Raymond Dimitri-Hakim

Raymond Dimitri-Hakim, as CM Labs’ Director of Operations, leads diverse areas of the business, from IT services and customer support to order fulfillment and simulator hardware production. An integral member of the CM Labs’ team for over a decade, he has supported the company through some incredible transitions.

“The common themes behind everything that I do are ‘tools’ and ‘data.’ I like to ask, ‘Are we using the right tools for where we want to go? Is this the best way?’ These questions drive us to be more efficient.”

What is your official title, what is your current role, and what are your main responsibilities?

I’m the Director of Operations who oversees key areas like IT services, order fulfillment, our production shop in Laval, and customer support. I also support other teams across the company by providing the operational data they need to make informed decisions

What are some of the key projects you’ve worked on since joining CM Labs?

One of the first big projects I worked on, and the reason why I was hired over ten years ago, was helping CM Labs transition from being a project-based company to a product-based one. At the time, we didn’t have a formal proposal department, so I created the tools and templates required to build quotes and proposals in a much more systematic and structured way.

It was a major step forward from our ad hoc approach. It brought a more streamlined framework for how we operate today.

In your opinion, what sets CM Labs apart in the industry?

It comes down to the quality of our products and the people behind them. On the product side, the realism is unmatched. But what really makes the difference is the team. We have smart and dedicated people who are genuinely passionate and proud of their work. It’s not just a job for them, and that pride is reflected in the quality they deliver.

What role do you believe CM Labs plays in shaping the future of the industry?

I see us as trendsetters because we push the boundaries with every product we release. Each launch sets a new standard for our clients, and it often leaves competitors playing catch up. Take our physics engine, for example. CM Labs revolutionized training by bringing highly realistic machine behavior into the industry. Before that, most solutions relied on less realistic gaming-style engines.

How would you describe the company culture here?

The company culture is one marked by dedication. Our people are very dedicated to their work, to the quality of our solutions, and to making the best simulation training technology. The culture is also very friendly. Even though my team is spread across Laval, Montreal, and some remote locations, we’re very close-knit. We talk to each other regularly and help each other out. Everyone at CM Labs is very friendly and has a strong sense of teamwork.

How does CM Labs support your professional growth and development?

What I value most is how CM Labs aligns roles with people’s strengths and interests. During my time here, I’ve been able to advance my career in a meaningful direction. I’ve always had a way with numbers and simplifying complex data, as well as guiding people. Building on these skills has brought me to where I am today. Thanks to CM Labs’ continuous support, I’ve been able to achieve my goals.

What motivates you to do your best work every day?

In whatever I do, I need to give it my all. I don’t take half measures. When taking on a task, I want to do it right and to the best of my ability. Maybe it’s how I was raised or just who I am, but I know that when CM Labs counts on me, I’ll deliver.

Can you share a piece of advice that has helped you in your career?

Something I often tell my team, and try to follow myself, is when you realize you’re swimming upstream against the flow of things, it’s worth taking a step back to reevaluate and find a way to go with the flow. There’s a natural rhythm to how things unfold, and sometimes, on an intellectual level, we want to do it differently. But following that flow makes things easier.

Another piece of advice I like to follow is to always try to keep the big picture in mind. We tend to focus on the task at hand, but I regularly tell my team to take a step back and ask, “What does this mean in the grander scheme of things? What will this affect down the road, beyond the day-to-day?” That perspective changes everything.

What are your passions or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

I discovered yoga when I started working at CM Labs. A few months in, CM Labs brought in a yoga instructor for a ten-week session. I gave it a try and loved it. Once those ten classes ended, I found a studio close by, eventually completed instructor training, and I continue to teach a class every week. Yoga has become one of my passions, and has taught me so much about relaxation, stress management, and how to better approach my work life.

What excites you most about the future of our company?

I recently had the chance to preview some of the innovations our engineering team is working on. While I can’t share details yet, I can say this: They’re putting together some really exciting innovation that will put CM Labs ahead of the curve. Seeing that level of creativity and expertise at work makes the future here at CM Labs very exciting.