A strong community can promote new ideas and ensure accountability. It can also act as motivation, support, and even provide a little friendly competition. The power of community is undeniable and the Okanagan tech community is no exception.
Our community is strong and growing with record speed and maintaining connection through a period of growth like this can be a challenge. Nobody panic, we’ve got a plan.
Introducing, The Faces of #OKGNtech. A showcase of Okanagan tech entrepreneurs, partners, supporters, and cheerleaders designed to fuel more connection, more growth, and more excitement. Follow along (on the blog and on Instagram @OKGNtech) to learn more about our growing community and what makes them awesome.
Meet Taiya. Taiya Ahola is the Financial Controller at Strawhouse. When she’s not busy crunching numbers you can find her travelling, playing tennis, or studying for the CPA exam [Editor’s Note: No question that Taiya knows how to respect the grind].
What’s it like to work at Strawhouse?
“The owners of Strawhouse are great. We are really aligned in terms of vision and strategy so it works really well. The culture at Strawhouse is all about striving for greatness and I love that attitude. We always want more so we are willing to take risks and accept failure as part of the growing process.”
“I knew I wanted to work in the tech industry so when the Strawhouse opportunity came up, I went for it. The role they had posted wasn’t exactly what I was looking for but I took it because I knew I wanted to work for a company like this. I believed in their ideas.”
What’s it like studying for your CPA?
“The CPA is a challenging program but I have learned so much and it readily applies to my work as a Financial Controller at Strawhouse. Honestly, I cannot stress this enough. For anyone looking to do CPA, know that absolutely everything you learn will apply to your job. It’s all very valuable which makes it worth it ” #valuations #calculations #allthespreadsheets
What’s a piece of advice you can share with us?
“A Richard Brandston quote that has always stuck with me is ‘If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!’. When you get the chance to move forward you should grab it. I think if someone is willing to take a chance on you it means they have confidence in you so you should have confidence in yourself.” [Editor’s note: what are you waiting for? GO FOR IT.]
Who inspires you?
“Gayna Joels, my accounting teacher at Okanagan College, was really inspirational for me. She successfully exited a company and started teaching after that. Because of her, I gained the confidence I needed to continue to pursue accounting. The stigma that accountants are geeks is dead. It’s a profession filled with smart, strategic minds that drive businesses to achieve their goals.”
What would you like to be remembered for?
“I would like to be remembered for helping others succeed. I am finishing school now but in the future, I would like to do some mentoring of my own. I have been very blessed in my life and my career and I look forward to being able to give back.” #givefirst
“Anyone supporting the women’s rights movement really inspires me. Jason and Naveed are great examples of community leaders who are taking a stand for diversity. They treat everyone as equals and the Strawhouse team thrives as a result.”
Connect with Taiya. Learn more about Strawhouse. Hungry for more? Meet Austin.
Are you following our new #OKGNtech faces Instagram?
