hr influencer
First job: I was a volunteer at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.
My first paid work was as a cashier at Sporting Life in Toronto.
Childhood ambition: To be a concert pianist. That did not come
to fruition!
Best boss and why: I had three very inspirational female bosses
during my almost 13 years with HBC: Sheila Rider, Christine
Foote and Jennifer Pierce. I’m still in touch with all three of
them, and I consider them mentors. They shone because they
gave feedback openly, honestly and frequently. They also really
pushed me to be my best but gave me total autonomy to do
my own thing, while promoting life outside work. Then, there’s
my current boss. I report to the CEO, Bruce Dinan, and he’s my
first non-HR boss. I’ve learned a lot from him; he’s a people-focused
CEO who gives a lot of freedom to his team.
Current source of inspiration: That’s easy; it’s my mom. She’s
the kindest and most giving person. She is an inspiration to everyone
who knows her.
Best piece of advice you ever got: Learn to operate in the grey,
and to be fearless in all that I do or want to do.
Favourite music: I’ll probably be on my own planet with this
one! I truly love real ‘90s dance music. Think Dance Mix ‘92
and ‘93, as well as ‘90s hip-hop.
Last book you read: I’m always reading a business book and
a fun book. My business book is Being Strategic by Erika
Andersen. And, for interest more than fun, I just finished
Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter. If you’re thinking of going
gluten-free, this book will ensure you do!
How you spend your time away from work: I spend as much
time with my family as possible. I have an amazing husband
and two boys, aged seven and four. I serve as a board member
of White Ribbon, the world’s largest movement of men and
boys working to end violence against women and girls. I also
contribute to the boards of Eva’s Initiatives and Big Brothers
Big Sisters of Canada. I have a busy schedule, but it’s all fun
and my husband makes it all possible!
IN A NUTSHELL
HRPATODAY.CA ❚ SEPTEMBER 2015 ❚ 43
