From his humble beginnings in Abbotsford to his current role in Brussels, Shawn Neumann’s journey from the UCFV classrooms of the 1990s to the global stage is a testament to lifelong learning. Today, Shawn is a key player on the executive team of Collaboration Betters The World (CBTW), a global leader in digital transformation based in Brussels, Belgium.

Shawn’s career began when he founded a technology company specializing in digital transformation and change management, expanding its reach across Canada, the US, and the UK. His innovative leadership and vision eventually led to his company being acquired by CBTW, a Belgian firm, where he now oversees strategic initiatives that drive digital innovation on a global scale.

“It’s so important to push yourself outside your comfort zone. It might feel awkward at first, but you’ll never regret taking the chance to network and try new things.”

Reflecting on his journey, Shawn jokes, “Right now, I really wish I took French classes, my high school French isn’t quite cutting it here! But really, it’s so important to push yourself outside your comfort zone,” he advises. “It might feel awkward at first, but you’ll never regret taking the chance to network and try new things.”

He also encourages students to experiment with emerging technologies, like AI, to prepare themselves for a rapidly evolving job market.

“This is such a bizarre time with AI emerging the way it is. AI is something everyone should explore. The genie’s out of the bottle, and it’s going to change things over the next few years.”

While these technologies are meant to make life easier for everyone, Shawn also stresses the importance of doing the hard work.

“Don’t take the shortcuts,” he warns. “There’s still a lot of hard work when we talk about learning. It’s not just about knowledge, but skills like active listening, being present, and understanding how things work. These can really change and help people develop.”

For Shawn, his time at UFV was marked by a strong sense of community and support, which he fondly remembers.

“I once walked into a final exam an hour late because I didn’t realize the time had changed,” Shawn remembers with a laugh.

“I thought I would fail the course, but I remember Ron Dart, my prof, saying ‘you know what, no problem, just go at it and take another hour’. He left me in the class and gave me an extra hour to write my final, which is pretty gracious!”

“I was amazed he still remembered my name and who I was after all these years. It really shows the deep connections and care that professors at UFV have for their students.”

This close-knit environment also created lasting relationships that went beyond the classroom. “About two or three years ago, I bumped into Ron again, walking around Willband Creek Park,” Shawn recalls.

“I was amazed he still remembered my name and who I was after all these years. It really shows the deep connections and care that professors at UFV have for their students.”

Today, Shawn remains closely connected to the Fraser Valley and UFV. He serves on the board of First Credit Union, travelling between Brussels and BC several times a year.

As well, his personal connection to UFV has come full circle, as both of his daughters are now attending.

“I can see just how far the university has come in the last number of years and being able to offer so much more for students.”