Career Spotlight | 5 questions to Christine Gionet

Christine Gionet | Consumer Affairs Coordinator, Nissan Canada Inc.

1)??How did you find your way to where you are today? Share a little about your professional journey.

?For 13 years, I worked in the life insurance field with Canada Life (formerly London Life). I was fortunate enough to grow my skills in a multitude of different roles – supporting customer care, assisting Financial Advisors in the Freedom 55 office, completing complex policy changes, and finally, implementing compliance.

?My father was a successful small business owner for most of his career as an Optician, and I was always inspired by his bold approach to business, his unique taste in frames, and all the connections he made in our small community in New-Brunswick. So, after working in compliance for a couple of years, I took a big leap of faith, left stability behind, and opened my own plus-size clothing store called Renegade!

My goal was to have a safe and comfortable space for individuals to shop, where they felt accepted, celebrated, and empowered to be their true selves – oh, and of course there was rad fashion to go along with their newly found confidence! The motto in our diverse and vibrant community was, and still is… Be Bold! Be Unique! Be a Renegade! ?

Another quote that rings true is?"The secret of success in every field is redefining what success means to you." – RuPaul. It’s not always about the title or the financial rewards - with Renegade, I felt successful because my actions made an impact and I was surrounded by incredible people every single day.

?I eventually found my way to Nissan Canada as a vendor employee at the end of 2018 then in the fall of 2021, I was excited to join Nissan Canada as an official full time employee! I have been leading and supporting the escalation teams for the Customer Care Centre ever since. ?

?2)??What was the best advice you have received? What would you tell someone starting out in their career?

?Be Bold in your approach by taking risks, trying unfamiliar tasks, taking classes, volunteering for new projects, being proactive.

?Be Unique by showcasing your skills, your vibrant personality, and your charisma. There is only one YOU in this world – let others get to know the best version of you.

?Be a Renegade by challenging the status quo, networking with teams/departments outside of your own, participating in extra curricular activities/committees at work.

?3)???What are you absolutely passionate about that you bring to work with you every day?

?Simply, it is my desire to help and support others!

?It has been wonderful to be part of the culture shift at Nissan, where the customer journey is truly top of mind for everyone in the organization. The core of all my work experience has been focused on providing positive experiences for others – be it a customer, a colleague, a business partner, a vendor. So, being part of this change within Nissan really drives me to put my best foot forward and to drive progress.?

?4)??What would your advice be to someone who is afraid of failure, starting over in their careers or perhaps bouncing back from as setback?

?Failure is not the end-result – it’s an opportunity to dust yourself off and try again. Only this time, you are equipped with more knowledge, understanding, and a drive to get it right!

I have had several new career beginnings in the last 22 years, and I see each one as a learning experience and an opportunity to let my various skills shine. Instead of facing new challenges or opportunities with nerves or fear, I try to empower myself to showcase the qualities I bring to the table and allow the rest to fall into place.

Trust the magic of new beginnings, be confident in yourself, and your value will translate into success wherever you land!

?5)???What are some exciting projects you worked on, events you participated in or teams that you are a part of that help drive your employee experience and make you proud to be at Nissan Canada??What makes this a Great Place to Work in your perspective?

?As a newer member of the Gay Straight Alliance at Nissan (GSAN) and am inspired by the team’s dedication to the LGBTQ+ community though education, awareness, and allyship. I cannot wait to see what GSAN will have in store in the future.?

?What I love about Nissan Canada is that you can truly feel the passion that runs through the organization at all levels. There is a drive for change and innovation, a constant focus on diversity and inclusion, and a level of engagement and support that I have never truly experienced in an organization before.