How Project Management and Leadership Training Helped an Engineer Lead Organizational Change

Leading Change with Confidence: How Professional Training Transformed One Engineer’s Career

From summer co-op student to project manager, Matthew Hessel has built his entire professional career at Diamond Aircraft. After earning his Bachelor of Engineering Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western University, he joined the company full-time, moving through roles in quality assurance, manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and operations management.

Over time, his responsibilities grew, and so did the need for new skills.

“When you’ve been with a company for several years, you experience a lot of change,” Hessel says. “With that comes opportunity, but also the need to keep learning.”

Upskilling for Growth

When Diamond Aircraft shifted its business model, Hessel stepped into a new role as Project Manager. To develop the skills necessary to lead complex projects and teams, he turned to Western Continuing Studies, where he completed certificates in Project Management and Leadership.

“The Project Management course provided a solid foundation and framework to work within,” he says. “What’s great about project management is that it applies to almost any job that involves improvement or innovation—which is nearly every job these days.”

He also found the Leadership program transformative. “It gave me practical tools for working more effectively with others,” he explains. “I learned how to build trust, expand my influence, and lead through collaboration.”

The combination of both programs gave Hessel the confidence and clarity to approach challenges strategically—and the credibility to lead change across departments.

Turning Learning into Measurable Results

As Diamond Aircraft welcomed new investors and launched new products, change management became a daily reality.

“With all the transformation happening, managing change effectively was crucial,” Hessel says. “The understanding I gained through Project Management directly contributed to the success of our projects. It’s made a noticeable difference in how we implement new systems and processes.”

Beyond improving his own leadership, Hessel has also shared what he’s learned through mentoring and coaching others. “I’ve been able to pass on new approaches and frameworks to my team,” he says. “It’s rewarding to see that learning ripple through the organization.”

Confidence Through Continuous Learning

Coping with change and overcoming obstacles are constants in any workplace—but Hessel now faces them with a stronger sense of purpose.

“The courses at Western Continuing Studies gave me the confidence to lead with intention,” he says. “They helped me see that continuous learning isn’t just good for personal growth—it’s essential for organizational success.”

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