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“I grew up in nature,” says Tonya Lagrasta, head of ESG for Colliers Real Estate Management Services in Canada. “From a young age I understood the social contract between people, animals and plants. I knew the true source of the water I drank was not the kitchen faucet.
“These fundamental concepts shaped a world view that, in turn, shaped my life’s big passion. So when I was trying to figure out, as a young adult, what I should pursue for my post-secondary degree – my parents hoped I would study law or medicine – I decided to let my passion lead the way. That’s how I came to environmental studies and geography at York University in Toronto.
“Shortly after graduating, I landed a six-month contract with a company whose parent organization was in Europe. At a time when most businesses were still trying to build a business case for sustainability, this company had already integrated environmentally and socially conscious practices into its decision-making.
“I had found my elusive unicorn – a profitable enterprise where sustainability and business concepts were connected and aligned.”
Read more from Ms. Lagrasta on how to find a job that aligns with your passion yet pays the bills.
Manulife’s Frances Donald is no dismal scientist
Around Valentine’s Day, the chief economist for Manulife Investment Management used her Twitter account to share a poem she’d penned: “Roses are red/Violets are blue/Central banks will say they are ‘reducing demand’/When really they are trying to unemploy you.” That tweet goes a long way to explain both the popularity of Frances Donald’s Twitter feed and how she views her role in the national economic conversation.
Canada’s youngest chief economist when she was appointed by Manulife in 2019 at age 33, Ms. Donald is a demystifier. She wants to punch holes in the intimidating walls that separate regular people from the financial systems and decisions that affect them. To that end, she keeps up a steady back-and-forth on social media and makes regular appearances on all the financial TV networks that matter, both in Canada and the United States.
In her everyday job, she promotes the value of diverse perspectives in economic decision making, and she’s ready and eager to question the status quo.
Read the full article for Ms. Donald’s views on the market complacency, inflation and her worries about Canada’s economy.
How do I ‘do’ retirement and find the recipe for a happy, fulfilling life?
“I am now part of a group in society that I hadn’t realized I was joining. I’m one of the recently retired, mixing with the longer-time retired,” says Joyce White, who shares her experience of swimming in the local public pool with other retirees. “The older and sometimes grey-haired women in the changing rooms see me as one of them, which has come as a mild shock. But really, it’s my problem!
“The transition to retirement is meant to be a move to the promised land of travel and relaxation – well, to coffee and a muffin at the coffee shop any time of day, at least. Friends assured me that I would find it might take all morning just to read the paper, and that this is okay. That part is sometimes true, but I’m finding the journey to building a schedule and continuing to find purpose as I start retired life takes some effort.”
Read more of Ms. White’s thoughts on adjusting to life as a retiree.
In case you missed it
Why after-work drinks aren’t so fun for everyone
The local bar has long been the default setting for casual networking in many Canadian workplaces.
The act of gathering at a bar or restaurant to consume alcohol is often seen as a way for employees and their bosses to bond, chat and get to know one another outside the pressures of the job.
But for women and other marginalized groups, this common social practice is not always inclusive.
For Tala Abu Hayyaneh, a Calgary-based millennial working in the public sector, the presumed participation in drinking culture has resulted in uncomfortable situations. As a Muslim woman, Ms. Abu Hayyaneh recalls the social pressure to conform that occurred during her first employee work retreat post-pandemic lockdowns.
“At first, I started self-blaming, thinking I was putting obstacles in my way to connect. But everyone was drinking and talking about things I couldn’t necessarily relate to,” she says.
Read the full article.
Workplace clashes: How to deal when you can’t stand a colleague
Andrea Anders’s public relations career was soaring when she took her next step on the corporate ladder: a senior leadership role for a multinational public relations firm. She was thrilled about the new gig, but one issue tarnished the experience. She was having recurring clashes with one of her team members.
The conflict surfaced in team meetings, one-on-one conversations and e-mail, says Ms. Anders. The team member was “combative, loud, aggressive, impatient with junior staff, dominating and uncensored,” she says.
Looking back at the situation now, Ms. Anders recognizes her own role in the clashes. She says she was put off by the way her team member communicated and didn’t try to understand her different working style.
“My inability to manage her effectively led her to quit,” says Ms. Anders, who now runs her own PR firm. “She tearfully told me that on her last day.”
Read the full article.
Ask Women and Work
Question: I’m eager to expand my professional network, but I don’t know a lot of people in my industry and my employer doesn’t provide any networking opportunities. I’m interested in joining a professional association but I’m not sure where to start. How do I find the right kind of association that will be a good fit for me and will help with career advancement?
We asked Tracy Folkes Hanson, president & CEO of CSAE (Canadian Society of Association Executives), to field this one:
Kudos on your decision to find an association you can join. By their very definition, associations bring people together. They are the convenors of people and the providers of professional development, all while making a positive impact on the communities they serve. As you can imagine, there is an association for every industry, profession, business and trade. So, you will definitely be able to find your people.
The best place to start is within your own industry, profession or sector. Think in terms of your expectations. Do the features offered to members translate into benefits and value for you and your career goals? Make a list of associations that fall within your parameters and do a web search. Explore what the association has to offer in terms of professional development and essential education.
Associations are in place to ensure best practices and current standards. If you are interested in advancing your career, you will want to consider organizations that offer professional credentialing and designations. For example, CSAE offers the Certified Association Executive designation to association leaders and professionals. You will also want to determine if the resources available are easily accessible and beneficial to your work.
Networking is a common purpose of many associations. The last few years have engendered myriad ways to connect and grow your network. Consider if there are opportunities for your involvement, such as micro-volunteering.
Many associations offer mentorship opportunities. I have had the opportunity to experience both sides of the mentoring equation and I have found it rewarding to help empower the next generation of association professionals. Equally important is the support, wisdom and guidance I have received from my mentors throughout my career.
Before you make your final decision about which association to join, check out an event, look at their programming and services, speak with their membership services and a few members. Try it on for size to make sure it is the best place for you to grow, learn and network with other like-minded individuals.
Then, once you join, jump in and avail yourself of everything on offer. Find ways to get involved. You’ll be glad you did.
Content from The Globe’s weekly Women and Work newsletter, part of The Globe’s Women’s Collective. To subscribe, click here.
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