Christine is the Founder of TopscaleHR, a boutique consulting practice aimed at creating people strategies to help Founders and CEOs scale their startups and grow their people programs. Christine is also the Chief People Officer of ChefHero, a food service marketplace aimed at bringing quality local food supplies to restaurants at affordable competitive prices, and an HR advisor for BioConnect, a biometrics company aimed at providing identity management solutions for companies of all sizes. After working in HR for 20 years, implementing unique and unconventional programs for innovative entrepreneurial leaders is what drives and inspires Christine to her core.
What do you want our readers to know about you?
I like people who make me laugh.
What would you like to see more of in the workplace?
HR people taking more entrepreneurial risks when implementing people programs.
What characteristics and/or qualities do you admire in the women you work with?
Those who are not afraid to speak the truth and don’t need to always be liked.
What advice did you wish you were given earlier in your career?
Have more confidence in yourself. You don’t always have to think like the majority to succeed.
How do you think COVID will change the future of work for women?
Women are great communicators and COVID has highlighted how important it is to communicate effectively with whatever means you have at your disposal. Some of the best innovative ideas have come from women during the COVID pandemic and I can’t appreciate them enough.
How do you think we can increase diversity in the workplace?
Don’t look at diversity as a metric. See what people can truly bring to an organization by valuing their experiences regardless if they are from outside of Canada, and valuing their potential – we are all human and we have an incredible ability to learn new things. Focus on values that people can bring to their jobs which often guide behaviours.
What is one example of a positive, memorable experience you’ve had in your career?
Having to conduct a mass layoff at a company and then bumping into those same people on the street, only to have them hug you. You truly can lead negative HR initiatives with the utmost kindness and empathy for those affected.
What was one belief you had that you later realized was a myth?
Certified HR leaders are the best HR leaders. Total myth.
Why are you fabulous?
I’m not afraid to try things I’ve never done before. My risk tolerance is my greatest superpower.
Do you have a mantra or quote that inspires you? If so, please share it below.
Never take criticism from people you would never go to for advice.
Where can people find you online? (i.e. links to your website, social media, etc.)
LinkedIn: Christine Song