The notion of pushing forward is about maintaining the positive momentum

Interview with Jan Collinson, Senior Vice President, HR & Facilities, Synopsys

Ms. Collinson, what’s the purpose of your trip?

This is my first trip to Armenia and it is a delight to visit with the site. I would say the purpose of my trip is to get to know Armenian staff and to become familiar with the organization and facilities first –hand, so I have the breadth and depth to help mold and facilitate future activities.

Synopsys was doing quite well during the recession. And now it is the leader of the EDA industry. What is the secret of Synopsys success?

I think the secret of our success resides in the general philosophy of the company, which is generally what’s good for the customer is good for Synopsys. Stated differently, Customer success is Synopsys success.

During the downturn it was really clear that our customers would need more support, they had huge demands they were under enormous financial pressure. We also wanted to be there as partner of choice to grow market share as well. It takes qualified staff to enable customer success, and so, what was good for the business was good for employees. Our unrelenting focus on customer success is what enables our own ongoing success.

What characteristics are important for company when recruiting employees?

There are several winning characteristics in our recruiting profile. First, 80% of our workforce is in an engineering capacity, so first and foremost new recruits have to have technical skills, know-how and a track record of building technical expertise. Next we recruit for ‘Fit’. Does the employee have the same drive for excellence? Do they want to work within a highly contributing team? Can they honor our values of integrity and excellence and leadership?

The combination of I.Q. and E.Q. are the attributes that we are always looking for when recruiting.

Do you think there are irreplaceable people in the company?

This is an interesting question. And I have two answers, so it’s yes and no.  I think if the company is organized properly and we have a good operational structure without single points of failure, then conceivably we are all replaceable. Companies should manage in such a way that unfortunate losses do not disrupt the work product.

Now, when you get to the heart of the company – the passion, the culture, the joy of working at Synopsys, I think certain individuals are irreplaceable. This is due to their nature, and those characteristics are unique to just those people, as opposed to skills which can be replaced or complemented.

What motives people most of all, in your opinion?

Synopsys attracts people who are motivated to do their very best work. And so, the more challenging work we can put before every employee at Synopsys, the more motivation and engagement.

Generally, people want to contribute to a bigger enterprise and I don’t mean the commercial enterprise, I mean, people who join Synopsys want to move technology forward faster. We love being in the center of the action, ‘The heart of the heart of high-tech’. This is what motivates Synopsys staff. When I hear the technical challenges that our employees are working on at 20 and 14 nanometers, it’s mind-boggling. Our Synopsys community is motivated by the toughest technical challenges!

What three words come to your mind when you think of Synopsys site in Armenia?

The three words that come to mind are organized, excellence, and community.

I can see and feel the organization and discipline at the site. You can see it when you walk around the buildings; I really get a sense of that structure and precision. Secondly, there is a commitment to excellence. I can feel it with my team in their initiatives.  I can sense it in the management meeting and management 1×1 sessions. And then there is this sense of dedication to the community. I see repeatedly the initiatives that are being carried out in Armenia, IT Awards and building the IT profession within Armenia, focus on children and their health issues, tree plantings, etc. There is such a deep commitment to serving the community – it is inspiring.

Synopsys Armenia has almost 7% of all Synopsys employees. What role does Armenia play?

Armenia plays a significant role in our R&D community. SG is our largest business group with the highest growth ramp, and Yerevan is a large location for them. If you think of the size of SG in Armenia each one of those employees is contributing to a high growth business for us.  In addition, there is a critical focus in key products for AMSG and SEG.   In the terms of contributing to our overall product portfolio; Armenia plays a key role.

Ms. Collinson, do you have dreams that already came true and what dreams do you have now?

I have several dreams that have come true; I have two beautiful boys, and the benefit of 24 years of marriage! Those are personal dreams and joys.

I also have the benefit of representing Synopsys everyday which truly is a dream come true. Synopsys is a fabulous organization. It has deep technical expertise but it has a heart as well, and that heart beat comes from the top – Synopsys CEOs Aart de Geus and Chi-Foon Chan manage and organize activities with keen insight and passion.   I always characterize my job as ‘the best job in the company’. I get to work across the organization and around the globe, interacting with people who are best in their careers.

What is the formula of your success?

I’m not sure a specific formula exists, but what has worked for me generally is to LOVE what you do…

When you love your work and surround yourself with really capable, fun people, days are filled with insight – not work!

What really inspires you?

I am inspired by small things and big things. When I work with someone who is trying new skills, or focused on improving in a specific an area and I see them have a breakthrough – that is inspiring!  It takes a ton of personal commitment and motivation to change little things about ourselves.

I am also inspired by big things. For example, this year with our 25th anniversary celebrations, we are doing really big things in our local communities.   The stories are really touching.  In Yerevan, five children received eye-surgery as a result of the donations of Synopsys Armenia employees. That is such a poignant example of how Synopsys is involved in the community and the big things we can accomplish.

What will you take with you from Armenia?

A deeper understanding of the work culture and community. And certainly having spent time with Synopsys Armenia Director Hovik Musayelyan this morning, a deeper understanding of his relations outside of Synopsys and how he is utilizing these relations to bolster Synopsys Armenia.

Ms. Collinson, what is your message to Synopsys Armenia employees?

My wish to Synopsys Armenia employees is that the site and the managers and the technologists continue to push forward. It has taken several years to get the organization, facilities and commitment to excellence that I observe today. Leverage this momentum to push forward in the level of contribution, and push forward in the amount of product ownership.

There will always be challenges, and the true measure of the capability of the management team to enable that constant push forward, evolution even during tough times.

This notion of pushing forward is about maintaining the positive momentum. I am hearing very positive feedback from business leaders about their teams in Armenia – they feel as if there is good stability, high quality employees and that the reputation that is being built is positive. So my message, the momentum is good – keep it up!