Notes From the Frozen Tundra
by Alysa in Career Reflections May.4.2010. 10:52 am   [PST]

Toronto Skyline Sunset

It was an October night in 2008, and as the plane began descending, I pressed my face against the window to get an aerial look at the city I would now call home. I took in the sight of Toronto, “The New York City of Canada,” they all told me when I announced I was moving. Now, dear reader, please keep in mind that I was in fact moving from the great island of Manhattan. I quickly exited Pearson International Airport to start my new life as a Sales Manager for the first Canadian office in the history of Meltwater News. I had a million questions racing through my mind, but when I stepped outside, the first question I blurted aloud was, “Dear God, why is it so cold?” This was followed by, “Are those mounds of snow?” And finally “What in the world am I doing in this frozen tundra?”

What am I doing in Canada you might ask? Well, theoretically, I am helping to spearhead the expansion of our Canadian operation as the Managing Director of Meltwater News Toronto. I am taking part in helping companies shift the focus of their branding, marketing and monitoring from print to digital media. Finally, I am passing the great Meltwater torch onto our new Canadian colleagues. But, so much more has presented itself to me in the last 17 months, all of which has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. There is much to be said about putting yourself outside your comfort zone. I arrived in this country completely friendless–except for my colleagues– with two suitcases of clothing, the Frommer’s “Guide to Canada,” and a jacket that I upgraded to a knee-length parka after four days. Was it easy? No. Were there times I questioned my decision to move? Yes. If I could do it again, would I? Absolutely.

How have I grown professionally? Well, let’s see. I am selling a service in a completely new market, which took a lot of research, stamina, trial & error, and optimism. I am reaching out to schools, job sites, and social media forums to recruit “the best of the best” that Canada has to offer, which took a lot of time outside of working hours networking, and Googling. I am adapting the Meltwater News training methodology to match the Canadian market, while also focusing on the continuous development of my people so that one day, they can take on Sales Manager and Managing Director roles, essentially replacing me. I am doing all this while also indulging my passion for sales and teaching sales methodology. Setting up an office in a brand new market is no cakewalk and I definitely fell on my face more than enough times, but the rewards definitely outweigh the risks. I have become much more independent, bullish, and confident. I have also acquired proven leadership skills, an executive presence, and a great appreciation for the Canadian economy.

How have I grown personally? I don’t know where to start. I have always been a social butterfly and have never had problems meeting new people. This was different. Try meeting new people in the middle of a Canadian winter, when everyone is either below the ground in the hundreds of tunnels that exist, or locked inside their homes watching reruns of Will & Grace. To be blunt, it was lonely… really lonely. But, I have never been one to sit around and feel sorry for myself, so you know what I did? I got online. I joined a soccer team, a basketball team, social forums, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters Toronto. I reached out to strangers on Facebook whom my U.S. friends recommended to me. Would I have done any of this stuck in my comfort bubble in NYC? Not a chance. I have not only met many diverse and interesting people through this move, I have made lifelong friends, some of whom have already greatly impacted my life.

I would encourage each of you to take the plunge and put yourself outside your comfort zone once in awhile. Take the road less traveled, to use an often-used phrase. You never know what opportunities will arise or which people will help shape the person you are to become, and most importantly, you will challenge yourself. After all, “life is like a box of chocolates–you never know what you’re gonna get.”
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If you are interested in opportunities with Meltwater in Canada, the Toronto and Montreal offices are currently accepting applications.

  • Chris Holzfeind

    I commend Alysa for having the fortitude to always be moving forward. It’s something that we all can relate to and strive for. I look forward to reading the next installment from the “Frozen Tundra.”

  • Grant

    It’s not every day that someone decides that they are going to pack up all their personal belongings and set sail for another part of their residing country, let alone a totally different country. I will have to agree with Chris, Alysa should be commended for having the gull to “leave her comfort zone” and put herself out there, like she so eloquently describes in her blog. It happens to often in this world, {we} sit around and curse our lives and look to outside factors for salvation, when we should be looking inward and making the necessary changes to evoke happiness in our own world. We would all grow as people, exponentially, if we all decided to take similar chances every now and again and let “come what may…” I look forward to reading the next blog.

