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Director of people and culture, Nurse Next Door
Age 37
What career highlight are you most proud of?
I am proud of working with Nurse Next Door for the past 13 years and being part of the company’s amazing growth. When I started, Nurse Next Door had 30 franchises in Canada and today we have over 400 franchises spread across Canada, the U.S., Australia and England. An initiative I am particularly proud of is Caregiving as a Career, which is challenging industry norms, ensuring caregivers are respected, valued and well paid. Caregiving as a Career works to ensure caregivers have job security, benefits and guaranteed hours, trusting their employer has their back.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
The toughest yet most liberating lessons have been around my own personal and professional development. Challenging myself to look at how I can set my life up differently as a leader, to work through others. This was difficult at first—I was so accustomed to working hard and doing everything myself. It is a work in progress that is highlighted by opening the door for others and stepping into mentorship versus management. It is amazing to see the learnings that have come about from this change in work both myself and amongst our team.
How do you lead?
I used to think that leadership was about hierarchy and power. Now I know that leadership is quiet. It’s about opening doors for others, boosting up those around you, recognizing the little things and helping others see their own potential.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Relationships always come first. Get to know the people you are doing business with, ask them about themselves and their family. Not only is it much more fun, you will learn alot too.
Best piece of advice ever received?
Listen to your intuition, especially around people.
What is your definition of success?
Success is living a life where you are always striving for excellence, challenging yourself and not settling or allowing for mediocrity.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
I have an amazing husband and three little kids, ages six, four and three. I am constantly balancing being the mom I want to be with growing my career, embracing self care and continuing to generate a beautiful relationship of 15 years. I love to exercise, I have completed two full marathons and around seven half marathons. I plan to continue living an active and full life, everyday!
What’s left to accomplish?
The sky is the limit. I am committed to continuing to nurture Caregiving as a Career and bringing the Nurse Next Door leadership and development framework—bold kindness—to the world. I am always working on myself and how I show up as a leader and plan to do this while supporting the company to expand into new international markets.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
This is a massive honour. I want to thank the whole team at Nurse Next Door as I wouldn’t have recieved this without our collective efforts. This award reflects all the amazing work being done across Nurse Next Door. I also want to thank my husband Chris, who is my teammate everyday and without him none of this would be possible. I am so grateful to my parents who support me no matter what, my amazing kids who inspire me daily and our nanny Tess who is always in our corner and supports me in my journey as a mother.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
When we look at ourselves as 100 per cent responsible for everything in our lives, the journey gets a whole lot more interesting and fun
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
There are so many—organizations I am involved with are JABC, The Forum and YWCA
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
Exercise and walking—workouts at Kondi are my favourite
Favourite place in the province?
Whistler
Favourite restaurant(s)?
Miku and Minami hands down; I’m also a sucker for the Naam
A book or podcast you would recommend?
I love To Be Magnetic, Move With Heart (podcast), Wayne Dyer and Goop
What is your best habit?
Exercising, walking and taking breaks throughout the day to think and reflect
A B.C. business leader you admire?
Cathy Thorpe has been my mentor for over 10 years—I am forever grateful to her and the whole leadership team at Nurse Next Door
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
This year I had the honour of being a surrogate to twins for my best friend—it has been such a gift
