Glen Grant

1. Who am I? I am a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of HR experience in a number of different industries. I believe that HR does not need to be complicated, but good HR is necessary for any business to grow. I have always worked as an HR generalist, using my knowledge and experience to help the companies or clients I work for with their ‘people’ challenges and opportunities.
2. Why are you in HR? I have always enjoyed the ‘people’ aspect of business, but had not considered HR as a career until it found me. Prior to my last year of university, as a summer job I was recruited to support the HR function of a new business opening in Vancouver. That was over 25 years ago and I have been doing it ever since. I enjoy the people aspect of what I do and find that HR and employee issues come naturally to me. I am a good listener and feel that I can cut through the BS to find a solution quickly. To support my experience I have gone on to compete my CHRP (Canada), PHR (US), GPHR (Global) and new HRMP (Global) human resource designations.
3. What you like about what you are doing?  The variety. The people. The challenges and impact we can make on a business. I feel that the success of most businesses is based on the people that they employ. I can make a difference with the companies we work with and their financial success. I like the variety of work and the diversity of our clients as I get to deal with many different businesses, cultures and employee issues. I enjoy gaining new experience while helping companies effectively manage their HR.
4. What are your interests outside of work? I have 2 children, boy/girl twins, which I enjoy spending time with and that keep my wife and I busy with all their sports.  My individual interests consist of CrossFit, cycling, golf and running. I also coach both of my children’s soccer teams.  In my down time I enjoy watching professional football (NFL or CFL).
5. Favorite place you have traveled? Hawaii, Greece and the interior of BC are all great places I’ve visited but really anywhere I go with my family is great. I’d like to visit Europe and Australia in the next few years.

Gail Smith

• Who am I? I have over 20 years’ experience as a Human Resources Professional focused mainly in the retail sector. I hold certifications in Human Resource Management from UBC, Career Transition Specialization, Employment Facilitation/Work Search Specialization and Global Career Development Facilitation from Yorkville University.
• Why you are in HR? What first drew me to the Human Resources field was my passion for helping people. I have the unique ability to relate to individuals from all walks of life, including senior executives, managers, and front-line workers.
• What you like about what you are doing? As an advisor, facilitator and trainer, I have managed the onboarding/training of new staff, the recruitment & selection process and provided mentoring to both staff and clients.
  In addition to my Human Resources support role, I am a professional Career Transition Specialist with extensive experience in the corporate environment across a number of industries.
• What are your interests outside of work? I have achieved my 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and when I am not at work, supporting my clients, I volunteer as an Instructor teaching beginner-level skills to colour belts of all ages at a Black Belt Academy. You can also find me doing my best to go out of my comfort zone to try new things. My latest adventure is “Aerial Silks” training at a local Circus school!
• Favourite places you have traveled? New York City and the Hawaiian Islands, however, I have a trip planned to the UK and Europe, and once those trips happen, we might be adding to this section!

Debbie Kinnaird

• Who am I? I am a seasoned professional with over 20 years’ experience in administration, human resources, and customer service. I also have had the pleasure of working with many top-notch executives as an executive assistant working in both the private and public sectors.
•  Why you are in HR? I was born and raised on Vancouver Island and moved to the North Shore, after graduating, to attend college. I landed a great job that kick-started my career within the human resources arena, working along-side some of the best in the business. During this tenure, I started taking courses at BCIT and graduated with a Human Resources Management Certificate.
•  What you like about what you are doing? I have had one client say “I wish every company had a Debbie in their HR department” because I care. I treat people, at all levels, how I would want to be treated. My outgoing personality, positive attitude, sense of humour and willingness to listen and support individuals, has proven that HR is in my blood.
•  What are your interests outside of work? I enjoy getting out and about in our beautiful BC backyard, as well as, the Pacific Northwest. Having lived in Seattle and Portland, I often travel back there to visit friends. I enjoy pretty much anything outdoors from biking, golfing and kayaking to hitting the slopes in the winter.
•  Favourite place you have traveled? I was fortunate to have friends living in the British Virgin Islands where I spent three fun-filled weeks. Definitely a place I would travel back to and highly recommend this be a travel destination for anyone who sails.