The Real Harris: Meet Angela Shui

Tell us about your background. How did you get your start in the construction/service/BAS business?

“I got started in the construction business when I was hired as a consultant by Fluor to deliver SAP solutions. Before Fluor, I helped clients in different industries improve business processes, by adopting best practices and implementing new technologies. I have a degree in Mathematics and Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Business System Integration.”

What drew you to Harris? What makes you stay?
“The people. Before joining Harris, I knew I would be entering a collaborative environment, where I would have both the autonomy and the support to achieve business goals. I was also attracted by the digital transformation initiatives that are taking place and being implemented over the next couple of years.”

What do you enjoy about working at Harris (what about the company itself made you want to work here)?

“Being a part of the digital transformation team means that I get the chance to support many different areas of the business: operations, finance, payroll, and service. I also love the type of work, which involves laying the foundation for significant improvements.”

What is the best part about your position (the day-to-day, people, a special project you were involved with)?
“The projects (HBS, and other digital transformation initiatives) and the chance to work with colleagues from different departments.”

What traits do you think are important for someone in your role to be successful?
“My role involves a lot of change and new challenges. Oftentimes, there isn’t a well-defined way to solve a problem or deliver what is needed. To be successful, the ability to think strategically, decide on a path forward, adapt when things are not working out, and the tenacity to work through iterations are important qualities.”

What are your main responsibilities and initiatives that you lead?

“My main responsibilities are to support the HBS project and other digital transformation initiatives. I joined Harris in March this year. So far, my focus has been on establishing or validating requirements for a range of business functions such finance, operations, IT, and service management. Currently, we are in the project planning and vendor selection phase of the HBS project.”

What are you passionate about at work?

“I am passionate about delivering high quality work, the first-time round. Secondly, collaborating with my colleagues and vendors to achieve this goal. And lastly, learning about processes, system, and best practices.”

How do you like to re-charge?

“Get outdoors. Almost every day, I go on a family walk around our neighborhood. I have a very sociable little boy who is four and a half. When he was three, he used to ask everyone he meets: “What’s your name? and “What’s your dog’s name?” Now if he sees kids playing street hockey or basket balls, or skate boarding, he will just join right in, whether the kids (some teenagers) invited him or not. As a result, our walks are a great time catch up with our neighbors. I also like to play tennis and swim.”

What keeps you up at night?

“Mostly work and other things I want to do. It could be that book or film I had wanted to read or watch, those home improvements that I have been postponing or cooking those brownies or cookies I promised my little one.”

What are you most proud of at Harris?

“I am proud to be a part of a great company with great people. Everyone I have met and worked with have been very helpful, friendly, and dedicated. People in Harris care about the work they do. They also care about making Harris successful.”

What is one thing Harris employees wouldn’t know about you?

“I have an identical twin sister. Don’t worry, she won’t be able to fill in for me anytime soon as she is a doctor.”

What drew you to this industry?

“I entered the construction industry by chance. I like the many facets of the industry from the different trades to variety of work opportunities it provides. I also like the fact that we are constructing building systems that are integral parts of commercial buildings. These buildings, from schools, hospitals and shopping centers to factories, offices, and airports, will be around for many years. Our families and our communities rely on these buildings.”

What do you wish the public knew about Harris?

“ 1) The quality of our work 2) The great people at Harris 3) Our passion and drive to improve.”

What inspires you? What motivates you?

“I am inspired by all the variety/opportunities that are out there from work to interests and hobbies. There is always something new to learn and get engrossed in.

My motivation:

• Not wanting to disappoint others and myself
• Seeing myself overcome challenges, improve, and grow
• Being able to contribute and help others.”