My career has taken many turns, some planned, some completely unexpected, each one shaping who I am today, both personally and professionally.
I started out as a chemical engineer, where I loved the challenge of finding practical solutions, and this passion led me into leadership roles in the manufacturing sector where I focused on improving processes and efficiency. It was in these roles that I began managing larger teams and operations, and I discovered how much I enjoyed leading others and making strategic decisions to bring out the best in people and systems.
Then came a big, unexpected shift— an opportunity to move into post-secondary education. This wasn’t part of my original plan, but it became clear to me how much impact education has, not just on individuals but on industries and communities as a whole. I started as a dean, where I could share my experience with future leaders and guide them through their own development. From there, I took on roles as vice-president – academic, balancing academic and operational leadership, which ultimately led to my current position as president of Lethbridge Polytechnic.
If you had told me earlier in my career that I would end up here, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But every stage of my journey has taught me something valuable, helping me grow from a technical problem-solver to a strategic leader with a broader vision. My story is a testament to the power of education, adaptability and staying open to opportunities, even when they aren’t what you expect. Whether it’s optimizing processes and systems or building connections and relationships with people, I’ve found that every experience builds on the last.
What I’ve learned is to let your journey unfold naturally. Have a plan but be open to the unexpected, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You never know where those opportunities might lead, but they’ll always take you somewhere meaningful.
