Justine Giancola
Partner, Dillon Consulting Limited, President, OPPI
Sector: Private Sector
Discipline: Consultancy
Year: 2021
Magic Moment: As a consultant, I have to say several of my most proud moments come from being the successful bid on an assignment I really wanted. There is something about the challenge, trying to uncover the client’s needs, bringing a custom team together, working around various obstacles and effectively communicating our unique approach that can be both the most difficult and exciting part of the job. After putting yourself out there and all of your energy into submitting something you are truly proud of for a project you really want to work on, to find out you won the assignment and get to deliver on your promises can be exhilarating.
Key Influence: Ann Joyner, Ron Shishido and my parents.
Key Lesson: As early career mentors, they introduced me to the profession, showed me that I could be successful and were there to guide me when I needed support.
My parents have taught me to be passionate about what I do and that I can do anything (but not everything).
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The changing climate, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the need for adequate housing and better support of our most vulnerable. We are in a unique moment where COVID has impacted the way we live, work and play, and there is an opportunity to set up new more sustainable habits moving forward. The pandemic has also exposed and exacerbated many of our existing societal inequalities. We must do better.
On Championing Others… I have been fortunate to work with so many exceptional people and have the opportunity to mentor, advise and coach many of them towards their career aspirations. Many of my most proud moments are when those I have mentored or advised achieve one of their career goals. I see my most important role as a leader is to cultivate the leader in others.
One word that captures you: Driven. I am fortunate that I have been able to find joy and passion for what I do. I have many interests and am easily motivated
to achieve results.
Secret Talent: I can touch my tongue to my nose 😛