Andrea Robinson: Robinson Global Management Inc.

Andrea Robinson is President & CEO of Robinson Global Management Inc. (RGM) based in Toronto.  RGM is a boutique multidisciplinary firm specializing in procurement consulting, advisory and training services. Established in 2018, RGM supports all levels of government and private sector clients, advising on both traditional and alternative methods of procurement and strategic sourcing needs. In recognition of RGM’s business growth, innovation and economic growth, Andrea Robinson was the recipient of the 2019 Rising Star Award at WBE Canada’s Annual Conference, Gala and Award Ceremony, November 14, 2019.

WBE Canada: Why did you go into this business?

Andrea: I launched RGM to focus my expertise and provide my clients with greater support to help them execute their initiatives in a better way than I saw currently available in the market.

WBE Canada: When it comes to your business, what are you most proud of?

Andrea: The team! We work innovatively and efficiently to provide solutions and we have an amazing time while doing so.

WBE Canada: As a business grows it has a tendency to focus on institution instead of inspiration. How do you prevent this from happening?

Andrea: We have consciously accepted the challenge/opportunity to deliver our consulting services in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. These objectives keep our team engaged, excited and inspired, as we move forward in our corporate goals.

WBE Canada: How do you encourage creative thinking in your company?

Andrea: At RGM, all ideas are listened to, considered and respected, as a good idea shared, heard and executed is in everyone’s best interest.

WBE Canada: How has your WBE certification helped you in your business?

Andrea: Our WBE certification has helped us to significantly broaden our B2B and B2G marketing reach, and our professional network of like-minded individuals with similar challenges who can share solutions, all while being offered the support of the dedicated WBE team.

WBE Canada: What advice would you give to another woman at the beginning stage of building her business?

Andrea: The advice that I would give to another woman in the beginning stage of building her business is to recognize that no one will ever give as much to your business as you, so you need to have a quick but serious reality check with yourself in early days to confirm your commitment to live, sleep, eat, and breathe your business; this is literally what it will take.

WBE Canada: What has been the most challenging time in your business and how did you overcome it?

Andrea: Believe it or not, RGM’s most challenging time was when we realized that all of our business development efforts had finally paid off and it appeared that we were going to have a capacity issue. A good challenge to have, but still a challenge. We reached out to the WBE network and to our own network to address each of the areas of capacity concern. We were able to address the challenge, while maintaining a high quality of service delivery that is sustainable for our company.

WBE Canada: What has been the biggest triumph?

Andrea: Our biggest triumph was being the recipient of the 2019 WBE Canada Rising Star Award, in recognition of our Supplier Diversity; Business Growth; Innovation; and Economic Growth.

WBE Canada: What is your superpower?

Andrea: My superpower is striving for continuous self improvement, and only requiring 3 hours of sleep!

WBE Canada: How do you continue to develop and grow as a leader?

Andrea: I have found that listening to and learning from leaders and colleagues whom I respect is extremely beneficial, as well as reflecting on the leadership successes of previous leaders with whom I have worked.

WBE Canada: Has there been someone who inspired you and how?

Andrea: My mother is my greatest inspiration because she perseveres through all challenges with grace and class, has a work ethic like no other, and shows genuine kindness and support to everyone she meets; she embodies the qualities I strive for.

WBE Canada: What is your favourite quote?

Andrea: There are no problems, only situations.

WBE Canada: Are you actively involved in community work? If so, please provide a brief outline.

Andrea: I have supported my community as a volunteer Build Crew Member with Habitat for Humanity since 2015, and as a Director and Board Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Training Institute since 2017. I have sponsored a teenage girl with her studies from Tanzania, through World Vision since 2018.

WBE Canada: What do you hope your legacy will be?

Andrea: I hope that my legacy will be that I was an honest, thoughtful, and hard-working leader, who was thoroughly engaged in supporting the betterment of building safe, strong and sustainable communities.

About Robinson Global Management Inc.

Robinson Global Management Inc. (RGM) is a Canadian corporation based in Toronto. They are a boutique multidisciplinary firm specializing in procurement consulting, advisory and training services. RGM offers the following services: Procurement Consulting and Advisory, Negotiation, Contract and Vendor Management, Proposal Development, Post Procurement Advisory Services (bid dispute review), Training, and Fairness Advisory and Monitoring. They support all levels of government and private sector clients, advising on both traditional and alternative methods of procurement and strategic sourcing needs. Connect with them on their website.

About WBE Canada

WBE Canada is a Canadian non-profit organization that is opening doors for women-owned businesses to supply chains across North America. It certifies Canadian firms that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by women and introduces them to opportunities with corporations. To learn more about how we support women-owned businesses, click here. If you are a mid-size or large company looking to support women-owned businesses through procurement opportunities, we want to hear from you. Click here to learn more how you can get involved.