Behind The Scenes At The Training Department
Interviewed by Janet Burbidge
One of the key people who helps with our operations is Tracey LaTulippe. She’s a big part of running various departments and delivering lots of services. You may have only spoken to her on the phone so this is an opportunity to put a face to a name!
AA MUNRO
Have you always been a trainer with us?
TRACEY
No, I worked in processing, and accounting as well, which led to the training opportunity. Those positions gave me good insight behind the scenes and helped me identify what we can do on the front line to streamline things (and vice versa).
AA MUNRO
Have there been any challenges in your position as trainer?
TRACEY
Challenges… Finding a platform for training that is suitable for the individual’s style of learning. Finding content to enhance personal and professional development that everyone can benefit from. Lobbying for participation in sessions and tracking training.
AA MUNRO
What do you see as positives over the years?
TRACEY
The engagement of our teams and getting to know our team members. Watching teammates succeed is a very rewarding and positive experience. Seeing how everyone works together for the betterment of the customer and our organization.
AA MUNRO
How do you feel the company has evolved since you’ve been here?
TRACEY
Wow, we’ve grown so much! The involvement of everyone in the organization has changed significantly over the years. People taking ownership of their roles, developing their knowledge more and more and having a genuine concern for each other and their customers. Our culture can be a bit overwhelming for new folks. I remember when I first started, thinking to myself “are these guys for real?” Being included in decision making and allowed to express our concerns, the opportunities for personal growth, sharing innovative ideas, and the amount of support from everyone—these are not things most newcomers are accustomed to and it can sometimes take some time to adjust.
I think we have reached a point now that most people understand our culture and are there to help others new to the company feel comfortable to ask questions and not be afraid to make a mistake for fear of losing their job.
AA MUNRO
What travel tips do you have from being on the road and visiting our offices?
TRACEY
Visit Cheticamp in the summer or early fall. It’s absolutely beautiful. But it’s bitterly cold in the winter!
AA MUNRO
Favourite place in Nova Scotia?
TRACEY
That’s a tough one. We live is such a beautiful spot, it’s hard to pick a favourite. Baddeck is a special place though any time of year.
AA MUNRO
What about travel outside Nova Scotia?
TRACEY
I would have to say the Applied Conference in Nashville was my favourite travel place. It was somewhere I would never have thought of visiting and was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Those conferences are always great for gathering ideas from other brokers and seeing the industry trends, etc. Doing that in an environment full of music history and amazing talent was pretty neat.
Who doesn’t love great music, even if it happens to be country!
