The views and opinions expressed in the interviews published on Made in CA are those of the interviewees and do not reflect the official policy or position of Made in CA.

The information provided through these interviews is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any products, services, or individuals featured. We strongly encourage readers to consult with appropriate professionals or authorities in the relevant fields for accurate information and advice.

Galya Westler

Plazus excels in crafting advanced enterprise software solutions with a keen focus on healthcare, telemedicine AI, iOS and Android app development, payroll systems, HR management, and blockchain-based applications. Our expertise extends to robust security assessments and penetration testing, ensuring our clients’ systems are not only advanced but also secure. We take pride in supporting forward-thinking businesses and socially impactful projects.

A highlight of our work includes the “I’m Ready” initiative, a nationwide project in collaboration with the Canadian government aimed at eradicating HIV in Canada. We developed an innovative mobile app for this initiative, enabling anonymous HIV testing and streamlined access to care through an AI and blockchain-powered telemedicine solution. This project showcases our commitment to leveraging technology for social good and exemplifies our capability to deliver complex, secure, and impactful tech solutions.

Tell us about yourself?

As a three-time tech entrepreneur, my journey is characterised by thoughtful innovation and a deep understanding of technology’s evolving landscape. With a background in software engineering and a focus on product management, I’ve built a career marked by steady growth and meaningful contributions. My role as a TED speaker, where I shared insights on social media and loneliness at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, reflects my passion for engaging with critical issues at the intersection of technology and society.

My approach to technology and business has been greatly influenced by my parents, who instilled in me the values of education and the importance of being true to oneself. This foundation has been crucial in shaping my perspective and approach to innovation. In 2010, recognizing the potential in Apple’s developer program, I saw an opportunity to simplify technology for businesses, making it more accessible and user-friendly. This led to the creation of Plazus. Initially, a platform for easy social network creation using templates and eventually evolving to incorporate Ethereum-based blockchain technology, focusing on data ownership and a token reward system.

By 2018, as the demand for blockchain and AI solutions grew, Plazus adapted to meet these needs, tackling complex issues like identity verification and supply chain management. Today, our focus is on developing sophisticated enterprise systems, blending cutting-edge technology with practical applications. My journey in tech is not just about the milestones achieved but also about the continuous pursuit of innovation and the desire to make technology more accessible and beneficial for businesses and individuals alike.

If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, if I could share wisdom with my past self, it would be the value of self-reliance in business. While we successfully secured funding, which undoubtedly accelerated our growth, I would advise my younger self to embrace self-incubation. This means validating your business idea independently, initiating sales, and striving towards generating revenue early on. Often, this approach can reveal that external funding isn’t as crucial as it seems.

For all three of my ventures, adopting a self-sustaining model proved immensely beneficial in the long run. Instead of seeking investment, consider taking a business loan if necessary. The key is to focus on substantiating your business concept with minimal initial investment. This strategy not only fosters a deeper understanding of your business but also instills financial discipline and innovation, crucial traits for any successful entrepreneur.

What problem does your business solve?

Our business excels in modernizing outdated and cumbersome systems, not only enhancing efficiency but also significantly cutting costs. We conduct comprehensive assessments, targeting areas like security vulnerabilities, inefficient business flows, and opportunities to reduce reliance on expensive third-party software licenses. By identifying gaps in a company’s existing architecture, we often uncover avenues for custom application development that not only streamline processes but also result in substantial cost savings. For example, a global company using Salesforce could greatly benefit from an integrated custom app, which not only improves functionality but also reduces expenses and increases control over intellectual property. This shift allows businesses to expand their offerings more confidently and cost-effectively. We invite operations managers and company leaders to discuss how our tailored solutions can optimize their operations and contribute to their financial and operational leverage. For further information or to begin a conversation about enhancing your business processes, please contact me directly through LinkedIn or via email.

What is the inspiration behind your business?

Our business was born from a passion for tackling complex technical challenges and a commitment to safeguarding sensitive information. We specialise in offering comprehensive solutions in areas like healthcare, where we anonymise patient data and automate clinicians’ tasks, and in developing custom applications for essential business operations such as supply chain management, HR, payroll, and contracts using Microsoft Enterprise Solutions like SharePoint.

Our team comprises seasoned engineers and business professionals with deep expertise in complex engineering tasks, including advanced security engineering. We understand the unique vulnerabilities global companies face and provide targeted security assessments, penetration testing, and thorough gap analyses of their architectures. This ensures they are safeguarded against ongoing threats that could compromise their customers’ data.

At the heart of our inspiration is the desire to solve critical issues for our clients, making their systems not only more efficient and integrated but also significantly more secure. We aim to be the trusted partner for businesses requiring advanced, secure, and custom technological solutions.

What is your magic sauce?

Our ‘magic sauce’ lies in our unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction and cutting-edge expertise. We maintain a remarkable 99 per cent response rate in support and maintenance, ensuring swift and reliable service. Our team exclusively comprises seasoned professionals with over 10 years of experience, spanning roles from senior business analysts to AI and Blockchain specialists. This depth of expertise allows us to guarantee 100 per cent effective results. We differentiate ourselves through our rapid, precise service delivery and our agile approach to software development, continually adapting to provide exceptional service to our clients.

What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?

In the next five years, our vision is to solidify our role as a leader in technological innovation, particularly in the realms of AI and blockchain. We aim to tackle some of the most pressing challenges faced by our clients, focusing on the anonymisation of data in healthcare and enterprise sectors. Our goal is to develop not just smart applications but also ensure they embody the trifecta of scalability, security, and adaptability to evolving tech trends. By doing so, we’ll empower our clients to stay competitive and agile in their respective markets, leveraging cutting-edge solutions that align with the dynamic landscape of technology.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

Our biggest challenge has been adapting to market fluctuations and reorienting our business strategy. Initially, we began as a product-focused company but soon pivoted to offering services. The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles; for instance, in 2016, raising our second round of funding was a significant challenge, and our attempt at an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) in 2018 did not pan out as expected.

However, these challenges turned into opportunities. My frequent appearances on global stages, discussing enterprise software development and the latest in AI for automating business processes, caught the attention of potential clients. This visibility led to an influx of inquiries from clients interested in custom software solutions, enabling us to shift our focus successfully and cater to these new demands. This pivot not only demonstrated our resilience but also our ability to adapt and thrive in changing market conditions.

How can people get involved?

To engage with our services or explore how AI and blockchain can enhance and streamline your business processes, I would encourage a diverse range of companies to get in touch. Whether you’re interested in custom application development, seeking comprehensive security assessment services, or looking to integrate AI and blockchain technologies for greater operational transparency and efficiency, we’re open for collaboration. You can connect with me directly through LinkedIn or reach out via email at Galya[at]Plazus.com.

I am keen to hear from organisations eager to innovate and elevate their services for their clients.

Linkedin page: www.linkedin.com/in/galya-westler-b0b63b42