What was your last career change?  

After 14 years as CAO for IT, I moved to the Modernization Project on a temporary assignment as CAO and Finance Lead for the Workday project.

What made it successful?

Like any change in life, the people you surround yourself with make all the difference.  From my peers in my previous position to the leadership team in the new position, they both made the transition much smoother for me and I am grateful.  Also, the fact that my career change was within the same employer made things easier.  

What was the biggest challenge in adapting to your new role?

The change was quite easy for me since I knew almost everyone in the new team.  One of the challenges was transitioning to project mode from being in operational mode for 14 years.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career change?

Career changes can always be scary, like many changes.  However, if you don’t take the leap, you will never know what is on the other side of the fence.  The decision may not always be the best one, but if you make it a learning experience you will come out of it a better person in every case.

How can colleagues help someone transition into their new responsibilities?

I feel the best way for colleagues to help is to be patient, listen and explain things in detail when a question is asked.  It is always helpful to give the whole story.  It is something I do with new people I encounter, and they have always found it helpful.

What do you look forward to in your day?

Being part of the Workday implementation, I look forward to working with the team in configuring, testing, and documenting the process with the ultimate goal of improving user experience and standardizing processes across the organization.

If you were a chocolate bar, which one would you be?

Crunchie.  Not because I can make a personal link with this candy bar but more because it is my favourite.  I also love Reese’s peanut butter cups… now I am craving some!

What ingredient should never be found on a pizza?  

Alfredo sauce.  I have seen it on some menus and can’t imagine…

What three items would you bring if you were shipped to a deserted island?

My iPhone for sure.  It is always within arm’s reach.  Second, it is not an item, but I would bring my spouse for companionship.  Finally, sunscreen for obvious reasons.