Why RioCan has been right for me for 25 years

This week marked my 25th anniversary at RioCan. To put this in perspective, when I joined the company in 1994, Jean Chrétien was Canada’s Prime Minister, The Blue Jays were repeat World Series Champions and e-commerce launched with the very first online transaction. Throughout the years, I’ve been asked why I’ve chosen to stay with one company for my entire career. While it doesn’t feel like a long time – and RioCan certainly isn’t the same company as it was when I started – this week has made me reflect on what I have looked for in a career, and why I’ve remained at RioCan for this long.

Drive and ambition are fostered. My career is almost unrecognizable from when I started at RioCan (then known as Counsel Management Services Incorporated) as an Investment Analyst. Since then, I have become the first and only head of Asset Management, learned to weather the changes in my field and the industry at large, and have assumed oversight of several departments outside my core skillset. RioCan’s culture of constant change has presented unique challenges, opportunities and increasing responsibilities that have made me more dynamic and continually engaged in my work. My story is just one example of how with drive, ambition and the initiative to take advantage of available knowledge and support, you can create your own path. As a leader, it’s a reminder of the importance of creating an environment of growth and opportunity to retain top talent.

Taking calculated risks is respected and instincts are trusted. I learned early in my career at RioCan that success does not have a prescribed plan or formula and from day one, our CEO inspired me to accept that there is no perfect solution to any issue. The willingness to leave a dollar on the table in exchange for expediting or achieving certainty on a transaction or to preserve a valued relationship has always been encouraged. Understanding this has given me the confidence to look for new answers, be nimble, and take informed risks. It’s important to have a strategy, but equally as important to be able to pivot to achieve your goals. With this belief embedded in RioCan’s DNA, we are able to overcome challenges, and also learn and grow from them. Driving results is more than knowing your field: it requires socializing problems, knowing when to use different specialties and perspectives, and (often) taking multiple approaches to find the optimal solution. As I developed and grew throughout my career, RioCan’s entrepreneurial spirit taught me to look beyond the obvious, use my instincts and take on more responsibility in new areas.

 Success is viewed more broadly than business results alone. It would be remiss of me not to mention the impact and value of a fulfilling personal life on career success. Achieving a well-rounded life has always been core to RioCan’s culture – even before “work-life balance” became a hot button topic – and our leadership has long promoted the belief that being happy in your personal life will ultimately drive higher performance, and stronger business results. RioCan’s environment has allowed me to excel at work, while still being actively engaged in family and social life. 

Ultimately, I believe that if you love what you do, you will be successful. I consider myself very fortunate to work with a great team of passionate, high-performing, smart people. This, together with the other aspects above, has propelled my career and continually motivates me to work harder and be better.    

As I begin my 26th year at RioCan, I’ve never been more excited about our outlook and future, and I’m looking forward to working alongside the strongest team in the business to continue driving results.