When Chris Hewitt joined SMS Engineering in 2003, he never imagined one day helping lead it from a 30-person team to a 100-plus-person firm. Now President of SMS, Chris opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome and finding his voice as a quiet and compassionate leader in one of Manitoba’s top engineering companies.
He shares how SMS built a culture rooted in mentorship, trust and accountability and why the firm doubled down on specialization in power systems, healthcare design and forensic engineering. Chris also talks about the realities of investigating failures, testifying in court and leading with kindness in a high-pressure industry.
Whether you’re an engineer, a leader or someone navigating your own growth, this episode dives into what it takes to build confidence, lead with empathy and leave a legacy that lasts.