Spotlight on Arthi Spence, Empire's Vice President of Business Solutions

In honour of Women's History Month, we are pleased to highlight the inspiring career journeys of Empire women. Today, we're excited to share Arthi's story and unique perspective on pursuing a fulfilling career while navigating challenges and embracing opportunities along the way.

Arthi shares her inspiring career journey and why she chose a career in IT:

?“With a degree in Business, I immigrated to Canada in 1995 and began exploring additional courses in Information Technology at York University. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for assisting others with technical issues while working part-time as a technical support staff and balancing my responsibilities as a student. Over the past 29 years, I have worked across various industries, leveraging my expertise in both business and IT. Starting my career in front-line support instilled a valuable appreciation for all team members while driving customer-centric initiatives towards organizational success. What truly energizes me about my work is the opportunity to collaborate with users, understand their challenges, and craft solutions to enhance their day-to-day operations. In 2013, I achieved my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, further enhancing my project management skills. This experience reinforced the importance of structure, organization, and efficient resource management for achieving successful project outcomes, skills that have proven invaluable throughout my career.”

Arthi also shares her message for women pursuing careers in the homebuilding industry:

?“I believe women are making remarkable progress in various roles within the home building industry, including architects, engineers, contractors, project managers, and tradespeople. Getting hands-on experience by working on construction sites or engaging in home building projects is a fantastic way to gain practical skills and knowledge. Seeking mentorship from experienced professionals in the industry can provide invaluable guidance and insight into navigating the challenges and opportunities within the field. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth is key, every obstacle presents a chance to learn and improve. With a commitment to continuous improvement and a willingness to learn, success in home building is indeed achievable for everyone.”

?Finally, Arthi discusses the qualities she believes define a good leader:

?“A good leader is forward-thinking, communicates clearly, and cultivates trust and support, they effectively guide their team towards success. A good leader anticipates future challenges and plans accordingly, ensuring the team is well-prepared to tackle obstacles as they arise. Additionally, by actively listening to and learning from their team members, leaders foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. This approach not only enhances teamwork but also maximizes the potential for success.”

Thank you Arthi, for sharing your journey and insights with us!

Look forward to more employee spotlights this month and beyond. We are fortunate to have many incredible employees throughout Empire and any opportunity to highlight them is something we eagerly embrace!

#WomensHistoryMonth #CreatingCommunitiesandExperiencesThatMatter #EmpireExperiences