Chief restaurant officer, Earls Kitchen + Bar
Age 37
What career highlight are you most proud of?
I am most proud that I have embraced the transition to parenthood as a way to elevate my career, instead of hinder it. I successfully interviewed for a vice-president role when I was six months pregnant, returned from maternity leave just in time for the “second” wave of COVID and started my role as a chief restaurant officer with a barely four-year-old at home. I truly believe there’s no better crash course in leadership than parenthood, for both women and men, and these two realms can benefit each other greatly.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
My toughest decisions have always been, and I believe will continue to be, those that revolve around people. Often these decisions are easy to make, but challenging to execute. I value every single person that works on my team, and ending relationships is one of the hardest things.
How do you lead?
My leadership comes from a place of both strength and empathy. This means connecting with my team personally while confidently holding firm boundaries. I constantly encourage healthy debate and challenges, as I believe this fosters growth and is what pushes myself, my team and the organization forward.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Every person on your team is a representation of you and your standards. This was a hard lesson for me to learn, especially when I was young and bold and loved to argue that I was right. Fast forward 15 years, and this statement and belief is so clear to me.
Best piece of advice ever received?
You can’t read other people’s minds. Don’t expect them to be able to read yours.
What is your definition of success?
To me, success is the feeling of true, peaceful fulfillment. It includes being fully present to what you have or continue to contribute to your family, your teams, your industry and your community. It includes knowing your worth, being proud of how you live your life, and feeling confident in what you will continue to offer to those around you.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
I am passionate about experiencing life and what the world has to offer. This can be as simple as a live comedy show (one of my guilty pleasures) or travelling to new places in the world. My family is constantly on the go, and I love that I get to expose my daughter to so many places, experiences and adventures.
What’s left to accomplish?
So much. Every year brings new adventures and new challenges. I truly believe that you can continue to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, each year as long as you are open to it. I am in awe of how much I have accomplished thus far in life, and look forward to reflecting at the end of every decade on my new accomplishments.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
You got this. It is so simple, yet so powerful, especially when I’m the one saying it to myself
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
Women in leadership, especially in the hospitality industry—the mentorship and teaching programs I am involved in bring me so much joy
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
I love to decompress alone—there is something so peaceful about slowing down my thoughts without anyone or anything interjecting
Favourite place in the province?
I have such profound happy memories in Victoria and Kelowna—I love reigniting these feelings with annual visits
Favourite restaurant(s)?
Earls of course! When I’m not at an Earls, you can find me at any authentic Italian restaurant
A book or podcast you would recommend?
The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
What is your best habit?
Sleep—I can sleep anywhere, anytime and for as long as I want. I love sleep and know it’s importance for a healthy life
A B.C. business leader you admire?
I am so grateful to get to spend quality time with Stan Fuller—he is a brilliant businessman and has been a mentor to me
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
I have a bachelor of science with a major in mathematics—not the typical accolade for someone in hospitality
