BY J.M. LEE
Sonia began her career at 15, handing out balloons at the annual sales event. Her parents used to work at The Brick, so they asked her to help at the biggest sales event. Later, the job became a part-time data-entry clerk, and she worked there for almost 13 years.
She believes that her exposure to a male-dominated working environment significantly equipped her to navigate and overcome challenges in her career. Things began to progress, and she embarked on a new career chapter when she started working at one of the Big Five banks in Vancouver.
Her hard work didn’t go unnoticed. The director of her bank at the Toronto location suggested she move to the head office, where more growth and opportunities were available. Without any hesitation, she relocated to Toronto within a month. Shortly after moving, she encountered additional growth opportunities and seized them. She took a leadership role while contributing to the training and development department. Little did she know that others were beginning to recognize her potential for organizational learning and development.
She frequently received requests to assist with training in various roles. She had to decide whether to focus on a leadership position or learning and development. After discussing it with the same director, the decision became easy for her, and she chose the path that ultimately led her to a career in HR and organizational learning. Over the years, Sonia Bawa has continued to build her skills by working across different sectors and organizations, and today, she is advancing her journey at Pattison Food Group Ltd. (PFG) a Jim Pattison company.
She says, “In my role as Director of People Development, I have the privilege of mentoring others, formally and informally. When considering whether to commit to a mentorship relationship, I focus on a few key factors: shared values and goals, a willingness to learn and accept feedback, and a genuine desire to grow and dedicate oneself to the mentorship journey. These qualities are essential to fostering a successful mentoring relationship. Lacking these, the mentorship process can become futile and frustrating for both parties. A successful mentorship requires mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to achieving personal and professional growth.”
At PFG, Sonia has led exceptional growth and significant initiatives. Under her mentorship, the team expanded from just four members to over twenty. This expansion enabled the organization to introduce new roles and enhance in-house training content for its evolving needs. She was pivotal in establishing a partnership with leading vendors like Franklin Covey and Disney, a significant milestone for the organization.
In recent days, Sonia has been working tirelessly to develop a partnership with Harvard Business School to enhance its resources. She says, “One of my most rewarding achievements was helping integrate Workday across a team of 20,000+ members, streamlining operations and boosting efficiency.” She was also honored to be the first female from PFG to facilitate the Jim Pattison Group Women’s Conference in Palm Springs, highlighting the company’s commitment to empowering women in leadership.
Sonia considers her mother to be the biggest inspiration in her life. At a very young age, her mother migrated to Canada to pursue a nursing career. She became a nurse, married, and established a happy family. After having their third daughter, she became a stay-at-home mom to care for her young children. As her children grew up, she decided to rejoin the workforce and began her career in real estate. Later, she started working with The Brick as a salesperson. Eventually, she became the first woman sales manager at The Brick.
She recalls her childhood when her mother balanced work and family life. Sonia’s mother would wake up at 4 am to prepare meals for the family before returning to her full-time job. Her mother’s lifestyle led Sonia to believe that a working mother can be committed to her career and family simultaneously. Sonia believes that “Raising a family requires a supportive partner to share the workload at home, ensuring both parents can succeed in their careers.” Sonia’s parents are prime examples of supportive partners. She is also grateful to have a partner who supports her career.
Sonia advises the next generation of women leaders: “Be fearless, resilient, and believe in yourselves. As women, we are often our biggest critics. Still, we must advocate for ourselves and ensure we receive the same respect as men. Own your voice and be confident! Don’t let fear or doubt silence you—your voice matters, so speak up and own it.”
