During the month of March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, we’ll be putting a spotlight on some of the talented women who lead TalentWorld every day. From the woman who leads Eastern Canada – whom you’ll meet today – to a Regional Director that got her start as a Temporary Associate.
Our intention with this series is to give their voice a platform; an opportunity to be radically honest about their career journey, the successes and the struggles. For so many important reasons, but really only one – so they can be heard.
Meet Rachida...
Rachida El Jastimi is Vice-President, Eastern Canada. She has been on this beautiful adventure, which is now called TalentWorld, since that start. When a business opportunity in Quebec presented itself as an opportunity for GardaWorld (our parent company) to diversify into staffing.
As a leader, Rachida is passionate about creating an inclusive environment built on respect for each other, trust, and open communication.
How it started…
How did your career in staffing begin?
My background is very atypical! After obtaining my PhD in Chemistry at the University of Montreal, I worked for 16 years in several companies in the biotechnology sector where I held several very interesting positions in research and development and intellectual property, whether in hematology, immunology or genetics.
In 2011, during my MBA studies, I had the chance to meet an extraordinary lady, Mrs. Chantal Baril, who was at the time, Vice-President at GardaWorld. She was the one who convinced me to join Garda and she told me so many good things about the company that I decided to change industries! Almost 10 years later, I'm still here and as passionate as my first day!
What was your biggest struggle early in your career?
I didn’t anticipate that the biggest challenge I’d face would be balancing my professional life with my life as a young mom. Switching careers and industries? Getting an MBA? That was a breeze for me! But trying to make sure my kids had enough time with their mom when they were growing up was the hard part.
I remember once early on in my career while I was getting my MBA, my son looked at me and said, "Mom, why don't you love us like you used to?" My heart jumped and I asked why he felt that way and he said I wasn't playing with him enough like I used to. I found it so hard to know that my 5 and 8-year-old kids could feel that way! Thankfully I have an amazing husband who has always been there for us and helped out when I was busy building my career.
How it’s going…
What do you think shaped you into the leader you are today?
I have been fortunate to work with leaders who have probably made me the person I am today: Being Authentic, Being a good listener; Leading by example and growing my teams. My motto is to become the leader that everyone wants to work for.
What do you love about TalentWorld?
There is a great team spirit, pride, and sense of accomplishment as we contribute greatly to the professional advancement of people and make a difference in people's lives every day. We say it all the time: we are on a mission to give back a sense of depth to this industry that’s become more about speed and automation. And that's what our candidates and clients tell us they love about TalentWorld, that we are always there for them and we look out for their needs. And that’s a mission I take great pride in myself!
Where do we want it to go…
Do you believe women encounter more obstacles because of their gender in their careers?
Absolutely! Did you know that women are 60% less likely than men to be promoted from managerial positions to senior management?*. And the higher up the hierarchy you go, the fewer women there are in the 'big leagues'! And the numbers don't lie, in 2019, statistics showed that less than 20% of board seats are held by women, and of those seats, only 6% are held by women of colour.*
Do you have any advice you want to share?
Start to dare! At all levels: dare to express yourself, dare to act, dare to take risks. Dare to ask for a job and believe in your abilities. Dare to leave your comfort zone. I always say, what's the worst thing that can happen when you dare? Making a mistake? You have to make mistakes to learn and improve!
'It's impossible to know what you can achieve until you try' Quote from Richard M. DeVos
