My reflection as a people leader

As my 8-year journey at Sun Life draws to a close, I find myself reflecting deeply on my experiences, accomplishments, and the connections I have gained.

When I joined SL, our UX team was essentially a start-up within an enterprise. We fought to establish ourselves in an environment where budget and timelines dominated conversations. Today, I'm leaving behind a mature UX practice where Business and Design stand as equal partners in product development — a culture built on collaboration and mutual respect across disciplines.

This transformation didn't happen overnight. It was driven by processes, frameworks, and equally important, it was built by people. What excites me most isn't just our collective achievements, but witnessing each individual shine in their own way. Being part of their success stories remains one of my greatest professional rewards.

Genuine Investment in People

My approach to leadership has always been rooted in a fundamental curiosity about people. Just as I might wonder about strangers on a busy sidewalk—their journeys, their challenges, their experiences—I've applied that same curiosity to understanding my team members deeply.

Over my decade in people management, I've learned that while clear objectives, success criteria, and strong metrics matter, they're secondary to having an engaged and supported team. The foundation of quality output is always people.

Investment Mindset

Don't underestimate the power of being fully invested in each team member. It's not just about knowing their names or remembering birthdays - it's about understanding what truly drives them. What gets them excited to tackle a challenging project? What career aspirations keep them motivated? These insights have become the foundation of how I approach leadership.

Understanding Individual Motivations

Knowing what makes each person uncomfortable is just as valuable as knowing what motivates them. These boundaries tell me where growth opportunities exist to help tailor my approach and provide the right level of challenge and support to each individual.

The Reciprocal Nature of Success

There is a reciprocal relationship between supporting my team and achieving collective success. When I invest genuinely in my team members' development and well-being, they consistently go above and beyond expectations. Their willingness to shine brighter isn't just beneficial for them - it creates a rising tide that lifts our entire team.

Key Lessons

• Their success truly is my success - celebrating individual achievements has become as important as hitting team targets

• Effective management requires intentionality - understanding each person takes deliberate effort and ongoing attention

• Trust builds exponentially - when team members feel supported, they become more willing to take risks and innovate

This journey has taught me that great leadership is about creating an environment where talented people can do their best work and grow beyond what they thought possible.