Christina Reynaert
Senior Project Manager in International Approval Services
Define your role within Nemko.
As a Senior Project Manager in International Approval Services, I work with our customers to help them obtain market access for their products in countries around the world.
How did you choose this career path?
I think it chose me. I had been working in the quality management space for several years and when I went to BlackBerry, it was initially for more of the same. However, very quickly it became apparent that when a company has a product with global appeal and demand, figuring out what is required to ensure you can deliver that product globally was of the utmost urgency. I started working on international compliance and certification within our accredited test lab and was key in certifying Blackberry smartphones in over 150 countries globally, and really haven’t looked back since.
What do you enjoy most about your job at Nemko?
Working with a company that can provide one-stop solutions for our customers is great as it fosters collaborative teamwork which results in a much more streamlined service offering. There is such a great depth of technical knowledge at Nemko and it is shared freely throughout the company, ensuring that all employees are fully empowered to perform at their best. Nemko has an impressive global presence and network. I enjoy providing guidance and insight along the way and helping our customers reach their goals.
Are there any challenges that you’ve faced during your career that have taught you important lessons?
How much time do we have? But in all seriousness, there will always be challenges to face and I think one of the best lessons I’ve learned, finally, is that no matter what the situation or challenge, how you react to it, is what ends up being the most important.
What do you think the industry will look like in 20 years?
I think we’ll see much more emphasis on environmental concerns and finding the balance between commerce and sustainability. Electric vehicles and batteries will continue to be a key focus and will likely be more mainstream, instead of fringe or elite as they are today. I also believe we’ll see growth in medical products as technology and lessons learned over the past 2+ years are put into practice.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Helping customers expand their product offering around the world by smoothly navigating the varying processes is extremely satisfying. I enjoy setting them up for success from the beginning and explaining all the things we need to consider before the process really kicks off and then collaborating throughout the lifecycle of the project and beyond. Having worked on both sides – labs, design centers and OEMs, I can appreciate the unique challenges from both points of reference, and this helps facilitate meaningful conversations with my customers, set expectations and truly create a partnership. Obtaining that country certification, knowing that the customer is now able to ship their product, perhaps in time for a product launch or a big event, is truly rewarding.
What are some market trends you’re keeping an eye on?
EV, Batteries, AI, Machine Learning, Robotics – to name a few, and as mentioned above, I think medical and general environmental policies and practices will play an integral role in this industry going forward.
When not working, how do you spend your spare time?
I enjoy being outside as much as I can. At least the 6 months of the year in Canada where it’s tolerable. I am a huge Toronto Blue Jays fan so I love watching their games and attending a few a year, now that we can again! I love farmers markets and I also like to pretend I have a green thumb and enjoy growing fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers.
