Q&A: Getting to Know our COO, Oliver Blunn
Learn more about Oliver and his journey into healthcare and future plans for #TeamNucleus.
Last month, Nucleus announced the appointment of Oliver Blunn as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Oliver joined Nucleus in November 2020 as the Director of Innovation, Strategy and Performance and has been an integral part of the team ever since. In this newly created role, Oliver will be accountable for strategically leading the daily business operations of the organization as well as support the leadership and management team in their growth, development and continued transformation.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU ENDED UP IN HEALTHCARE.
I was born in the Parkdale area of Toronto. I originally thought I would be an archeologist and went to Laurier University for it. Early in my studies, my professor held up some tools and twine and said “these are going to be your best friends for the next 20 years of your life.” I immediately stood up and left and signed up for psychology. After graduating, I travelled through Europe, settling in London England for a year and a half working with a young boy with autism. The experience was a pivotal turning point for me. When I returned to Canada I went back to school to train as a behavioral therapist and quickly became interested in program development and expansion, which led me to take my Masters in Health Administration at the University of Ottawa. I did a placement with the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) in performance, evaluation and accountability. I loved it and ended up getting hired.
On a personal level, I am a basketball enthusiast. I probably listen to basketball podcasts for 5-6 hours a week. I am also a DIYer and am renovating my home in Hamilton.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?
Collaborative, inclusive and sometimes patient to a fault sometimes, which I think comes from my earlier days working with children with autism. I try my best to be authentic in my interactions and am always willing to roll-up my sleeves and do the work. I also try to incorporate as much humour as possible into my day to day.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO NUCLEUS?
In one word, Laura. I worked with Laura at the LHIN and she has one of the brightest minds I’ve ever met. She provides me with a ton of reign to take risks and think outside the box. I have also always had a passion for community and I believed this role would give me the opportunity be in a position to more directly drive the decision making. I knew Laura would not put a lid on my thinking and that there would be a lot of variety to this role which would be very intellectually stimulating. It has been all of that and more.
MAKES THIS ORGANIZATION SO SPECIAL?
The people!! Definitely the people. There is a genuine drive to make the system a better place and to put the system before Nucleus if need be to create the right change. We are all working for the clients who navigate across the entire system. The attitude here is, “let’s take challenges head on, think creatively about how we can drive through barriers or work around them if need be to drive system and organizational improvement. Let’s make this a great place to work while being innovative and action oriented.”
WHAT'S NEXT FOR NUCLEUS?
Data and technology maturity. We have laid the groundwork of modernization and taking on “the war against repetitive tasks.” We are moving to a place where every action is value-add work. It’s about the right information, right place and right time through automation.
WHAT EXCITES YOU?
Seeing other people get excited! Hearing about new ideas and coming up with some of my own. I love seeing the University of Ottawa team (who we are collaborating with on scheduling sophistication) getting excited about something. The reaction of someone after hearing about a new way of doing things and seeing people get excited about it. The idea of doing something different and unique. All of this and the theme song to the NBA and NBC. John Tesh is a legend….
Thanks Oliver! Nucleus sounds like it is on the cusp of some exciting digital endevours!
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we believe that people can live well at home with appropriate support in their community
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Nucleus has received four consecutive 3-year accreditations from CARF.
