I am a people and culture executive who has been around the block in terms of working through business ups and downs as well as having worked in a variety of industries. I wear multiple ‘hats’ on any given day and love the variety my role provides.
What do you want our readers to know about you?
All the bio stuff is out there on LinkedIn, so I guess on a personal note I’ve got a quirky sort of humor and love the jokes that make people groan. I try to surround myself with people who don’t bullshit but deliver their thoughts and feedback with a degree of EQ, and I’m a total introvert which I know is a little odd for someone who does what I do – but I really get energy from those one to one conversations and diving deep – not as the life of the party.
What would you like to see more of in the workplace?
I’d like to see people (and senior leaders especially) be more vulnerable in the workplace, not in a really polished and crafted message sort of way, but in a real and authentic way. I think vulnerability can happen in many ways from things like acknowledging the ‘oh shit, I just did/said something that I can see made you uncomfortable, I’m really sorry, can we talk about it?’ to someone saying ‘I really don’t know the answer to that question and I think I should, so let me take it away’ to sharing their own mistakes and lessons learned. If we crack open this veneer of ‘I must look capable and perfect at all times’ we can create deep and honest connections with the people around us.
What characteristics and/or qualities do you admire in the women you work with?
The women who advocate for themselves and others – whether it be lifting another person up when they’re down, to knowing their worth and owning it, and so much more.
What advice did you wish you were given earlier in your career?
I wish someone told me to follow the really good managers; those people who not only inspire and lift you up but who also push you to take a leap – even when you don’t think you’re ready (but they know you can do it). Those people are not easy to find!
How do you think COVID has changed the workplace for women?
I think we’re still waiting to see the full impact of COVID19 across the workplace and each person’s experience will differ, but from a people and culture perspective building out equitable experiences and not putting anyone at a disadvantage is top of mind.
What is one example of a positive, memorable experience you’ve had in your career?
When I started with the Blue Jays several years ago, walking on the field for the first time on my first day was this moment of awe – talk about an onboarding experience!
What was one belief you had that you later realized was a myth?
Believing that to gain credibility you always had to know the answer or to be right.
What advice do you have for other women who inspire leadership roles?
Find someone who will advocate for you in the room when you’re not there – these decisions happen behind closed doors and a person who will sponsor and push for you is priceless.
Why are you fabulous?
I don’t know that I am! But, I do think I have a set of ‘unique to me’ experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today 🙂
Do you have a mantra or quote that inspires you?
I had ‘You’ve got this’ engraved on a cuff and I wear it to meetings when I need that little extra something!
Where can people find you online?