Lee Alexander Krywitsky
Student spotlight details
Lee Alexander Krywitsky, a successful industrial engineering entrepreneur, found himself inspired to return to study after an unexpected conversation on a flight, and this journey led him to our flexible Certificate of Higher Education. We met Lee while he was attending the Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) as part of the programme.
'My career involved founding and growing manufacturing companies that engineered, then patented flow control equipment for hazardous and challenging applications for aerospace, chemical, nuclear, oil and gas, and transportation industries. I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife and family. We live in Calgary and enjoy hiking and skiing in the Canadian Rockies. I am currently the Managing Director of a small consulting company.
'My past academic experience includes a BSc for the University of Alberta, Master of Management from McGill University, and an International Masters from Lancaster University. I am a certified valve engineer with the University of Texas with professional memberships in the Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
'Leo, my father was my inspiration – he was always curious and kind. He was a mechanical engineer that worked in the Canadian nuclear industry. His life-long compass-heading was steered by his pursuit of “Zero-Max”. Zero harm to people, property and the environment whilst striving for Maximum safety. His life demonstrated, through action, a deep respect for all people and an unwavering rejection of discrimination.
'My career took me around the world, working with innovative companies and governments to design and commercialise technologies that improved safety and reduced emissions. On one flight from Dubai to London, I found myself deep in conversation with my seatmate about the why and how of what I do. After two hours of enthusiastically explaining my journey – from engineering to entrepreneurship to business school – he smiled and said, “You’re a fool.”
'He went on: “You may have the best product and the best team, but when the world starts to shift, how will you respond if you’ve never learned to see the big picture?” Then he added, with a grin and a Canadian twist, “Don’t skate to where the puck is – skate to where it’s going, you should really study Political Economy.” That conversation, with a banker and Oxford alumnus, changed everything. Inspired, I reached out to Oxford to see if I could keep learning – and was fortunate enough to be accepted on the Certificate of Higher Education.
'The courses are excellent, really, next level, the cohorts were so thoughtful, bringing incredible insights and perspectives to each class session, whether it was in-person or online class sessions. All the courses I took had excellent tutors with both academic and most relevant real-world experiences, they facilitated active and engaging discussions. Being able to keep up with all these bright minds was daunting. However, this new collaborative community was so welcoming, they soon helped me get over my initial feelings of inadequacy.
'The ability to interact, to discuss, to debate with people from all walks of life, from all over the world, gave me new perspectives. I met someone at OUSSA, who studied classics at Oxford, throughout our discussions, he gave me a profound appreciation of Greek culture, so much so, I went to Greece after the Oxford summer school to visit many of Greece’s cultural sites. This is where the photo accompanying this spotlight was taken.
'Just do it. If you are interested in a single course or pursuing a degree, continuing in your own personal knowledge seeking journey will be profoundly satisfying. It sure has and will continue to be with me. Onwards!'
