Catalina Zak has 10 years of experience as an agricultural engineer, working in Chile for private and governmental institutions in projects related to baselines for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), land use change, and soils.
Catalina moved to Canada 12 years ago and has since acquired a range of diverse experiences, from sales and marketing to home building, learning different skills, and continuously challenging herself. Catalina is part of the Finance and Operations team, keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes at S4A.
We asked Catalina a few questions so you can get to know her better.
Before joining S4A, you worked in environmental impact assessment in Chile. How has that experience shaped your approach to finance/operations and problem-solving in a tech-driven environment?
Working in environmental impact assessment in Chile taught me to approach problems systemically, with a deep appreciation for how interconnected variables influence outcomes. In that role, I had to evaluate complex projects (mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture) while balancing environmental, regulatory, and community concerns. That experience trained me to think both analytically and empathetically, navigating ambiguity, diverse stakeholder interests, and high-stakes decisions.
This background has profoundly shaped my approach as a Finance Administrator in a tech-driven environment. It taught me to think critically and holistically about systems, assess risk with a long-term lens, and ensure that operational decisions align with both financial and strategic goals. I bring a high level of rigor to data management, budgeting, and forecasting, as well as a problem-solving mindset that’s both detail-oriented and outcome-driven. My ability to navigate regulatory frameworks and communicate clearly with diverse teams helps bridge technical, operational, and financial conversations…which are key in fast-paced, innovation-focused environments.
What’s one lesson from your professional experience so far that you think everyone in operations—no matter the industry—should know?
I’ve come to truly value two things that apply to any role, in any industry: clarity and humility.
Over the years, I’ve seen incredibly smart teams and powerful tools fall short—not because of a lack of talent, but because processes weren’t clear or assumptions went unspoken. That taught me an important lesson: no matter how sophisticated our systems are, they only work well when people are on the same page. Today, I prioritize clear, transparent workflows and always take the time to check for alignment—because it’s often the simplest steps that make the biggest difference.
Just as important is humility. In operations, where cross-functional collaboration is constant, I’ve learned that being open, asking questions, and listening to others’ insights leads to better outcomes. No matter your title or expertise, there’s always more to learn—and recognizing that creates stronger partnerships and better decisions.
In a fast-paced company like ours, clarity keeps us aligned, and humility keeps us growing. These two values have shaped the way I work, and I believe they’re key to building trust, resilience, and a culture of continuous improvement across our teams.
S4A places a strong emphasis on its core values. Is there a particular value that resonates most with you in your day-to-day work—and why?
At S4A, we frequently discuss our core values, and for me, two that stand out most in my daily work are trust and respect.
As a Finance and Operations Administrator, I often manage sensitive financial data, internal processes, and cross-team coordination. In this role, trust is essential. Whether I’m handling budgets, preparing reports, or supporting different departments, people need to know they can rely on me to be accurate, consistent, and accountable. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about building confidence across the company that our operational foundation is strong and dependable.
Respect is just as critical. I work with people in every part of the organization—each with different goals, timelines, and challenges. Taking the time to understand those perspectives, listening with intention, and communicating clearly enables me to support others more effectively. It also builds a culture where people feel heard and valued, no matter their role.
For me, trust and respect aren’t abstract ideals—they’re everyday actions. They show up in how we answer emails, follow through on tasks, and treat one another during busy or uncertain times. When we lead with these values, we create an environment where collaboration, clarity, and accountability can truly thrive.