Adventure comes in many forms. For Ryan Hardy, True North Solutions’ Digital Transformation Manager, it’s feeling the rush of wind as he speeds down a mountainside and the intense focus required to avoid obstacles on a narrow trail.

While the sound of tires crunching over rocks and roots keeps him grounded in the moment, mountain biking is an exhilarating dance with nature, a test of endurance, skill, and mental fortitude — valuable lessons learned on the trail that push him forward in his professional career too.

Ryan Hardy's love for biking began in Edmonton, where he grew up in a family that cherished outdoor activities. His parents, who once biked from Vancouver to Disneyland, instilled in him a passion for adventure and resilience. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been into biking,” he says. But Ryan’s love for biking is more unconventional than most. “To me, big downhill rides are totally safe,” he says. “Parking lots are completely terrifying.”

Ryan’s journey into the professional world followed a similar trajectory. Initially working full-time in construction, he faced a turning point when he was encouraged to pursue further education. He enrolled in computer engineering technology at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and, after completing his studies, he found himself at a marketing firm in Calgary. Here, he experienced a pivotal moment: his boss quit after three months, and Ryan was unexpectedly thrust into an IT Manager role.

Though the promotion came as a surprise, this early leadership experience proved invaluable, teaching him the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities in the workplace.

Ryan's career path later took him through various industries, from junior oil and gas companies to Calfrac Well Services, where he spent nearly a decade. His roles spanned across every IT domain and he worked closely with the company’s operations technology (OT) team, focusing on field data capture and control systems.

However, like many in the oil and gas industry, Ryan’s company faced economic challenges and layoffs, which led him to Deloitte Canada. As a Senior Manager at Deloitte, he helped establish their Industrial Smart Operations practice, blending high-end consulting with technical expertise.

This experience in the industry deepened his appreciation for the intricacies of operational technology (OT) and data-driven decision-making, leading him to join the True North team in early 2024.

Today, his role as Digital Transformation Manager perfectly aligns with his passion for technology and strategic innovation. "We're trying to work with our clients to fundamentally change how OT is viewed in their business," says Ryan. “I think I see a lot of success in this role because we have strong support from leadership, and True North gives me a bit more leverage to play in this space.” By transforming OT from a necessary evil to a strategic enabler, Ryan and his team help clients unlock the full potential of their data and systems.

As Ryan continues to navigate the complex terrains of digital transformation, he remains committed to helping True North evolve into a unified solution provider. "We're seeing a shift towards a complete, unified delivery, working across disciplines to achieve common goals," he says. This collaborative approach not only enhances client outcomes but fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the company — something Ryan strives for in all areas of his life.

Ryan’s approach to digital transformation mirrors his mountain biking philosophy: preparation, skill, and an unwavering drive to conquer challenges. His journey serves as an inspiration to those striving to achieve their professional goals, proving that with the right blend of passion and perseverance, one can conquer even the most daunting peaks.