INNOVATION November-December 2017

Tell me a bit about your background and how you chose engineering? I did well in all my courses at high school, but it wasn’t until a couple of teachers encouraged me to consider pursuing a technical degree that I considered engineering. It was a bit of a surprise—I always assumed I would study social science, or business. By my third year at Western, there were only five or six of us taking the core materials engineering courses. I benefited greatly from being part of such a small group. If a concept was difficult we could ask more questions in class, and we had much more time in the lab than other students. It was in those classes that things started to click, and I understood the value of learning as a team. What professional accomplishments give you the most satisfaction and why? While I have some personal accomplishments, it’s investing in people, and seeing them engaged and performing, that I find to be most satisfying. This comes from a place of knowing that there are always people who can perform a task better than me, and so what I can do is clear the way for them—remove roadblocks, source tools, and ask questions to give them the space to do their best work. The presidency of Engineers and Geoscientists BC is a significant commitment of time and effort. Why take on the role? I was brought up in a family that believed in giving back to the community. My mother is a serial volunteer. She started as a trustee on our local library board, and then served on provincial and national

In your candidacy statement you mentioned, “regulation is evolving and our relationship with stakeholders requires us to respond to concerns and adopt a risk-based professional regulation.” What areas within the association do you feel deserve the most attention at this time? Our world is changing, and we must accept that the practices that worked in the last century may not work in the future. Council is very aware of changes in Canada’s regulatory landscape, and that there are opportunities to improve how we perform our mandate. In September, Council passed a motion to engage a regulatory expert to audit our processes and make recommendations on how we can improve. Subsequently, the government initiated a review of the Professional Reliance Model, which will include an audit of Engineers and Geoscientists BC processes. Audit is an important component of professional practice, and we welcome the opportunity to have the perspective of both the government and regulatory experts. Regulation is both proactive and reactive. We offer tools and outreach to engage new members, ensure they are prepared to practise, and provide opportunities to maintain their performance throughout their careers. But we also need to have a fair and balanced process to react when a member fails to perform. Our approach must be consistent with the risk posed both by our professions as a group, and by each individual practitioner. We will continue to work with our practice-focused committees, in addition to the review of corporate practice through our Corporate Practice Task Force. j

boards. She has been a member of our town council, the YWCA board, and still organizes significant community events. She is a role model for service. When there is an opportunity and ability to offer your service, then it is a privilege to give back. I get a lot back as well, such as the opportunity to learn from the skills and perspectives of those around the Council table. I am quite passionate about the next generation of engineers and geoscientists, and this role gives me a bigger platform from which to reinforce opportunities for women in the professions. What can you contribute to leadership of the association? When I spoke at the AGM, I said I wanted to be a partner—to members, to Council, to the association. You have to be able to remove your ego and allow people to show what they can do, and then drive those ideas to reach a solution. I can be a champion of governance, a clear communicator, and provide an inclusive space to engage respectfully and openly. We have outstanding people on Council, staff, and over 1,400 volunteers—the best way I can contribute is to clear the way for them to do great work. This position is bigger than just one person. We solve problems as a team, and everyone is equal. We are open to the ideas of others and supportive of them. Council isn’t just about a president or vice president, it is a collective of 17 people making the best decisions for all stakeholders. This concept extends to the rest of my life as well; I wouldn’t be able to do this without an extremely supportive and understanding partner at home.

PERSONALLY SPEAKING HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? Collaborative. I prefer to engage with a team and collaborate, and my communications style is informal and direct. I try to communicate clearly, and then focus on listening. WHAT IS YOUR WORKPLACE STYLE? In the workplace, I am low-key. I like to talk directly with people at all levels, dig into a problem, understand it, and then get it done. WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY? John Le Carré said, “A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world.” You need to get out there to really understand a situation. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO DURING YOUR FREE TIME? My husband, Joe, and I like to get outside, either on bikes, on the snow, or trail running. I try to do at least one race every year, and spent this past winter in the West Kootenays skiing. When it’s raining in the city I look forward to getting out in the snowy mountains, and when it’s not raining I ride my bike to meetings and errands. I love the efficiency of travelling by bike, and have even rebuilt a couple of old bikes.

I N N O V A T I O N

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

1 7