Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

I am just approaching the end of my term as a ‘new’ immigrant to New Zealand and Tauranga, having arrived just under 5 years ago.  I was born and raised Canadian, with both my parents having immigrated to Canada from St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean.  After many years of travelling and residing in various countries around the world, I tend to see things from both a local and global perspective. 

In my current role as Projects Director of Enigmatic Global, I advocate for, support and encourage efforts that bring diverse people together to work towards our common goals and for the good of our local and global community.  My work includes consulting and project design/delivery with a focus on J.E.D.I (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion).  

What do you like about working at Basestation?

It is never easy to uproot yourself and move to a different town, let alone a different country.  I have done this several times in my life and it has been a challenge each time.  There are other places in Tauranga that welcome newcomers.  However, Basetation was the first place I really FELT welcomed and supported.  It is a place where I feel like I can be myself in a space that is built on the concept of community and supporting each other.  For me, Basestation has become a place that is familiar and ‘safe’.  It is a place where I can come to recharge as I work and allow my creativity to flow.   

Where are you most likely to be found hanging out at Basestation?

You will find me at the Community Table on the main floor.  Some have dubbed the area “Kurt’s Corner”.  Others have identified me as the keeper of the office printer (though I would not be of any help in its operation because I very seldom use it!).  But I like the community table, mainly because a) it doubles as a great standing desk, and b) it is a great place to interact with people while still allowing you to put your head down and work when needed.   

I would love to have a creative ‘ideas’ space at the Base.  Bean bag chairs, whiteboards, lego and the like; a place where individuals or teams can let the ideas flow as they discuss, share and prototype.  Did I mention bean bag chairs? 

What do you do in your free time?

Free time is seldom free ;-)  But, I do believe in the need for planned downtime.   Downtime might include swimming and training, chilling with a movie or favourite series, listening to podcasts and lectures (which is actually work but also a nicer way to work), and of course, commuting on my E-board.  

Let's end this with an interesting fact about you…

In 1993, I spent the summer hanging out with 4 dolphins in the Bahamas. (https://www.enigmaticglobal.com/posts/remembering-my-swimming-instructors)