Page 12 - CCCA 259155 Magazine_Winter 2016

{ PROFILE }

average in high school, and then worked running the six-person legal team and up until 2 a.m. working, it’s no big deal.”
two years at odd jobs in warehouses, dealing primarily with franchise issues, “Other stuff” includes being an execu-
at McDonald’s and delivering pizzas. contracts and HR work, Nissan’s growth tive member of Legal Leaders for Diver-
Thinking there must be something bet- ambitions ft his own personality. “We’re sity and Inclusion. The group has more
ter, he tried school one more time, re- always thinking how we can constantly than 100 general counsel across Canada,
turning to complete the Ontario Aca- improve ourselves.” all committed to creating a more inclusive
demic Credit program. The MBA in Strategic Management, legal profession and supporting diversity
He was successful, found “passion and earned on weekends over four years, is a initiatives within their organizations.
focus” and enrolled in labour studies at good example of a commitment to better Co-chairing the CCCA National Con-
McMaster University, a program he calls himself. Garcia identifed an opportunity ference thrills Garcia who loves the idea
a beautiful mix of business, labour rela- to learn business, and through experi- of having people from across the country
tions, economics and sociology. ence, was determined to make business a making connections and sharing ideas, in-
“That became my ‘aha’ moment,” he strength in his résumé. sights and experiences. There’s an element
says. “I excelled at school.” The next chap- Throughout all his endeavours, he’s of value, he says, that goes "way beyond"
ter included a Masters of Labour Rela- managed to fnd work-life balance. Garcia the materials themselves, the presentations
tions and labour relations consulting at and his partner have four children from and speakers.
Ontario Power Generation, where he previous marriages, including his nine- “I always tell people, whether you are
helped with negotiations and grievances. year-old twins. religious or not, there’s an element of go-
He met labour employment lawyers, and “We go from four kids half the time to ing to church which is beyond religious.
inspired, he applied to McGill University no kids half the time. The schedule helps It’s about being part of a community,
and earned his degree in civil and com- me focus on them when they’re with us developing bonds and relying upon each
mon law in 2004. and lets me do other stuff when they are other, helping each other. And I think
His career accelerated: temporary work not. When the kids are here, I don’t do what we have in the profession is an in-
at Navistar Canada, Inc.; tremendous ex- work. When they go to bed, if I have to stay credible community.”
perience at a small boutique practicing
labour and employment law; and a return
to Navistar in 2008 as General Counsel
and Director of HR.
In June 2013, he changed gears, mov-
ing to Nissan, excited about the com- “ The school I spent the most time at, it had
pany’s goal to double its market share in
Canada over four years. Responsible for every colour of the rainbow. Looking back,
I learned about socializing, networking and
”
developing interpersonal skills.

12 CCCA MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016 HIVER