“Be a good listener. It’s a bit of a lost art in the business world these days. And it’s probably one of the easiest ways to set yourself apart from most others.”
The general manager at OpenAir, the professional service automation solution from NetSuite, a subsidiary of Oracle, has a complex job. The product’s popularity has grown exponentially with clients ranging from industry giant HP to Amazon Robotics.
Melnik has his finger on the pulse of every aspect of the division, such as growth, value, client satisfaction and more.
Luckily, the relationships he developed in university helped prepare him: “The incredible friendships I developed at Concordia are invaluable. We supported each other throughout our program and that extended into our professional lives.”
Biggest professional lesson learned
“After starting a web company in Massachusetts, I learned so much growing through two economic crises in the United States. We stuck with it despite the financial difficulties. By persevering through the rough times, I was able to gain skills and experience which allowed me to get to where I am now — a great place professionally. “Do not let fear of change be the factor that limits your growth. Take chances — you’ll be better off in the long run.”
Profs who had a lasting impact
“Frank Hayes and Akira Takahashi. Hayes, from the Department of Economics, taught me the effectiveness of storytelling when communicating an idea. Takahashi, also a part of the economics faculty, showed me that even the most difficult concept could be cracked open with perseverance. Even today, more than two decades later, their names and lessons come immediately to mind.”
Best career advice ever received
“Leave others better off than when they came to you. Basically, if someone needs help, do what you can. If that means giving them advice or introducing them to someone more knowledgeable, do it. It fosters great relationships and creates social currency. The more currency you create, the wealthier your network becomes.”
Most underappreciated business trait
“Being a good listener. It’s a bit of a lost art in the business world these days. And it’s probably one of the easiest ways to set yourself apart from most others.”