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Managing partner, Talk Shop Media
Age 39
What career highlight are you most proud of?
I take immense pride in having helped shape and shift Talk Shop over the past 13 years. Being part of the business since day one has been an incredible adventure, allowing me to contribute to the growth of the largest independently owned agency in Western Canada and build a business that now spans North America. A particularly meaningful moment was becoming an owner in 2019, right after my second maternity leave. This experience reinforced my belief that starting a family should not equate to a slowdown in one’s career and instead can fuel ambition and drive.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
I’ve learned that the toughest decisions usually have to do with people. Working with and building up a great team is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be heart-wrenching. Whether navigating conflict or making tough calls, these moments require deep empathy and clarity. I’ve learned that leadership means prioritizing open communication and fostering trust, even when the choices are difficult. Ultimately, my responsibility is to make decisions that are best for the business while ensuring that everyone feels respected and valued throughout the process.
How do you lead?
One of the tenets of our leadership philosophy at Talk Shop is to lead from the frontlines. To me, that demonstrates the servant-style leadership that is central to our agency and reflected across our entire leadership team. In my view, leadership means serving others—actively listening, fostering collaboration and creating an environment where everyone feels valued so we can all thrive.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Change is constant and everything is cyclical. Don’t get too compliant and always be moving forward. Clients will come and go, team will transition and new challenges will arise unexpectedly. Recognizing and trying to embrace this has helped me better navigate uncertainty.
Best piece of advice ever received?
“Perfection is the enemy of great” is sage advice given to me by one of my business partners. As a recovering perfectionist, I’ve spent a lot of time in recent years recognizing how unattainable ideals can stunt progress and creativity. Embracing this mindset has allowed me to focus on making meaningful strides rather than getting bogged down by the pursuit of perfection.
What is your definition of success?
To me, success is directly tied to growth. Not growth in terms of numbers, revenue or business size, but the personal growth that comes from setting ambitious goals, relentlessly pursuing them and learning from failures along the way. If this past year has taught me one thing, finding joy in the process and celebrating the small victories is what makes it all worthwhile.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
My family and dear friends.
What’s left to accomplish?
Lots more. We recently opened our first U.S. office in California and have plans to expand east.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
My business partners Beth Boyle, Katie Dunsworth-Reiach and Sara Padidar for serving as the most incredible professional and personal mentors over the past 13 years. Having a network of inspiring women who balance business and motherhood has been inspiring to say the least.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
“What an interesting life it is to be a leader”—Warren Bennis
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
Special Olympics BC is an organization that’s meant a lot to my family—it’s an honour to give back as part of the board
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
Getting in nature any way possible—be it hiking or skiing in my backyard on the North Shore, or a morning walk around the neighbourhood
Favourite place in the province?
The Okanagan—I have many fond memories of family trips as a kid and have tried to continue the tradition with my children and friends
Favourite restaurant(s)?
Como Taperia for amazing wine, tapas and atmosphere
A book or podcast you would recommend?
I am a devout listener of Scott Galloway: Pivot, Prof G and his weekend listen No Mercy / No Malice
What is your best habit?
Waking up before 6 a.m. —it is the one time of day where the only person that requires my attention is me
A B.C. business leader you admire?
I admire the impact Bob Rennie has had on our city, policy and the community at large
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
While working in events, I was once tasked with transporting the prosthetic Benjamin Button head
