On the last page of every issue of Industry West, we find a Saskatchewan businessperson or leader to answer our version of the Proust Questionnaire. Marcel Proust made the questionnaire famous, believing that 35 specific questions could reveal a person’s true nature. We grabbed this idea—you’ve probably seen it in Vanity Fair—and made our own version. The first five questions are ours, and then we ask our subject to pick their favourite Proust questions to answer.
Say hello to Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
- Where are you from? Alberta.
- Where did you attend school and what did you study? Primary: Bellevue Alberta; Secondary: Blairmore and Coleman Alberta; Post-secondary: SAIT, University of Alberta and University of Calgary. I have a PhD in academic leadership.
- What is your career history? Telecom Engineering Technologist, AGT as a Central Equipment Installer and later in Spec Writing and Technical Publications; SAIT as an Instructor, Program Head, Academic Chair, Con Ed / Corporate Training manager, Dean; and President & CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
- What’s the best piece of business or career advice you have or have been given? Learn continually—there is always something to learn and challenge yourself—and get out of your comfort zone.
- What’s your favourite thing about Saskatchewan? The people, their passion and the “get ‘er done attitude.”
- What is your current state of mind? An abundance mindset. The turbulence and the relentless change caused by forces like the pandemic and exponentially accelerating technologies is challenging individuals and organizations. Viewing this disruption through an abundance mindset illuminates the enormous opportunities awaiting.
- What or who is the greatest love of your life? My wife Carol and our family (and Italian food)!
- When and where were you happiest? I am happiest when I am busy, making a difference and contributing, building or creating something. Having a vision and seeing it to reality.
- Who are your favourite writers? Chip Heath and Dan Heath, Max DePree, Peter Diamandis, Steven Kotter, Thomas Friedman, Jim Collins, Clayton Christensen, Michael Porter, John Kotter, Larry Bossidy, Ram Charan, Kouzes and Posner.
- What is your motto? “Excellence Never Rests.”
