To inspire others and showcase diverse career paths within the cycling industry we've created a monthly blog series known as Career Chronicles. Each month, we will feature an individual in our community, showcasing their career path and digging a little deeper into their goals and aspirations for the future.
This month we are featuring our friend and event partner, Catherine from Crankworx.
Hi, I’m Catherine Planta, with my title being Manager, CEI Operations and Partnerships with Crankworx Events Inc.
Within the Crankworx management team, I take on a variety of roles, with key responsibilities including World Tour management, HR, Partnerships and Sponsorship support and DEI initiatives. For Crankworx Whistler, I oversee the merchandise program and VIP experience.
What many people don’t realize is that Crankworx is run by a very small team of 9 full-time staff and 2 long-term contractors. For events outside of Whistler, we collaborate with awesome local organizing committees, while in Whistler, we take the lead alongside some talented contractors and volunteers. Even though we’re spread across different locations, we are a close-knit team, all focused on delivering the best mountain biking experience.
Catherine's Aspiration
I aspire to be someone my children can be proud of, while making a meaningful, positive impact through my career.
What key experiences and influences shaped your path to where you are today?
First, becoming a mother. If I was going to return to work full-time, it had to be for an organization that aligned with my passions, utilized my expertise, and offered the flexibility I needed as a mom.
Secondly, my love for all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing events to fruition and working with the most dedicated, hard-working colleagues. Now, I have the privilege of combining my passion for event management with a sport I truly love—mountain biking.
Thirdly, representation in a traditionally male-dominated industry. While this wasn’t a conscious driver at the outset, I’ve become aware of how few women of colour hold leadership roles in the mountain biking industry or in action sports in general. I’m particularly proud to work for a company that is a pioneer in offering equal prize money for men and women—long before many other sports. Crankworx’s commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and supporting DEI initiatives opens up many opportunities for change, and I’m grateful to contribute to this progress, even in a small way.
What would you say is the key to succeeding in what you do?
The key to success in my work is keeping organized, staying calm, looking after relationships, and approaching challenges with a sense of humour, and keeping things in perspective.
Taking the time to exercise every day is also really important for me to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What piece of advice would you give to yourself ten years ago?
Approach every interaction with empathy, but balance this with respecting your own boundaries.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
And don’t take things too personally.
What's next?
I’m really excited to help the Crankworx brand grow and evolve!
Also, looking forward to returning to New Zealand next year and working alongside the amazing team in Christchurch and Rotorua.
I’ve learned so much during the last few years with my role with Crankworx Whistler and I’m excited to bring new ideas to the 2025 edition.
The bike industry is challenging to break into. Currently most jobs are filled through connections and friends, meaning that people who aren’t part of the right groups may never get a chance to pursue those opportunities. We are working to change this, one job posting at a time with the Grow Cycling Foundation Jobs Board.
At Grow Cycling, we are taking a wholistic approach to careers, because - what is an opportunity without the education and tools to succeed?
We created Aspire for this very reason. In July 2024 we hosted an event, Aspire at Crankworx Whistler, which welcomed young athletes, families, and underrepresented communities to the audience, and current athletic superstars to the stage. By inviting industry professionals to engage in networking sessions, we built connection and provided valuable introductions between key players in the field and the next generation of talent.
If you have any questions or feedback on what you'd like to see in a future Career Chronicles feel free to email us at hello@growcyclingfoundation.org
Article photos c/o @cathsea2sky. Cover photo Clint Trahan, Crankworx Whistler 2024