We Set Out to Build a Business. We Ended Up Building Something Better.
How building an award-winning workplace taught me that people skills matter more than technical skills.
The Origin Story:
When my husband and I started our engineering firm, we had a vision that went beyond just building a successful business. We wanted to create a place where engineers felt they were growing and developing professionally. A place where people actually enjoyed coming to work.
At the time, that felt like a bold dream. The engineering industry wasn't exactly known for its warm and fuzzy work environments.
But we believed something different was possible.
Over the years, we grew that company to 125 employees across seven offices in Canada. And along the way, something remarkable happened: we were recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Workplaces in Canada—not once, but twice. We became finalists for Canada's Best Managed Companies.
People started asking us: "How did you do it?"
The answer wasn't complicated, but it was counterintuitive for many business leaders. We didn't focus on systems, processes, or technical excellence first. We focused on people.
The Realization:
Here's what I discovered: Most managers have the technical and business skills they need to do their jobs. What they're missing are the people skills—the ability to lead, inspire, and motivate their teams.
That gap costs companies millions in turnover, lost productivity, and missed opportunities.
So I created the REVUP™ framework to bridge that gap. It's the practical, proven approach that transformed our engineering firm into an award-winning workplace—and it can do the same for any organization willing to put people first.
What Drives Me Today:
Today, through People Bright Consulting, I help managers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs become the powerhouse leaders who can build high-performance teams and retain top talent.
Because I believe every workplace can be a place where people thrive. And when people thrive, businesses flourish.
Achievements:
• Co-founder of a national engineering firm (125 employees, 7 offices)
• Top 10 Best Workplaces in Canada (twice)
• Finalist, Canada's Best Managed Companies
• Creator of the REVUP™ Leadership Framework
• Fascinate Certified Advisor
• Founder, People Bright Consulting