I’m as straight edge as they get, baby.

I know what it’s like to grow up in a culture heavily influenced by a colonizing country. I’m an ex-Catholic who hasn’t lived in my ancestors’ homeland. However, I recognize all the sacrifices they and my parents made to give me the privilege that comes with being raised in a country like Canada.

Being born in a country that isn’t the origin of my ancestors, I know I’ve settled on land that is not mine. I recognize the gift that the Indigenous Peoples of Canada have given me and try to be mindful of how we help or harm them in how we do business.

I’ve thrived in some environments where extroverts typically do. I’ve managed a volunteer team, worked overtime to plan and execute events, and have spoken to audiences of over 100 people. However, I do my best work in my home office. Not only am I extremely efficient working remotely, but my most creative ideas come when I’m working alone.

While I’m not a practitioner of any religion, I believe that we’re all connected by a divine energy and creative force. We’re here to help each other be our best selves and stewards of our planet. Part of how I navigate stressful situations involves my connection to my ancestors/spirit guides through meditation, prayer, intuition, and interpreting signs. (If you’re into Human Design, I’m a Generator with Sacral Authority and a 4/6 Profile.)

My relationships with my older and younger siblings gave me the gifts of open-mindedness, understanding different viewpoints, diplomacy, and the ability to negotiate.

I appreciate all forms of film, TV, art, and music, but am also aware of the role these forms play in influencing behaviour and cultural norms. Controversy in marketing (even well intended) isn’t an excuse to exploit a particular group.

Witnessing the growth of my mixed-race niece and transgender nephew makes me aware of my everyday impacts on the planet they’ll inherit and the importance of fighting for rights of all minorities.

I only began having discussions of JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, inclusion) at work a decade after starting my career. When given the opportunity, I hire suppliers who are women of colour and who share my values. I’m sensitive to marketing that is or isn’t inclusive of minorities. I know firsthand how much more important marketing is for minority-owned companies.

In my early 30s, I was in two self-development cults. I’ve since worked closely with a cult whistleblower and know the red flags that might be at play in an organization’s culture you might be blind to daily.

Having spent over a decade achieving a vegan lifestyle, I’ve learned about all the issues that intersect with our relationship with animals: human and planetary health, social justice, racism, classism, etc. I’ve committed to creating content only for vegan businesses (I can spot cruel language in marketing) and will always champion veganism and the vegan industry.