Posted by Leo de Sousa on February 24, 2010
On Friday February 19, 2010, I underwent laser eye surgery (Intralase Sub-Bowman’s Keratomileusis) to correct my short sightedness. I have worn glasses since I was 6 years old and contact lenses since I was 16. Over the past 15 years, I developed an allergic reaction to the protein buildup on the contact lenses and had to restrict my use to sports only. This is a quantum leap forward for me and I am floored by the results – no more glasses! Thank you to my surgeon, Dr. Suren Sanmugasunderam, FRCS (C) and his team at London Eye Centre.
The evolution from squinting to see, to having thick, then thin lens glasses to contact lenses and now to laser eye surgery led me to think more about several topics:
Problem Management – as described by IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL):
A `problem’ is an unknown underlying cause of one or more incidents, and a `known error’ is a problem that is successfully diagnosed and for which either a work-around or a permanent resolution has been identified.
As a child, I squinted because I did not know that I needed vision correction (unknown underlying cause). My opthamologist successfully diagnosed that I was short sighted with astigmatism. The workaround he prescribed were prescription glasses. Now glasses helped modify the root cause of my vision problem but did not fix it. Contact lenses were the next evolution of glasses but still did not address the root cause. Finally, my laser eye surgery procedure modified my eyes by vapourizing microns of cornea cells to correct the root cause providing a permanent resolution.
How often do we consider a work around good enough? Once the work around is in place do we just get used to the added complexity without attacking the root cause? Do we take the time to really look for a root cause and think of ways to permanently resolve it. Enterprise Architecture and ITIL together provide the framework and processes for us to travel this road. Making time to review what we have done in the past is important so that we can move our enterprises forward with a solid foundation.
Manage Complexity – Complexity as described by Roger Sessions (@RSessions):
I use the word “complex” to mean an entity that has more “complexity” than needed to do what it is intended to do. By “complexity” I mean the number of internal states. Read more...
Posted by Leo de Sousa on February 23, 2010
I was fortunate to be asked to participate as a mentor to a Computer Systems student in our Bachelor of Technology program this fall. This is a real honour and something that I value having the opportunity to do.
I graduated from BCIT in 1987 and the skills taught me by my instructors and my classmates set the tone for my career. Thanks to the BCIT Alumni Association and the BCIT Student Association for this opportunity.
Below is an interview I gave in the student newspaper, The Link:
Leo de Sousa may have a background in IT Services, but his advice on life – and how to balance – it can translate to students in any field
Long days. Late nights. Extra hours. Group projects. Debt.
BCIT students have a, shall we say, unique experience. For many, it’s the toughest period of their lives. Following dreams and getting credential many times means going in the hole financially and giving up life as you know it to pursue studies. It’s a big step, a big risk; you name it.
One of the best things a student can do is to talk to someone who has already experienced the very same life. Learning to cope and making adjustments can be hard to think of, but what I’ve found helps the most is talking to someone who can shed some light on what they would have done differently as a student.
So, meet Leo de Sousa. He’s a Computer Systems grad of 1987, and went on to work various jobs including for the Lions Gate Hospital (which he was offered upon graduation) and the Forest Industry. He made his way back to BCIT in 1992, and has been working in the Information Technology Services department since. His current title is the Manager of the Business Application Services and Enterprise Architecture, which also means he is in a position to hire.
Our chat was very informative, and although I feel my choice of BCIT studies (broadcast journalism) is almost the polar opposite to CST, what de Sousa said really inspired me to get better at balancing life at BCIT.
How did your time as a BCIT student help you in your future endeavours? Read more...
Posted by Leo de Sousa on November 11, 2009
Last year, I wrote about the special debt I feel to Canadian soldiers that defended my birthplace – Hong Kong. I found more information about the Canadian troops who defended Hong Kong at the Veterans Affairs Canada website.
This year I would like to pay tribute to Company Sergeant Major John Robert Osborne, 1st Battalion The Winnipeg Grenadiers – awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously. His story and Victoria Cross citation can be read here. Sgt Major Osborn was the first Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross and 1 of 16 awarded in the Second World War. His bravery and selfless sacrifice symbolizes the Canadian spirit. Here is the ending quote of his citation:
Company Sergeant-Major Osborn was an inspiring example to all throughout the defence which he assisted so magnificently in maintaining against an overwhelming enemy force for over eight and a half hours, and in his death he displayed the highest quality of heroism and self-sacrifice.
For more about the defense of Hong Kong, please go to the Veterans Affairs Canada website – Canadians in Hong Kong.
I am thankful to Sgt Major Osborne and his comrades for their sacrifice and I am proud to be Canadian. If you can please take time to spend 2 minutes of silence at 11am wherever you are.
Lest we forget. 
