Chief growth officer, Spring
Age 36
What career highlight are you most proud of?
There are so many highlights in the work I do supporting founders and investors to create impact at scale—an industry that I did not know even existed prior to 2019. Choosing only one, I’m proud of helping transform Spring in 2020, connecting entrepreneurs with the right tools, resources and funding through in-person programming and convening. We moved our entire organization online, quickly created responsive programming, went national and global to work in every province and more than 20 countries. Not only did we survive and thrive, Spring was set up for significant growth in the subsequent years.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
I’m a firm believer in trusting your gut and believing everything works out the way it’s supposed to. My toughest professional (and personal) decision was moving to Vancouver in 2012, two years after graduating from the University of Manitoba. I was making the choice to leave security and stability to start from scratch in Vancouver—no job, no network, no friends, no family. Twelve years later, with several career pivots and successes, including making Forty under 40, I think it’s worked out pretty well.
How do you lead?
Leadership isn’t solely tied to title or rank, it’s about ownership—for the decisions you make, the actions you take and the outcomes they create. I lead by doing what I say I’m going to do, and I expect the same of the teams I lead. I am a firm believer in hiring passionate people motivated by making an impact, giving them the right tools and conditions to win, then getting out of the way. I also believe that leadership is about momentum and progress; inspiring others to try new things, to change, to lead through tough times.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
My very first boss and mentor has sent me a happy birthday text/email every year for the past 15 years. That has always stood out to me as a significant gesture from someone who should be far too busy to care about something that seems so minor. That was my first lesson in understanding that business is about people. If you care about the people you lead and show them, you’ll go a lot further.
Best piece of advice ever received?
If your intuition tells you yes, follow it because you’ll never know where it will lead you. One of the hardest things about leadership (and life) is making a decision with incomplete or ambiguous information. Even if you have all the data, your gut is what will lead you to the right decision for you and allow you to own it. Other best piece of advice: You meet everyone twice—be kind to them the first time.
What is your definition of success?
I have entered many rooms where I did not feel I belong, so I’m committed to changing that for those walking in the door behind me. I want to create meaningful impact for others who have been overlooked and underestimated. If someone like me sees what I am accomplishing and is inspired to start a business, get venture capital, level up to the leadership team or get voted onto a board, I’ve achieved the impact I set out to create and that is success for me.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
I’m passionate about making the world a better place and when I’m not doing that at work, it all starts with home for me. I’m passionate about showing up and being present for those that are closest to me.
What’s left to accomplish?
I’m just getting started. My personal impact thesis is creating rooms where people like me belong: Creating the next generation of impact leaders, moving the needle on access to capital, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, elevating overlooked groups into leadership positions—there is so much more work to do. There is also a lot of progress happening in the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem and I’m excited to help Vancouver, and Canada as a whole, continue to find its unique and important place in the global startup stage.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
My husband is our foundation; I’m the dreamer. He is my biggest cheerleader in all my seemingly crazy ideas. My three-year-old son who teaches me to be a better human every day. My parents, who instilled in me that you need to fill your own cup before you can fill others’. My brother and my sister-in-law and nieces that alway remind me what’s most important in life. My mentors, advisors and especially my co-CEOs, who have cleared a path and continue to support me on my leadership journey.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
Be open to try anything once—you’ll never know where it will lead. Good things happen when you show up and work hard
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
I’m currently active with the Azrieli Foundation and Queen’s Alumni executive branch; I have also volunteered and mentored for organizations supporting women and underrepresented groups
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
Quality time is my love language; spending time with my family and friends is how I de-stress. Also, getting outside as much as possible
Favourite place in the province?
Jericho Beach where I can see the ocean, mountains and downtown Vancouver intersect; representative of all the reasons I moved and stayed in Vancouver
Favourite restaurant(s)?
I have too many favourites to pick one, but my recommendation go-tos are Phnom Penh, Cafe Medina, Yugo, Elisa Steakhouse, Miku
A book or podcast you would recommend?
Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, masterclass in interviewing; Range by David Epstein, the book that got me to embrace being an expert generalist
What is your best habit?
Every meeting needs a purpose—”no agenda, no attenda”—and time-blocking my calendar
A B.C. business leader you admire?
Keith Ippel and Caroline von Hirschberg, co-CEOs of Spring. It is not easy leading an organization working at the intersection of impact, economic prosperity and innovation
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
I was a 4th Dan black belt in Taekwondo (World Taekwondo Federation) and competed and coached at the provincial and national level
