Tristan Persaud is an information technology specialist with over five years of hands-on experience in system administration, technical support, and network troubleshooting. Upon joining Crete Professionals Alliance in 2022, Tristan Persaud was instrumental in maintaining reliable and secure IT operations that supported the company’s daily business activities. His work focused on diagnosing technical issues, implementing strategic IT solutions, and ensuring employees had the tools and systems they needed to perform at their best.
Beyond troubleshooting and technical support, Tristan Persaud played a key role in cybersecurity and infrastructure management. He assisted with responding to cybercrime incidents, conducted security assessments, and ensured the confidentiality of client and company data. His work extended to managing vendor relationships, software licenses, and cloud accounts.
Mr. Persaud’s technical expertise spans a wide range of tools and platforms, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, MS Teams, Adobe Acrobat, Ultra Tax, and Citrix Remote Access. His ability to support and integrate these systems enhances workplace communication and productivity. He also contributes to system performance improvements through PC imaging solutions, VPN and server support, and thoughtful budget monitoring related to IT resources and tools.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts with a cup of coffee to keep my energized for my long day ahead. After getting into the office, I am quick to get started on reviewing long- and short-term tasks, in addition to any other critical and noncritical IT ticketing-related items that come up. Reviewing calls or emails, troubleshooting, and performing general computer updates are usually the most structured parts of my day. When getting home, I unwind by watching my favourite TV shows, spending time with my parents and wife, and cooking. Usually, I bring some work home to finish before the next day begins. Productivity to me means fulfilling my planned tasks and making time for my hobbies.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring my ideas to life by meticulously researching and planning steps for execution. I am always open to trying a new method, especially because initially well-laid plans cannot always be executed perfectly.
What’s one trend that excites you?
As an IT professional, long-term evolving technology trends have always excited me. Currently, I am interested in devices such as gaming peripherals, which combines my interest for gaming and tech while making both more accessible to the general public.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
A great habit for maintaining productivity is having a structured routine. Having a routine and sticking to it, in addition to setting mini goals for myself each day, helps me to stay afloat and keep balance in an otherwise hectic and crazy work profession. Communicating those goals with my wife also helps us both keep track and reiterate what I hope to accomplish.
What advice would you give your younger self?
One piece of advice I would give to my younger self is spend more time with family. Familial bonds help with key character development and push you to become better, even though it can be difficult at times. Also, stay consistent with hobbies—they help achieve balance and some fun, which is important as you get older and responsibilities can stack up.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
All of your personal decisions have lead you to this moment, and if a single decision was made differently, you wouldn’t be who you are today. It can be hard to accept this at times, especially when reflecting on past failures, but it helps to remember that mistakes shape us into the people we want to be when we learn and grow from them.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One practice I follow every day is mindfulness techniques. I recommend everyone else do these because they are proven to help with emotional regulation and stress relief, which can eliminate these burdens when dealing with difficult situations in life. One that I typically do or recommend is grounding, by accepting uncertainty to move forward in the present. Breath work also has helped me immensely, especially in situations where I feel stressed or panicked in the moment.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When feeling overwhelmed or unfocused, I like to go on walks and interact with nature. This practice helps to reconnect and ground me. It also helps to re-center my mind, by helping me to utilize my senses in a peaceful way—viewing my surroundings, hearing the animals, feeing the wind, or smelling the flowers. It decreases stress and anxiety, enhancing my mood. It is something I typically like to do when I feel stuck at my desk.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Learning from great mentors is definitely the best strategy that has helped grow my business and advance my career. Specifically, daily interaction with others in the same industry pushes me to grow and supports my long-term goals. Collaborating with mentors has also increased my ability to meet new challenges, through working alongside them. Staying on top of trends and staying informed about new things in tech, additionally, helps me to progress my own understanding and learn new techniques in my free time. Asking for help and opinions from my mentors further develops these skills.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure in my career would be initially choosing an educational path that didn’t align with my hobbies or interests, but instead was what I thought “seemed right.” I originally intended on studying accounting, though I had always had interest in technology. I overcame it by following my instincts, in addition to advice from family and mentors. The lesson that I took away from this experience is to always follow your true instinct—it is better to do something that you love than something you feel unsure about.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My Outlook calendar. It is a simple software that helps me stay on top of my daily goals and chores while acting as a gentle reminder to stay on a timely schedule. When clicking off tasks, it gives me a sense of accomplishment, even for something small.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I have ever spent was on a model airplane I bought for my father. Growing up, my dad always loved collecting model planes. When I travelled away from home for the first time without him, I bought him one to remember all of the adventures we went on together at home and abroad.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
A favourite book of mine is Lidia’s Favorite Recipes; this cookbook sparked my interest in cooking more from scratch, thereby creating a new hobby of mine. It is also fun to try recipes and cook alongside my wife, making an everyday task more meaningful and enjoyable.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed the movie James Bond: GoldenEye. I have always enjoyed this series, especially because it brings back fond memories of watching them with my dad and uncles. It’s definitely an action film that can be enjoyed by all viewers and audiences due to the great writing, acting, and soundtrack.
Key learnings
- Stay in touch with yourself via hobbies and interests.
- Make time for family and develop those bonds.
- Utilize methods and practices that can support your mental health, like grounding techniques.