We want to share with you why Keyrus is such a great place to work! Please allow us to introduce Ashwaq Hasson from our Canadian team, working out of Toronto!

What made you decide to join Keyrus?

I decided to join Keyrus because I was looking for growth, strong foundations, and a supportive global environment. A former colleague who thrived here first told me about the company, and when opportunities opened in Canada, it felt like the perfect fit. The people I met during the interviews gave me confidence this was the right place, and I was proud to join as the first Canadian hire.

What were your first impressions when you started?

My first impression was how welcoming and collaborative everyone was. From day one, I felt part of the team.

How was your onboarding experience?

The onboarding process was smooth and structured, which made it easy to get started.

Did you feel supported in your first weeks, and by whom?

Yes, I felt supported right away by my teammates and colleagues, including Rishab and Riley, who helped me settle in during my first weeks.

What's been your career journey?

I studied abroad in Malaysia, where I earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration and an MSc in Islamic Finance, before returning to Canada to begin my professional path in property and casualty insurance. Working with large volumes of claims data opened my eyes to how much more efficient processes could be with the right technology.

That curiosity led me to the Correlation One Data Science Fellowship, which later opened the door to their Anaplan Fellowship program. This experience sparked my interest in enterprise performance management (EPM) and set me on the path to consulting.

In 2022, I began my consulting career as a Consulting Analyst, building and supporting Anaplan solutions across different business areas. By June 2025, I joined Keyrus, where I continue to grow in the EPM space and look forward to the journey ahead.

What is your area of expertise?

Enterprise Performance Management (EPM): Anaplan model building for FP&A and Headcount Planning

Data & Analytics: SQL, Snowflake, Tableau, Excel

Financial Services & Insurance: Property & casualty insurance operations

What has been your favorite project at Keyrus so far?

My favorite project so far has been my very first at Keyrus, a Headcount Optimization project for a global software company. I joined only 3 months ago, and this has already given me exposure to building a Severance Management Tool in Anaplan across over 40 countries, with DocuSign integration to automate termination letters. The goal was to help HR and Legal teams manage exits more efficiently, and for me it has been incredibly rewarding. In just 3 months I feel like I have learned what would normally take a year, from full lifecycle delivery to cross-functional collaboration, all while working with an amazing global team that makes me feel supported and set up for success.

Was there a challenge you faced early on, and how did you overcome it?

I was introduced to a project in my first week, which was challenging while still getting onboarded. I overcame this by asking questions, taking things step by step, and leaning on my team's support to ramp up quickly.

What's something new you've learned since joining?

I've learned not just technical skills but also how companies manage complex processes like terminations and redeployment, which gave me valuable business understanding. I also had the chance to work on integrating Anaplan with DocuSign to automate termination letters, which was an exciting and impactful learning experience.

What tools do you love working with?

I enjoy Anaplan because it allows me to turn complex business processes into clear, scalable solutions. It's also a tool where you never stop learning, which keeps it exciting.

What would your dream project at Keyrus would be?

A property and casualty insurance project, since I worked in that industry before and would love to see how Keyrus transforms it with technology.

What's one thing about Keyrus that surprised you after joining?

What surprised me most was how global the team is. On my project, every team member is based in a different country, and yet we collaborate seamlessly. It creates a truly international environment with diverse perspectives, which makes the work more enriching and inclusive.

What surprised you the most about Keyrus compared to your expectations?

I was surprised by how much support and structure I received from the beginning. It allowed me to thrive faster than I expected. The culture is global, inclusive, and supportive, which aligns with my values.

How would you describe Keyrus to a friend in the industry?

I would describe Keyrus as a global consulting firm that truly values its people. What sets us apart is the supportive structure, the inclusivity, and the way every team member has a clearly defined role that sets them up for success.

How has Keyrus helped you grow professionally?

In just 3 months, Keyrus has helped me grow tremendously. I have gained exposure to different stages of project delivery, worked with new tools like Anaplan integrated with DocuSign, and developed a stronger understanding of complex HR and legal processes. I have also learned the importance of cross-functional collaboration by working alongside a diverse global team. Another factor in my growth is that every team member has a clearly defined role, which allows me to focus deeply on my own responsibilities while still contributing to the larger project.

Why do you stay at Keyrus?

I stay at Keyrus because I feel supported and motivated every day. I enjoy the challenge of my work, and I am excited by the opportunities to keep learning and growing. The people and the culture make me look forward to logging in each morning.

How would you describe the team culture?

It's a small but growing team where everyone helps one another and contributes to a positive environment. I love the culture and look forward to seeing it grow.

What's something that already makes you feel "at home" here?

What made me feel at home was how everyone has a defined role and supports each other's growth. I also love how global the team is, every member of my project lives in a different continent, which makes it inclusive, collaborative, and gives a strong sense of belonging.

In three words, how would you describe life at Keyrus after your first 3 months?

Collaborative, inclusive, empowering.

What excites you most about your future at Keyrus?

I'm excited to continue growing as a Model Builder, gaining exposure to the full project lifecycle, and contributing to more global projects.

If you had to give one piece of advice to someone considering joining Keyrus Canada, what would it be?

Stay curious and open to learning. There are plenty of opportunities to grow here.

What are your WFH or office must-haves?

I can't start my day without my purple tea mug with an infuser, my headphones, and my mechanical keyboard.

Can you give us a look at behind-the-scenes?

I'm usually up early for 6AM hot yoga every other day which sets the tone for my day. I'm also a big tea lover and enjoy trying different blends, and my purple tea mug is always by my side. Outside of work I love to travel, and Chicago is one of my favorite cities that I've visited twice and would happily go back to again. Wellness, tea, and exploring new places keep me balanced and inspired.

Want to join our international team? Discover opportunities to grow your career with passionate professionals like Ashwaq.