Meet the Montrium Team: Matthijs Pietrala

1. What was the first project you ever worked on for a client?

The first project I worked on at Montrium was for a large Medical Device Manufacturer in Europe. I performed an infrastructure qualification of the Microsoft Azure Cloud.

2. What do you enjoy most about your job?

As a validation and compliance analyst at Montrium, I enjoy the combination of technical and regulatory activities.

3. Stuck on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring with you?

• My camper van
• My e-reader
• My Birkenstocks

4. What makes you get out of bed in the morning?

Currently, the schoolyard across from my house is under construction. So, the 7 am jack hammering is what gets me out of bed most days.

5. What is your proudest work achievement?

I am proud of any moment my team and I complete a project. I feel gratification anytime a project is completed and the client is happy.

6. What is your proudest non-work related achievement?

Moving to Canada has been my proudest moment to date. I had thought about moving to Canada my whole life and I was proud of myself for finally making it here. Canada, especially Montreal, is the farthest away from home, but still feels like home.

7. What are the traits you most and least admire in yourself?

I have one trait that I both like and dislike about myself. That trait is calmness. I am a very calm person, which is usually a positive in most situations. However, my calmness means I don’t feel stress the way others do, and therefore I miss out on the adrenaline rush associated with it.

8. Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Paul Fenton, our CEO, has had the biggest influence on my career. Paul and I were in touch before I began working for Montrium and even before arriving in Montreal. He pushed me to find work that I enjoyed, and then offered me a position at Montrium.

9. In your opinion, why is Montrium different from other organizations you have worked for?

Montrium’s company culture is much more relaxed and friendly than other organizations I’ve worked for. The organizational structure is flat which makes everyone approachable and collaborative. In addition to company culture, Montrium’s way of conducting business is very organized; everything is well documented and recorded which facilitates my job and speeds up the validation & compliance process.

10. What is your favourite quote?

I don’t have one favourite quote, but I recall a number of fascinating and thought provoking quotes from the movie “Into the Wild”. I really enjoyed the movie and highly recommend it.

11. To succeed in your position, one must…?

… Have a full understanding and overview of the project in question, and be able to focus on specific tasks without getting distracted by details. They must know the pharmaceutical industry requirements but also understand the technical capabilities of the solutions.

12. When not in the office, what would people find you doing?

During the week, I tend to relax and watch TV or play video games. Some evenings, you can also find me at one of Montreal’s many micro-breweries.

13. Are there any magazines, books, blogs or publications you couldn't live without?

I listen to a lot of podcasts and audio books. I especially like the podcasts by Dan Carlin (Hardcore History and Common Sense) and more political focused podcasts. In addition to podcasts, I have a subscription to an audio book provider, where I listen to at least 2 books a month. With podcasts and audio books taking up most of my time, I don’t have a lot of time left over for actual reading.

14. Where is your favourite place on earth?

My favourite place that I have ever visited was Jasper, Alberta. Any place where I can peacefully go hiking or camping is a place I enjoy.

15. What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend? 

Camping is my favourite weekend activity. My upcoming camping trip will be to the Frontenac Provincial Park.