On the Rise and On the Go

Carmen Murray, general project manager of Enabled Simulation & Optimization Software located in Edmonton, believes an exemplary employee is one who’s driven, hard-working, persistent and strives to perform their very best all of the time.

That philosophy is serving Murray well; her fellow co-workers describe her as “an invaluable part of the company,” and “the glue that holds the company together.” That is why she’s this year’s winner of the Exemplary Young Employee E Award.

Murray is responsible for all of Enabled’s software development projects, which means it’s up to her to know where the company stands with any given project, at any given time. At just 24 years of age, and responsible for all communications between Enabled and its clients, Murray continually displays a maturity and degree of savvy well beyond her years. She takes the time to listen to clients, understand their needs and creates pleasurable business relationships. Her natural sensibility reinforces Enabled’s reputation of competence in the sometimes-volatile technology industry. Murray is also responsible for cash flow, accounts receivable and payable. “Our payment terms are usually net 30 days so I make it my mission to collect on all invoices within 45 days. I am usually very successful,” she says.

Murray attributes her tenacity directly to her parents. While growing up in the farming community of Acadia Valley, just east of Calgary, her parents taught her to communicate well with people and how best to handle difficult situations. These early lessons are now paying off. Currently, Enabled is in the process of taking the company public and a massive amount of the work is being spearheaded by Murray, yet she still manages to maintain her day-to-day responsibilities. Given the full plate of Murray’s tasks, she’s managed to stay levelheaded, positive and energetic each day at work.

Like most successful people, success has not come without its sacrifices. When Murray accepted the job in May of 2000 she had to pack up all of her belongings and move from Lethbridge, where she and her soon-to-be husband had begun to make a home for themselves. Now, just recently married, she repeatedly puts in long hours. “I come to work between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. and it is not unusual for me to be at work until 6:30 p.m. or 7:00… even later if needed,” she says. “I enjoy being at work a few hours earlier than everyone else. It is the time of day I can get lots accomplished because there are no distractions.”

Not content to rest on her laurels, and with diplomas in business administration and computer IT, Murray continues to upgrade her skill set taking courses through the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta. “I felt I needed to specialize in courses that would provide the company, and myself, with a quicker return on investment,” she says. “This program gives me a chance to share ideas with others in the IT field and get advice on how to do things more effectively.”

Despite the hard work, long hours and sacrifices, the incentive for Murray is a job well done. “Take pride in your work and it will pay off!”

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