An avid chess player, Mohamdy Talebna has always taken a pragmatic approach, quickly learning to anticipate moves. A native of Mauritania, he came to Montreal in 2007, choosing Polytechnique to complete his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. After graduating, Mohamdy worked for different companies before joining gbi’s building electrical team in March 2020, at the very start of the pandemic.
Why did you choose electrical engineering?
“I always loved math and physics,” said Mohamdy. “I wanted to have an impact on people’s lives and see my calculations and plans come to life. Imagine a world without electricity. It’s almost impossible! No internet, no heat or lights. Our society depends on electricity.”
Why did you choose gbi?
“I chose gbi in spite of the uncertainty surrounding the health situation and I’m very happy with my choice. I work with a nice group of people who are competent and professional in their field. gbi is a human-sized company where you feel you’re part of a family. I like my environment and, even when working remotely, I’ve always maintained human contact with my team, which brings us closer together and allows for great collaboration.”
What has been your greatest challenge so far?
“The shortage of staff in the construction and engineering fields has definitely been a big challenge for us all. As project manager, I constantly have to adapt to different situations in order to meet my clients’ deadlines and budgets.”
Communicating and coordinating with people are priorities for Mohamdy. The strength and success of every project lies in these two variables.
What qualities do you look for in a boss?
“For me, a good boss is someone who thinks in terms of 'us', not 'I'. In engineering consulting, it’s important to have a team mindset. Open-mindedness, empathy and recognition are very important for me,” stated Mohamdy.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field?
“You need to be patient and accept constructive criticism. You have to be ready to receive feedback on your work and understand that it isn’t meant personally, but rather to help you in your professional development.”
What sets gbi apart from its competitors?
“The primary difference between gbi and its competitors is gbi’s human side. Unlike larger firms, at gbi, you’re not a number. I feel that my efforts are recognized and that my work is appreciated by my colleagues.”
In addition, one of gbi’s unique features, according to Mohamdy, is that the vast majority of those holding senior management and project management positions work on project design, in addition to their administrative tasks, which improves their ability to understand challenges and listen to their team members.
”I’m happy to be able to work with Serge Laurence, Director of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, a person who is highly qualified in his field,” added Mohamdy.
gbi in three words for Mohamdy
Team spirit, competency and well-being
For Mohamdy, employee well-being ensures staff retention.
“I don’t see myself just as an employee who fills out their time sheets and waits for their paycheque, but rather as a full-fledged member of a big family. I feel at home at gbi!”
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