I’m so glad I made self-development a priority, because now I am more capable of leading my vision of equality forward.
“My son knows that ‘Mama goes to school.’ I think he’s proud of me, and respects the hustle,” says Nikki Martin, who recently earned her Certificate in Leadership Essentials. As a working mom, it was challenging to carve out time for professional development, but it was well worth the effort. “I was open with my family. I told them that growing my leadership skills was a priority for me, and I admitted I needed support to achieve my goals,” reflects Nikki. “You can’t be afraid to ask for what you need, and as parents, sometimes we forget that.”
Nikki has worked in the retail industry for over 10 years, finding her passion in project management and operations. She came to SCS in 2016, after identifying significant cultural changes taking place in her organization. “I realized now is the time to ramp up my leadership abilities” says Nikki, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce. “I wanted to get ahead of change, and prepare myself for future challenges.”
She particularly enjoyed two courses within the Leadership Essentials Certificate: Conflict Management Skills, and Understanding & Managing Conflict. “I’ve learned you don’t have to react; you can choose when it’s best to engage in conflict, and when not to. There is a psychology to each unique conflict, and through analysis I can get to the core of an issue,” Nikki says. “I’m no longer intimidated, because I have the skills to handle many situations.”
While her new conflict management skills have served her career, Nikki has also found them to be applicable in a variety of personal situations. For instance, she now views conflict with her five-year-old son in a different light. “I ask him the right questions, and I’m an active listener,” she says. “Whether at home or in the boardroom, my ability to manage conflict has been life changing. I’m a better parent and a better professional.”
Nikki valued her in-class experience, networking with peers equally as passionate about leadership. She stays in touch with her classmates, sharing leadership and conflict management tips to support one another. Her conflict management instructor, Robert Pidgeon, brings decades of experience in designing and facilitating conflict and dispute resolution systems. “Robert taught us to be flexible in our methodology, to be deeply curious, creative, and thoughtful in our problem solving,” she says. “He showed us it’s ok to make mistakes, and that mediation doesn’t have to be scary. I’m a braver woman having taken these courses.”
In the future, Nikki plans to use her leadership skills to counter gender biases in the workplace. “As women, we need to stand up, speak up, and help one another. We are building the next generation of female leaders,” she asserts. “I want the same opportunity and earning potential as any other Canadian, regardless of my gender, or any other factors. I’m so glad I made self-development a priority, because now I am more capable of leading my vision of equality forward.”