Who or what is responsible for your work ethic?
My mom, dad, memere and pepere. They instilled in me the value of working hard and with purpose, but most importantly they taught me that having integrity matters, and the importance of respect for maintaining trusted relationships, for people from all walks of life and for one’s community.
What is your guilty pleasure?
A pint at an old-fashioned British pub.
What is the best book you would recommend?
21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari.
Now that you are (or are close to) entering your forties, what goals have you set for yourself?
To pay it forward. I’ve been fortunate in my life and career to have had people in my corner — family, friends, teachers and mentors. Not everyone’s had the same opportunities and I have a duty to give back as I continue to grow in my career.
What was your childhood career dream?
“To own Disney.” I loved and wrote a report on Walt Disney and believed this to be an entirely reasonable goal.
Name your happiest place.
This one’s easy — my hometown, Bathurst, New Brunswick. Once a Maritimer, always a Maritimer.
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
Choosing to leave an organization I adored and colleagues that were like family to accept a new challenge and opportunity to grow.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Don’t doubt yourself. Be as confident as what you’re already bringing to the table.
What is your best habit?
Getting up early daily to read the newspaper.
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
I still love to play the piano — anything and everything from Beethoven to Billy Joel and Elton John.’
Best piece of advice ever received?
Listen.
Biggest learning (about life or business) during the pandemic?
The pandemic reinforced my belief that business leaders are playing, and will continue to play, an outsized role in supporting people’s wellbeing.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
From leading Canada’s resource sector’s involvement in the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, to advancing a provincial initiative to bring cell service to B.C.’s Highway of Tears — I’m most proud of bringing people together in partnership to deliver value not only for businesses I’ve worked for, but for people and communities.
