! You are the best leader I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. Your positive attitude towards work and never-ending persistence to do what is right is so admirable. I’ve learned so much from you about leadership and design and I’m excited for you to share your leadership with a new group of people. All the best in your new job!

Gabriella

Aaron. It’s hard to see you go, but I know that our careers will cross paths again…maybe in 6 months when you’re a DG, maybe in two years when you’re an ADM…maybe when you’re PM one day (I can see it). You are the first person I worked with to look at my entire skillset and see it’s value as more than side of the desk extra curriculars, and you’ve instilled a confidence in me that I will carry through my career. My advice for you as you head into a new and exciting role is to keep pulling people up with you as you go, it is one of your strongest leadership qualities. Anyways when you take over the world don’t forget us lil guys okay? I would say good luck in the new job – but you don’t need luck, you’re gonna rock it.

S

Your new team will be so lucky to have you. I have learnt a lot from you during our bilats and I look forward to our paths crossing again. Thank you so much for your contributions to this team. You helped progress the team much further than where it was when you joined us. Best wishes in your new role and most importantly, wishing you and your loved ones health and happiness in the New Year!

Ida Ghahremani

What’s the question we always want to ask him but dare not to?

Besides formal R&D, to what extent is science really helpful in large orgs like gov when it comes to management of organizations and people?

If you could have a completely different job, what would it be?

Do you have any childhood memories of Krypton?

What do you want to say to him before his departure?

Merci d’avoir pris le temps de trouver et réunir, sous un même directorat, des employés créatifs et passionnés qui ont à cœur de mener une mission qui peut paraître simple, mais qui est loin de l’être! Merci d’avoir respecté les idées de chacun et promu l’apprentissage dans le cadre de notre travail. Merci de nous avoir laisser la latitude pour nous épanouir et le soutien pour y parvenir. Merci pour ta passion et ta vision partagées, pour les éclats de rire et la confiance témoignée.

Mc

I’m so happy for you as you’re now able to create even bigger impact on gov, even though I’m so disappointed by your not being able to stick with us to make a difference 🙂

Aaron, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you at TC with this amazing team. Wishing you all the best on this next exciting chapter! 🙂

Katherine Lee

I’ve enjoyed working with you Aaron and appreciate your innovative approach to leadership, particularly in the areas of creating vision and mobilizing people, which in my experience are leadership competencies that prove difficult to demonstrate. Such has not been the case for you, however, largely because you also have vision and are openly collaborative. I’ve also observed that you have the ability to strike a balance when working with others between confidently asserting your thoughts and ideas, while actively listening to others and considering their input.

I was nervous about joining the world of remote work, but have found that I have stumbled into an incredible and supportive team with wonderful opportunities to grow, spearheaded by one of the best leaders I have had the privilege to work with. Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity to be part of such important work, Aaron. I really appreciate your leadership and support, and always leave meetings with you feeling pumped and motivated. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours, and envy the next team who has the pleasure of working with you.

Je suis tellement contente pour toi. J’espère que tu vas être heureux dans ta nouvelle position. Pendant 10 mois on a vu des changements dans nos Finances et HR….une chance que tu es intelligent car je sais pas si on serait ou qu’on est présentement. Tu es un gestionnaire exceptionnel et j’ai vraiment aimé travaillé avec toi. Tu as une toute nouvelle vie maintenant, nouvelle maison, nouveau bébé, nouvelle job….wow je suis fière de toi!!

Continue the good work and hope that we cross path in the future.

Good luck and have fun!

Julie