When innovation speaks to you - Geotab’s Innovation Culture at Work

Henry Ford was quoted as saying, “I am looking for a lot of people who have an infinite capacity to not know what can’t be done.”  At Geotab, innovation is at the heart of everything we do whether it is hiring new graduates with a passion for software development or finding solutions to our customer’s real-life problems through investment in research, product development, and a vast collaborative ecosystem of partners and resellers. We obsess about gathering insights and data to help shape what is possible in creating a safer, more sustainable world for our employees, partners, customers and the community.

Innovation is core to Geotab’s success, shaping our products, services and workplace culture. Prioritizing innovation helps foster employee engagement and well-being, and with attracting and retaining top talent. By supporting employees’ personal growth and promoting a creative work environment, “innovation at work” becomes something tangible that can be seen, felt and communicated at all levels of the organization. 

"At Geotab, develop and innovate for the future is one of our core values,” notes Pieter Venter, Vice President of Software Development at Geotab. “We encourage long term thinking, fostering an environment where creativity is encouraged and balanced with durability.  This ensures innovation is present in our daily work, supporting both employee development and customer needs." 

Innovative Leadership and Talent

Job seekers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, favor organizations that embrace innovation and align with their forward-thinking values. According to a PwC survey, 77% of executives believe innovation is crucial for their company's success, and 60% of employees feel more engaged in an innovative culture. 

Geotab's founder and CEO, Neil Cawse, has grown the company from 2 to over 2100 global employees; this success is largely attributed to an innovation mindset, which results in better outcomes for the company’s customers and employees.  Some of the ways Geotabbers drive innovation include:

• Hackathons: Events where teams collaborate to solve problems and develop solutions for operations and customer needs. Participants take on new roles as leaders or individual contributors to encourage creative problem-solving and personal growth. Hackathons support new product and tool development, while developing individual skills and learning.
• Educational Resources: Access to a variety of educational platforms such as O'Reilly and LinkedIn Learning, along with professional development programs. These resources enable employees to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
• Intern and University Co-op Programs:  Support for students and new grads is provided through Geotab’s partnerships with educational institutions, internships and co-op programs. These programs bring new ideas to the company, and provide students with hands-on learning, often leading to full-time positions.  

“Ten percent of our Software Development staff are interns, many of whom transition to full-time roles upon completing their programs. This early engagement helps us attract individuals who see Geotab as a long-term career destination. Many students return for multiple work terms and recommend Geotab to their peers, supporting our strategy for recruiting innovative talent,” said Andrew Rae, Vice President of MyGeotab Software Development.

Customer Innovation

Geotab employees are encouraged and supported to solve real customer challenges and obsess over solving complex problems. They are routinely involved in:

• Team Product Pitches: Product Development teams pitch creative solution ideas to leadership and peers, paving the way for new product developments meeting customer demands.
• Patents: Geotab actively supports employees in the process of publishing patents, protecting innovations and maintaining Geotab’s competitive edge in the industry. 
• Dogfooding: Employees use Geotab’s own products in real-world scenarios to gain firsthand experience. This practice, known as "dogfooding," identifies areas of improvement, ensuring solutions meet the highest standards of performance and usability.

As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and mobility, Geotab remains steadfast in our commitment to innovation. This culture of relentless curiosity and creative problem-solving is more than just a strategy—it’s our identity. By pushing the boundaries of what's possible, we not only meet the demands of today but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.