Anna Marenick
Senior Director, People and Governance
I am a champion of people in organizations. As a recognized advocate for inclusivity and diversity, I believe in humanizing the workplace.
Currently I am the Senior Director, People and Governance with Develop Nova Scotia , whose main focus is building a better Nova Scotia, with Nova Scotians, by creating irresistible places that attract people and investment.
Prior to Develop Nova Scotia, I was part of the Human Capital Consulting practice at Deloitte and spent a number of years at Irving Shipbuilding in a variety of roles (Human Resources, Change Management, Community Relations, Training and Development). I have taught Strategic Communications at the Nova Scotia Community College and Strategic Human Resources Management in the Saint Mary’s University MBA program.
I am a passionate community builder, a thought-provoking speaker and writer, and a trusted advisor to many. I sit on the Board of Directors for Alderney Landing and Saint Mary's University, and was formerly on the boards of the Nova Scotia Community College Foundation, Dress for Success Halifax, and Techsploration. I am an alumna of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and now co-chair of the NS Study Tour for upcoming conferences.
I have a Bachelor of Arts from St. Francis Xavier University, an MBA from Saint Mary’s University, and am a Certified Change Management Professional.
I’ve spent a long time contemplating how to create workplaces where people thrive, are inspired and have space to listen, be their authentic selves, form opinions and feel heard.
What lies ahead for Atlantic Canada is exciting. I look forward to helping others along on the journey, mistakes and all.
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What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I have always been committed to workplace diversity and inclusion and helping to create opportunities for under-represented groups to gain meaningful employment. I’ve achieved this through governance, Board participation, creating workplace initiatives, and, most importantly, being a mentor and coach.
Organizations are comprised of people… all trying their best. It is important to humanize work and workplaces.
I’m proud of all who have participated in the programs I’ve helped create – all seeking a better life for themselves and their families. I’ve learned a lot from them.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
When I graduated from university, I assumed I’d have to move away. A trusted advisor told me of the “paved road west and dirt road east” – in other words, it’s easy to leave and hard to return. That is changing. The road east now has fresh pavement.
A decade from now, Atlantic Canada will be the place where people come to put down roots, start a business, invest and seek new opportunities. Our hard work dedicated to reconciliation with Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian communities is paying off and we’ll be on our way to creating a province where everyone belongs. Despite uncertain times, Atlantic Canada’s star is rising, and the face of our region is changing. This next decade can be our time. In order to make that so, we need to move forward together.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
When I met my husband, I had to quickly grapple with the concept of becoming a stepparent to his daughter. People don’t talk about it much, but step-parenting is complicated. I wanted to be a positive role model for her. That desire led me to do some really hard but important work on myself. Without question, her presence in my life has made me a better person. She is an incredible young woman and it’s a privilege to be in her life.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
There are three podcasts I never miss (although I subscribe to an embarrassingly long list of them!). One is the Slate Political Gabfest. It’s focused on American politics, which has always been an interest of mine. It is measured and intelligent.
The second is Armchair Expert. I love the diversity of guests, and the host Dax Shepard’s vulnerability and authenticity.
Lastly, I devour Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History. I find stories about things overlooked and misunderstood incredibly compelling!
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
I need to stop trying to plan (maybe control?) the future. We are more adaptable and resilient than we realize, even when faced with great adversity.
Complex challenges abound in the world right now – with no simple answers. We all need to listen…really listen. Even to people who hold dramatically different viewpoints.
This year, there was a lot I had to unlearn to learn…notably around privilege, power, and how pervasive systemic racism and discrimination are in our society.
Even in a tough year, there are always moments of joy. It’s important to seek them out.
I am planning less, listening more, and finding joy in the small things – which, it turns out, are the big things.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
My mother - a remarkable woman - has continued to reinvent herself while, at the same time, staying completely true to who she is. She’s been actively involved in community forever, selflessly donating her time to those in need. Even now as technically retired, she’s busier and more vibrant than I’ve seen her in years…a passionate, steady force, laser-focused on doing good for her family and community. She quietly goes about doing good work, never seeking the spotlight or credit.
What would you have done differently?
I used to lie to myself constantly. I lied to myself when I said status mattered over authenticity; I didn’t really belong in any of the places I’d found myself; I wasn’t enough; I had nothing to contribute. While I am far from perfect in this, I’m telling myself fewer lies, and I wish I’d started earlier. I’m pretending less. I’m not trying as hard. I’m not defining myself by mistakes.
I try not to let fear stop me from moving forward. And I make sure I go all the way forward – I didn’t fight to get a seat at the table only to sabotage myself by being small when I got there. Even when my heart is pounding, I act like I earned it – because I did. Fear will not be what stops me from fully showing up.
What are the principles you live by?
Authenticity is key – in everything.
Be scared and do it anyway. You’ll never feel ready.
Whenever possible, run towards something – not from something.
Know when to say yes and when to say no. Don’t say no out of fear. Don’t say yes out of ego.
Always tell the people you love that you love them. Every time you see them.
Don’t treat people differently depending on what you think they can do for you.
Good shoes matter.
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Passionate Community Builder, Authentic People Leader, Pug lover, Dance mom