THE VIEW FROM HERE Words Andrew Bennett Photo (Mike) Stephen C Photo (Daniel) Justin Grainge A WARM WELCOME IN THE RAINBOW NATION M ike Gallie-James is Regional Manager for Rail & Transit in South Africa, heading a small team that works with clients including the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) which is buying 3,600 new trains and Gauteng province railway operator Gautrain. He fell in love with South Africa years ago, and is married to a South African. Although quick to sing the countrys praises, he advises giving baboons a wide berth and avoiding minibus taxis. Mike first visited South Africa in 2002 and fell for the country instantly. Later, he had an even better excuse for a permanent relocation after he married Di, who is from Cape Town. South Africa is a very friendly country and visitors will be greeted warmly. There is, however, a very high level of crime, Mike says. The average man or woman here is very proud of South Africa its a fascinating country, with so many contrasts; weve been here six years and I have barely scratched the surface. Mikes seven-strong team is working on one of the worlds biggest rail-procurement projects, and he wants to see trains become the chosen transport mode rather than, often, being held in low regard. Rich rail history South Africa has a rich rail history, but the railway has been neglected for about Gautrains high speed train in South Africa 30 years, says Mike. The government is trying to South Africa has a rich stimulate the economy in rail history, but the a variety of ways, including through infrastructure railway has been investment. neglected for about 30 Whats different about years South Africa, compared to Mike Gallie-James the UK where Mike was Regional Manager, South Africa born other than twice as much sunshine? Food here is fantastic and there is a very wide variety; after a holiday with my wifes parents, we would not go out for steak in the UK because we couldnt easily get anything of that quality but there are no issues finding quality over here. Theres also biltong [a dried, spiced-meat snack], boerewors, [sausage] and drowors, [dried sausage]. I dont mind the kids eating those in the car! However, Mike says to be wary of minibus taxis, a poorly regulated, yet popular form of transport in South Africa: I have seen them dump an axle on the road, and photos of drivers replacing the steering wheel with a spanner, so they can get an extra person in the front. We need to get more people onto rail rather than these unsafe forms of transport. Baboons can be a problem The South African scenery is beautiful and its wildlife astonishing, but Mike urges visitors to beware. Some areas have baboons, which can be a problem; they will walk inside your house and raid your dustbin. And some people have snake problems in their gardens plus you get the odd scorpion; treat these with extreme caution. viewpoint@snclavalin.com FROM MONTREAL I nternational business graduate Daniel Lavinskas has worked in three different roles in three different countries since joining SNC-Lavalin in 2012. The weathers not been quite what he expected since moving from Canada to the UK, but hes generally enjoyed a warm welcome in Britain. After finishing his Bachelors degree in Canada in 2012, Daniel joined SNC-Lavalins Corporate Treasury Department in Montreal, as a financial analyst his first role with the company. After a year working in this department, responsible for international cash management and project risk identification, he chose to relocate to St Andrews, in Scotland, to study for a Masters in international business. While there, he worked part-time as a project manager, integrating Interfleets banking systems with those of SNCLavalin during the acquisition process. Working remotely from St Andrews, Daniel would also visit Derby to catch up with colleagues: I was the go-to guy for any SNC-Lavalin questions anyone might have Last year, I drove from from Interfleet, globally, he Montreal to Ottawa and explains. In 2014, he switched to that took two and a half become a billable senior hours; the next major city consultant within the is Toronto four hours Transport Advisory Group and moved again, to London. away As part of the Transport Daniel Lavinskas Advisorys transaction team, Senior Consultant Daniel focuses on the longterm strategies, acquisitions and operational/financial efficiencies for transport authorities. Different landscape So what are the biggest differences between living in Canada and in the UK? When I first flew over the landscape, I noticed farm land is completely different than in Canada and the fact that you can go an hour away and be in a different major city was completely foreign to me. Last year, I drove from Montreal to Ottawa and that took two and a half hours; the next major city is Toronto, which is four hours away. Within Scotland, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and scenery the travelling side. Every weekend I would travel to a different place. Within the UK more broadly, I like to travel a lot, I like to experience new cultures and have new experiences. The UK allows you to do that. One of the most striking things was the weather, but not in the way you expect. The first time it rained in the UK I didnt think anything of it. Its more of a drizzle or amist than anything Im used to; it rains more often, but is less disruptive to daily life. In Montreal, you get a torrential downpour. snclavalin.com Feature