Life at OPENLANE: Q&A with Jessica So, Director of Agile Delivery
For our next Life @ OPENLANE we talked to OPENLANE Canada’s Director of Agile Delivery, Jessica So. In our interview we discussed the importance of listening, staying curious and creating relationships and how they have led her to a successful career here at OPENLANE.
What has your journey at OPENLANE looked like?
My journey at OPENLANE began around 14 years ago. I actually started as a Senior Business Analyst, it was empowering to learn the business and have conversations around problems and come up with solutions. Now in my role as Director of Agile delivery, I focus more on the product delivery side of things. It’s been great to grow within the product role and realize there are other opportunities I can be good at. I enjoy still being within the commercial customer space doing what I love most, which is being able to create and grow relationships.
What is something you are most proud of during your time with OPENLANE?
I’m most proud of the long-term partnerships I’ve built and the continued business we secure. It’s really rewarding to see customers trust us and know we consistently provide the best solutions for their needs.
What do you like the most about working at OPENLANE?
I appreciate that OPENLANE has a strong framework tackling the challenges facing our customers. It allows us to effectively understand various problems — whether it’s market shifts, economic challenges, or even health crises like COVID-19, we know how to tailor effective solutions. Knowing we have that solid foundation is something I value.
Out of the four values and qualities that make up a Waybuilder, which do you think best describes you?
I identify with all of them, but if I have to pick one, I’d say “Relentless Curiosity” best describes me. Our world is consistently changing, especially with technology advancing so rapidly. I’m always curious about new challenges and roadblocks and exploring different options to find the best solutions for our customers and our company.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever heard?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is really life advice: to simply listen. It’s so easy to react right away and already determine an answer or opinion in your head, but if you truly take the time to absorb what’s being said, you give yourself space to think. This leads to more thoughtful responses and better solutions. It’s so easy to see things a certain way; when you truly listen it opens up many other options and possibilities that you may have not been aware of.
What is the last TV show/movie you binged?
I’m currently watching Department Q on Netflix. It’s a crime drama and not something I would normally choose but it surprised me with how much I like it. I also love Shrinking on Apple TV.
