Leadership | Excellence | Achievement | Diversity
As we delve into the empowering journey of Women's LEAD, we are excited to shine a spotlight on remarkable women within our community. Today, we have the privilege of featuring Sandra Choy, Manager, New Accounts at Nicola Wealth.
In our mission to celebrate and uplift women, we reached out to Sandra and asked her to share her unique LEAD experiences. We believe that by highlighting the diverse stories of inspiring women like Sandra, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
What does mental and emotional well-being mean to you, and how do you make it a priority for yourself personally and professionally?
Mental and emotional well-being is crucial for maintaining a healthy and engaged mindset, both in the workplace and in life. For me, it means finding myself in a positive state while staying connected with my team and the tasks at hand. It involves effectively managing the day-to-day challenges and adapting to constant change while still maintaining emotional balance. It also means not allowing minor issues to affect me negatively, so that I am able to think clearly and make sound judgements on details that impact me and my team. Resilience plays a significant role in achieving this well-being.
At the same time, it's essential to recognize when I need to take a break or step away momentarily to recenter myself and clear my mind. Making mental and emotional well-being a priority involves taking deliberate actions to ensure I don't overwork myself. This includes avoiding long hours and consciously allowing myself mental breaks throughout the day. Simple activities like getting up, moving around, and stretching can do wonders for rejuvenation. Even taking a dedicated half-hour to have lunch and decompress can provide much-needed mental relief.
Tell us about a time you experienced excellence – how did you recognize it, and how did it impact you?
For me, excellence means both personal and team achievement. Although I'm still relatively new to the role of manager, I previously worked as part of the New Accounts Team. This firsthand experience allows me to better understand the team's day-to-day challenges, enabling me to share the knowledge and experiences I have gained with them. While for me, team excellence takes precedence over individual success, I believe it is interconnected; when the team demonstrates excellence, it affirms that I am fulfilling my managerial responsibilities effectively. We are all united in our commitment to providing outstanding client service and adhering to shared standards of excellence. For us, this includes being results-driven, collaborative, and supportive. When the team's contributions and performance are recognized, it serves as a testament to everyone's willingness to go the extra mile. Hearing that the team is highly regarded for their expertise gives me a sense of accomplishment.
I have dedicated considerable effort to imparting my knowledge and experiences to the team, and I aspire to continue learning and providing guidance and leadership. My aim is to empower each team member to reach their fullest potential by fostering a conducive learning environment. Hearing positive feedback from the Advisory Services team supports that the New Accounts team is performing effectively, further motivating me to strive for excellence.
How has your understanding of diversity, inclusion, and community evolved in your career?
Raising awareness about diversity and inclusion is of utmost importance. I am fortunate to work in a workplace that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity. As a woman and a visible minority myself, I recognize the significance of knowing that opportunities are available to individuals from all nationalities and backgrounds. It fills me with gratitude to be part of such an environment.
I am sincerely thankful for the recognition I have received for my contributions to the company, which has resulted in my promotion to a manager position.
What advice would you give to emerging leaders on their own leadership journey?
Work hard, maintain an open mind, and always strive to learn as much as possible. Take the opportunity to learn from others. Equally important, do not hesitate to seek assistance when needed. Trying to do everything on your own is not feasible. Stay grounded, show humility, and practice empathy. Foster and maintain resilience. Lastly, stay authentic to your true self.