  • Alysa Aten

    It’s never easy to get of our comfort zone, personally or professionally, but it sounds like you’ve managed to do both- at the same time! What a great opportunity to expand the Meltwater brand into a a new country; its sounds like it was a win-win for both you and the company. Best of luck wherever Meltwater takes you next!

  • Joey

    Great article Alysa! I think it gives a really honest look at what it’s like to get outside your comfort zone, and what you stand to gain by doing so.

  • Karen

    I envy your spice for life and hope you never lose it – you sound like a true optimist and certainly have the ability to inspire others. Like Chris I’m anxious to hear the next chapter!

  • Katie Dolan

    I can totally related with a lot of things you share in this piece. You sounds like a strong, secure woman and I like your risk taking attitude. I look forward to reading more of your blogs.

  • Colin Hauck

    I’m truly inspired by this article. You sound like an amazing woman with a ton of experiences. I hope you never lose that zest for life.

  • August

    alysa you are the coolest

    i am so proud of what you’ve accomplished in canada

    i like dinosaurs

  • Lawrence Eyak

    Great post, Alysa. I admire your optimism, being placed in new and unchartered waters for your company… especially since those waters are Canada. Meltwater seems like a great company to grow and prosper in.

    I would also like to comment on your good looks.

  • Timea

    I enjoyed reading this Alysa :) Keep up the good work!!!

  • Meg

    Just re-read your blog entry for the third time – I’m so drawn to it because of your insightful and honest introspection.

    Your sharp intuition, strong business acumen and street smarts coupled with your outlook on life seem to be working out for you – keep it up!

    I have a lot of respect for you and am happy to have you present in my life but I will say though, your overly fond appreciation for Country music boggles my mind. I suggest listening to French-Canadian music to further enhance your cultural experience here :)

  • Morgan

    Great blog. This is so intriguing to me because I have always wanted to make a big change like this. I was so proud of myself for moving 2 hours away from home for one year…haha I cannot imagine moving to a different country. It is so scary to leave everything you are comfortable and familiar with for the uncertain, especially as a female! You are one brave lady, Alysa. Us women are proud of you. So nice to read something that is both humerous and relateable. More blogs please!

  • Prefer Not To Mention

    I was routed here through techvibes job post. I can really relate to this blog – minus the fact that i came from a third world country, did not know anything about the western culture (we drove on the other side of the road) and I did not have any job in my hand.

    It took a lot of guts to get started – pick up phones and call strangers, walk unscheduled into offices – and here i am, exactly 1 month and 10 days down the line with a startup business with atleast 4 active clients, three job offer letters (some too big to bite), and made atleast 10 good buddies.

    It does take an effort to get out of the comfort zone, to leave our high paying jobs and venture into an unknown land – but its worth it.

    You’ll only live as much – and there is only one life. I suggest you do what you have to do… dont worry about the outcome. Karma – thats the key.

  • Emily

    This is awesome! You’re living life the way it should be lived: not missing anything and making the most of every new experience. To never look back with regrets is a rare and wonderful thing, and you’ll definitely be able to do that. Proud of you girl!

  • Crazy Meg

    So impressed by your big leap North and all of you new adventures. I am glad that my matchmaking skills paid off and you are a full Polish Canadian!! Thank you again for your gracious hostessing…come back to Philly for a visit!

  • Jonas

    Alysa, thanks for sharing. Besides the insightfulness of the post, I love your writing style and your sense of humor.

  • http://iCite.wordpress.com Paresh Pandit

    Haha, absolutely loved the “Are those mounds of snow?” expression… lol.
    Moving to a new country is definitely as exciting as it is challenging. It becomes even more interesting when you land in places where you do not know the language. There is something about first-hand learning experiences that is very much intoxicating–they polish your personality and boost your confidence like nothing else!
    I am definitely going to look into opportunities with the Meltwater Group in Canada. :)
    Cheers!