Northwood Staff Profile: Geoff Hayman

What do you do at Northwood?

I joined Northwood three years ago as a contract employee to work on project implementation before the full scope of the project was fleshed out. Since then, my role and title have changed to a Client Project Specialist where I am responsible for a key technology implementation project that impacts all of our clients. I work with our technology partners and our client service team to ensure the product presented to the client is up to Northwood standards. My role touches most aspects of the firm, from internal and external reporting, to liaising with analysts on data, to working with the client service team for reporting and ad-hoc requests as well as managing the implementation.

What surprised you the most since you've been at Northwood?

Growing up as the son of one of Northwood’s founders, I didn’t think much would surprise me when I joined as a staff member. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Every day, the Northwood team strives to provide a level of excellence for our clients that reflects humility, kindness, and compassion. By exemplifying these traits every day, everyone at Northwood is truly a pleasure to work with.

There is always someone you can go to with questions or to discuss ideas with. It has been wonderful seeing firsthand the attention to detail, deep levels of knowledge, and diversity of background and education on the team. Working at Northwood has only solidified something I’ve known my whole life -- the people are just as important as the work. I’m grateful every day that I’ve been able to experience something that has been such a big part of my life.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I’m an avid golfer, always working to bring my handicap down. Whether it be club reviews on YouTube, going to the range/simulator to practice, watching tournaments on TV, or out there playing with friends and family, golf takes up quite a bit of my time. I hope to golf for the rest of my life, either traveling the world to play some unique locations or playing at home with my dad. If I’m not playing (or thinking) about golf, you can find me exploring new restaurants around the city or adding to the long list of TV shows I’ve watched -- 375 and counting.

Obvious follow-up question; what’s your favourite TV show?

Its impossible for me to pick one favourite show. Here’s my Top 5... though, I must warn you, there are at least 10 other contenders ready to stage a coup at any moment! Game of Thrones will always be up there even though I didn’t love the ending. Ted Lasso for a lighthearted but surprisingly deep and thoughtful show. Peaky Blinders as an expected underdog. Succession for the quick wit, dysfunction and chaos. Finally, there will always be a place in my heart for Avatar: The Last Airbender since it was one of my favourite shows growing up. I am currently watching The Wire and I expect to add it to the list of shows that could stage a coup on one of my current top 5 shows by the time I finish it.

In case you can’t tell, I take my recommendations very seriously and like to try to tailor them to the person asking. Being the son of an accountant, I may or may not have a spreadsheet to track all of the shows I’ve watched.

What is one of your favorite travel destinations? Any recommendations when there?

In recent years, my favourite place I’ve travelled to is Iceland. I went on a trip there in September 2023 with my Mum and outside of her making us take way too many selfies, it was fantastic. Reykjavik had great food, great energy, and was extremely walkable. All of the locations you’ll go to on the island feel like you’re on a different planet. Some amazing landscapes, waterfalls, and hikes. Three highlights were Skogafoss (worth climbing to the top and wandering the path), the Westman Islands for puffin season, and “Inside the Volcano” for one of the most unique experiences of my life.

Anything exciting coming up for you?

I will be going to Cabot Golf Links on a golf trip with a few friends in June where I’m hoping to match my last trip to Scotland by shooting the best round of my life (77). Following that, my sister is getting married in September and I will be the officiant at the ceremony.

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