Melanie Brodeur is a Senior Safety Consultant at TELUS since July 2021. Her main portfolio is the mobility business. She has over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, and has held a variety of different roles such as Team Manager, Business Analyst, Project Manager and Product Owner. Her passion for workplace Health and Safety grew over time, and most especially during the 10 years that she was Co-Chair of the Workplace Health and Safety Committee in Montreal.
What are the two main causes that you care about?
Environmental Conservation:
➔ I’m concerned about protecting the environment and addressing issues such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, and wildlife conservation.
The Animal welfare:
➔ This cause advocates for the ethical treatment and protection of animals, including efforts to prevent animal cruelty, promote responsible pet ownership, and conserve wildlife habitats.
What is my Favorite quote?
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi.
What is a goal for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next few years?
I’m well on my way to complete my Occupational Health and Safety certificate with the University of New Brunswick. Next, I plan to earn my Canadian Registered Safety Professional designation (CRSP).
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
“To always be true to myself and never give up.”
It takes courage, but I strongly encourage everyone to embrace their true values, beliefs, and passions, rather than trying to conform to societal expectations or seek validation from others. Never give up on your dreams – Believe in yourself and you’ll achieve what you are looking for.
What does true leadership mean to you?
True leadership is about inspiring and empowering others to achieve their best, fostering a positive and inclusive environment, and making a positive impact on individuals and the organization as a whole.
What is the best place that you have ever traveled to and why?
This is a very hard question for me because I love to travel and have been lucky enough to visit several countries. In fact, every year, I “try” to visit a different country. Last year, I went to Vietnam and this year I’m going to New Zealand. Travel permits us to explore new cultures, broaden their perspectives, and gain valuable experiences that contribute to personal growth and development. Traveling shapes the person you are evolving into.
What are you happiest doing, when you are not working?
When I’m not at work I enjoy playing soccer. I’ve been playing soccer for over 30 years. I’ve met an awesome bunch of women. I’ve been lucky because I was able to do the two things that I love the
most: travel and play soccer.
In 2013, we went to Torino (Italy) to play soccer for the World Master Games, in 2015 went to Nice (France) to play in the European Masters Games and in 2018, went to Spain for another soccer tournament.
What advice would you give to women coming into the industry?
Seek Mentorship and Support: Find a diverse set of mentors, who can provide guidance, support, and advice as you navigate your career. Surround yourself with a strong network of professionals who can offer insights and help you grow.
Be Proactive in Continuous Learning: Health and Safety is a field that constantly evolves due to changing regulations and emerging risks. Stay proactive in your professional development by
pursuing certifications, attending workshops, and participating in training programs. Advocate for the well-being of employees and encourage a proactive approach to safety.
Emphasize Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication is crucial in the Health and Safety industry. Develop strong communication skills to effectively convey safety protocols, procedures, and guidelines to employees and stakeholders. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. Building relationships will be part of your success.
Why is the Women of STAC important to you?
Women of STAC is important to me because it plays a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the telecommunications industry. By providing a platform specifically for women in this field, it helps address gender disparities and create opportunities for women to excel and thrive.
It also provides a supportive community where women in the telecommunications industry can connect, network, and share experiences. This networking leads to valuable professional connections, mentorship opportunities, and the exchange of knowledge and insights