Welcome to our newest edition of Icebreaker, our employee spotlight series! At Arctiq, we value our diverse and talented team, and we believe it's important to shine a spotlight on the amazing individuals who make our organization thrive. In this series, we'll be showcasing the unique stories, experiences, and talents of our employees. Get ready to meet the faces behind our success and join us in celebrating the incredible individuals who make our team truly exceptional!
Today, we are breaking the ice with Thierry Madkaud, our Director of Sales Engineering, Eastern Canada. He's been with us for 1 year and 10 months!
- What's the coolest thing about your job?
Well, the seamless collaboration between our teams in Quebec and Toronto, enabling us to surpass customer expectations with remarkable agility. It's amazing to be surrounded by a great team who share the same passion and drive. We have the opportunity to build something from scratch and create a thriving community, it feels like being part of a dynamic startup.
One of the most exciting aspects of my job is the chance to meet and collaborate with a diverse range of individuals. We get to share knowledge, learn from each other, and constantly innovate by adopting new technologies. This enables us to establish strong connections with our customers and deliver exceptional results.
My job also allows me to make a significant impact on various communities and sectors such as military, health, etc. We tackle complex problems and provide access to innovative solutions, ultimately improving society as a whole. It's truly rewarding to be part of a team that makes a difference.
- What's your favourite hobby outside of work?
I enjoy exploring new subjects and learning about new things. Some of my favorite areas of interest include astronomy, AI, physics, and quantum computers.
Additionally, I have a deep passion for traveling and history, particularly when it comes to the history of rum, and I take a keen interest in the history of my home country, Martinique, an island rich in heritage and captivating stories.
- What's the best advice you've ever received?
The first one is "Si vous n'êtes pas le plus fort, soyez le plus adroit," which translates to "If you're not the strongest, be the most skillful."
The second piece of advice is "Qui ne tente rien n'a rien," which translates to "Whoever doesn't try, gets nothing."
Lastly, "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Incorporating these three pieces of advice into my life has helped me approach situations with a blend of strategic thinking, determination, and optimism.
- If you could switch roles with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
If I could trade places with someone for a day, I'd choose to be an astronaut. I'm fascinated by the chance to see the universe up close and explore its wonders. We humans are special because we can understand and venture into space. It's an amazing adventure that allows us to appreciate and expand our knowledge of the universe.
- What's a fun fact about you that most people would not guess?
My family has been involved in the production of rum for several generations in Martinique. We have our own brand called Opportune1791, owned by my father. So, you could say that rum-making runs in my family, and it's a unique aspect of my background that may surprise many people.