Mike (Manager, People Development)

What does a normal day in your role look, sound, and feel like? 
A “new normal” day looks a little different but is just as fulfilling as a normal day in the office. New challenges are presented while working in a home office environment but connection with work colleagues, strategic teams and delivering results to meet the objectives of the People Development Strategic Plan remains the goal of each day. 

Working in a home office for the most part is much quieter than working in an office environment so it sounds much different than it used to. For me, it’s important to connect with work colleagues on video and phone calls every day to continue to innovate and build-on ideas and concepts to continuously improve the City’s services and programs.

What is your story? How did you get to where you are now? 
I started out as a BCIT Marketing Grad (Sales and Marketing in Tourism). I started my career in sport tourism with Tourism Burnaby (2007-2009) then applied to the City of Richmond to help the City open the Sport Hosting Office (2009-2014). I was then seconded from my sport hosting role into the City’s leadership development program in the Corporate Programs Management Group (CPMG). Working out of the CAO’s Office on strategic corporate projects taught me a lot about the organization and elevated my leadership skills (2014-2018). I was then fortunate to work with a great team as the Manager, Customer Service (2018-2019) which led me to discovering the wonderful world of Human Resources when I applied to be the Manager, People Development (2019-present). 

It’s been a non-traditional route into Human Resources but it’s a route that I wouldn’t change for anything. The City offered many opportunities I would have never received at any other organization…for that I am grateful and look forward to growing my career further in the coming years.

What parts of your work inspire you? 
Working with my colleagues on the HR team and around the organization. Whether we are working in a virtual environment or at the office, the work ethic, creativity and passion of our City staff team is incredible and is a source of inspiration for me every day.

What advice would you give your Grade 9 self?

• Be curious and ask questions – this will help bring clarity to what you are interested in and passionate about.
• Talk to people in the industry – don’t be afraid to reach out to people who are in careers you are interested in. Almost everyone is receptive to you reaching out and you can gain so much knowledge from a quick conversation.
• Pay it forward – when you are established in your own career, be sure to think back when you were in Grade 9 and support those that will follow in your footsteps.

Any words of encouragement for today's Grade 9 students? 
Have fun…Grade 9 is a great time to be with your friends, learn something new everyday and be open to new ideas!