Ten years ago, when I graduated, I was happy managing a family-owned business; I was not really looking for another job. However, my family encouraged me to use my university degree so, with a referral from a university friend who passed along my resume, I secured my first role as a part-time hourly supervisor for Sodexo at a 250-bed long-term care home in Vancouver, Canada.

Seven months in, I was ready to take on more responsibilities. I took on the role of general manager in foodservices of a smaller scale long-term care facility, and then went on to become the general manager for Vancouver’s largest long-term care home.

During my first years with Sodexo, I was extremely proud of how quickly I was growing professionally. I was continuously receiving support from leaders I looked up to and I started, for the first time, to visualize how my career could potentially develop.

Sodexo had helped me to grow from an hourly-paid supervisor with no management experience to a general manager at one of our biggest healthcare sites in the area. I thought: “The sky’s is the limit…”

Balancing professional and personal growth

For a long time, I was extremely focused on my professional growth… I was worried about losing everything I had worked hard to achieve by becoming a mom. And this fear was quickly replaced with relief when I realized that your career can last a long time; having a family can be part of the journey and help you advance in both realms.

Sodexo has really helped me to see that I can be successful at work, while also being a mom. One does not negate the other. Quite the reverse; they complement each other. I became a mom of twins, took a year of maternity leave and came back ready to conquer the world.

That’s when I took on one of my most memorable roles:  as an HR manager supporting British Columbia and Alberta. Having previously held operations roles, I was able to develop a new set of skills, including strategic thinking and patience, as well as a network of connections to leaders who continue to inspire me.

Seven months later, a district manager position came up in the British Columbia Health Authorities segment and, with a growing list of skills under my belt, I took on the role!  Another important milestone in my career with Sodexo.

Sometimes, timing and being the perfect fit for a role take time to collide; it’s like two pieces of a complex puzzle. I had previously applied for several district manager roles and did not get them…but when accepting the role with the British Columbia Health Authorities, I realized with patience and time, you can nourish your resume, explore different roles and expose yourself to challenges, until the right opportunity arises.

Breaking barriers and getting out of my comfort zone

My latest career move has been to take on the role of resident district manager, supporting Manitoba and Ontario sites in a completely different part of Sodexo’s business – energy and mining.  This is a field that used to sound so unfamiliar to me, but now marks a new chapter in my Sodexo book. It’s a fresh start I am extremely grateful for this new opportunity.

I think one of the reasons why I’ve accepted this new challenge, is my competitive spirit. A few years ago, the energy and mining segment was exclusively a man’s world. However, resilient women leaders such as Kirsten Godbout for example, are breaking these stereotypes and inspiring others, including me, to do the same. By breaking barriers and getting out of our comfort zones, we can achieve great things and help Sodexo progress.

A particular project I’m excited about is with one of our indigenous partners to build a food production facility in northern Manitoba, with the goal of providing healthy sustainable food to the indigenous community, while offering educational courses on food sovereignty and food security. It involves working hand-in-hand with the indigenous community and learning from them, while offering our support for collective growth.

Proud to be a ‘Sodexo lifer’

The various learning opportunities Sodexo has offered me throughout my career have been incredibly valuable. Participating in a mentoring program, attending industry conferences, and continuously being trusted and supported by leaders who have inspired me, have all helped me to become a leader who can impact and inspire others. I am incredibly proud of being what I love to call a Sodexo Lifer.

The team spirit, being part of a people company, the flexibility and work-life balance and, most importantly, the trust and safe spaces created, have all helped me to develop my career and continue my personal growth journey. It’s about giving back what has been gifted me…Success.

Find out more about a career at Sodexo! Sodexo Canada

This article was created by Jennifer Tse, district manager, Sodexo Canada