Page 7 - CCCA 278683 Magazine_Spring 2018

{ LEgAL PERFORMANCE }

as time goes on. So to continue to grow my really liked school—which is shocking for had to learn to say “no.” I don’t do it very
career, I need to look outside the legal pro- a lawyer to admit, I know—but I am trying often but being able to draw that boundary
fession and learn from professionals who to soak up every bit of knowledge and ex- occasionally is of increasing importance as
are not lawyers. On my path thus far, I have perience from the excellent faculty. Partici- I progress in my career.
sought out these learnings from people both pate in this program; you will not regret it! For me, having any chance of reach-
within and outside my organization. ing the career success I aspire to requires
In my job, I work for an organization 3. say “no” (occasionally) me to actually show up and be present at
that is extremely supportive of my team’s I recently watched a documentary on Net- home. There are some days when this is
work. I also work directly for an HR pro- fix about the contemporary art world. much, much easier than others. Coming
fessional who regularly provides produc- One artist interviewed was giving advice out of the single busiest year in my profes-
tive feedback—and if it is not provided to up-and-coming contemporary artists sional life, I admit that I have not succeed-
as regularly as I need, I seek it out. I do and said something along the lines of “At ed nearly enough in this endeavour as of
this because I cannot improve if I am not the beginning of your career, say ‘yes’ to late. However, going forward, I know that
aware of my gaps (or, in HR lingo, my op- every opportunity. Until you can say ‘no.’ in order to ensure I have enough energy to
portunities for improvement). And then, say ‘no’ as often as you can.” give at work, I have to fully recharge away
Outside my role, top of mind is the There is a ring of truth in this for me. You from work. So I will continue to say “no”
Business Leadership Program for In-House need to determine and stay true to your on occasion. ❚
Counsel, offered by the CCCA in conjunc- goals, career and otherwise.
tion with the Rotman School of Manage- In my career, I have had amazing oppor-
ment, which I began in 2017. I cannot say tunities to be involved on boards, commit- Karlee Blatz is Regional Director of Labour Relations
enough about the value I have received tees and councils, both legal-related and and Senior Legal Counsel for Human Resources at
the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. She always
from it already. We are taught by experts in not. These experiences have been extremely says “yes” to helping her fellow CCCA members.
every business-related feld, and there are valuable and I continue to draw from them She can be reached at kblatz@wrha.mb.ca.
so many practical takeaways. I have never today. At a certain point, though, I have

CAnADiAn CORPORATe COUnSel ASSOCiATiOn | CCCA-ACCje.ORG 7