Innovation, challenges, and skydiving with Andrea Flores

Andrea Flores has always been drawn to problem-solving and efficiency. From her early days in software engineering to her role as a Business Analyst at Osedea, she’s driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a desire to build impactful solutions. In this interview, she shares her career journey, what fuels her passion for tech, and the values that keep her inspired.

How did you get started in your current career, and what led you to Osedea?

With a dad and four uncles in tech, a career in the field felt almost inevitable. I got my first computer at five, my first cellphone at seven—pretty rare for a girl in the ‘90s. Studying software engineering at Concordia, a class on Software Requirements & Deployment sparked my interest in the BA role. But first, I wanted hands-on dev experience.

I started as a developer, became a lead dev, and later moved into PM and SCRUM Master roles—always drawn to business and user-focused questions. In 2022, I saw the BA role at Osedea and knew it was the right fit. Three years later, I’m still here, still learning, and loving it.

What makes Osedea stand out as a company in the tech industry?

The short answer? Innovation.

The longer answer? It’s how we innovate. We don’t push tech for the sake of it—we tailor our approach to create real impact. But what truly sets us apart is our culture.

High performance here isn’t about rigid structures; it’s about autonomy, ownership, and growth. People thrive when they have the freedom to take initiative, master their craft, and contribute to something bigger. Learning is in our DNA.

One of our core values: Growing together is what matters most. And that’s exactly what we do.

What aspect of Osedea’s culture do you appreciate the most in your work?

One core value really resonates with me: Simply put, we care. At Osedea, it’s more than just a slogan—it’s reflected in everything we do, especially in how we treat our people.

A great example is the Dreams Come True initiative. After two years at Osedea, team members get $5,000 and an extra week of vacation to pursue a personal project. I used this to take a life-changing trip with my mom to Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia—a memory I’ll cherish forever.

Another exciting initiative is Osedea’s new volunteering program. By organizing group opportunities, we’re making it easier for colleagues to give back to causes that matter to them.

These initiatives show that Osedea recognizes we’re all human, with lives beyond work. Feeling truly supported is one of the things that motivates me to bring my best every day.

What motivates you to work in the tech and innovation sector?

For me, it’s about helping people and making things work better. I’m an efficiency nerd and problem-solver, and tech is my perfect outlet.

But tech only solves real problems if we build the right solutions—that’s where BAs come in. We ask the right questions, uncover hidden needs, and ensure teams aren’t just building products, but solving real issues.

I’ve seen how misalignment between business goals and tech can derail projects. Now, I thrive on bridging that gap, creating solutions that are both functional and impactful. Innovation isn’t just about new tech; it’s about working smarter.

How do you approach problem-solving when faced with a challenging task?

When tackling a tough task, I break it down into smaller pieces, prioritize what matters most, and take it one step at a time to stay focused.

Collaboration is essential—fresh perspectives from colleagues or stakeholders often lead to better solutions. As a BA, I’ve learned that problem-solving starts with asking the right questions. The real challenge is often uncovering the root issue, not just the symptoms.

Efficiency matters, but never at the cost of quality. I look for smart solutions that solve the problem now and prevent issues down the road. Turning complexity into clear, actionable steps is what I do best.

How do you collaborate with your team to bring innovative ideas to life?

Innovation starts with collaboration. I create an open environment where ideas flow freely, ensuring teams and stakeholders stay aligned on goals.

As a BA, I facilitate conversations, from workshops to feedback loops, bridging the gap between technical and business needs. Diverse perspectives drive better solutions, so I make sure every strength—technical, creative, or strategic—is leveraged.

By working together, we refine ideas and build smarter, more impactful solutions.

What’s the most important thing to keep in mind when working on a tech project?

There’s a big difference between building the product right and building the right product. No matter how skilled the team is, if we’re not addressing the real problem, we risk creating something that misses the mark.

The key is to focus on solving the problem, not just building a solution. We need to continuously validate assumptions, engage stakeholders, and challenge our own understanding of the problem. As a Business Analyst, I’ve learned that the real challenge is ensuring we’re solving the right problem in the first place. Through collaboration and refining requirements, we can make sure what we build is truly impactful.

What’s a quote you live by or that inspires you?

I find these two quotes inspiring:

“Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.”
— Albert Einstein

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
— Maya Angelou

Both resonate with me because they reflect how I approach personal growth. I’ve always believed in measuring progress by my own standards. The first quote reminds me that success isn’t just about tangible achievements—it’s about impact and growth. The second is a powerful reminder that improvement is a continuous process. We’re always learning and evolving, both professionally and personally.

What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

I’ve discovered that I’m an adrenaline junkie—whether it’s racing down ski slopes, rafting through roaring rapids, scaling cliffs, or cruising on my motorcycle. But the most daring thing I’ve done recently? Skydiving for my birthday last year. Free-falling through the clouds was an unforgettable rush, and I’m already looking forward to my next adventure!

If you could instantly acquire any new skill, what would it be?

I’ve always debated between invisibility and teleportation, but then I realized they might both have their own unique perks.

On a more practical note, I’d love to instantly speak every language. Language isn’t just about words—it’s about culture and connection. Being able to communicate with anyone, anywhere, would be an incredible way to truly understand different people and cultures.

What’s a book, movie, or TV show that has had a big impact on you?

It might be cliché, but Friends has had a huge impact on me. Beyond being my unofficial English tutor (I can still recite most episodes line by line), it’s a show that beautifully captures friendship, growth, and life’s ups and downs. Over ten seasons, you see the characters evolve and support each other—something that resonates deeply with me. Plus, it’s a guaranteed mood booster.

What’s your favorite type of vacation or weekend getaway?

Anything water-related. Whether it’s the ocean, a river, or a waterfall, I’m in. One of my lifelong dreams is to own a beach house. Until then, I’m making the most of Canada’s breathtaking landscapes—whether by motorcycle or finding hidden waterfalls.

What’s a life lesson that you’ve learned the hard way but would want to pass on to others?

Letting go of control. As a perfectionist, it was tough for me to accept that things don’t always go as planned. But life’s unpredictability is what makes it interesting. Focusing on what’s within my control—my actions, mindset, and resilience—has made life so much easier. It’s still a work in progress, but every time I embrace the unexpected, I feel freer.

What are the most important values that guide your decisions in both work and life?

Honesty, respect, and reliability guide my decisions. I believe in transparency, treating others with kindness, and following through on my commitments. Whether it’s collaborating with a team or tackling challenges, these values help me stay true to myself and my goals.