Humans of Human Resources: Gillian Henderson

This month, we profile Gillian Henderson, who was appointed to Director, Human Resources at UBC Okanagan in July 2017.

Gillian brings a wealth of human resource leadership experience from both the healthcare and higher education sectors and recently completed an MSc in Human Resource Management at Edinburgh Business School. Learn more about her role at UBC Okanagan, what excites her about her work, and her Netflix recommendation.

What do you do in your role as Director, Human Resources?

I understand complex issues and support and navigate resolutions, while focusing on how we make our University a great place to work and learn.

What is your favourite part of the job and why?

It’s supporting my team of fantastic HR professionals to provide the best possible HR service that we can. My team inspires me every day with their knowledge and commitment.

What excites you most about your work at UBC?

I enjoy the opportunity to delve deeply into issues and develop innovative solutions that move us forward.

What is something you feel you bring to the workplace culture?

Curiosity and an openness to change.

How do your personal values resonate with your work at UBC?

I believe that we can always improve on what we are doing, that really, there are no absolute limits to how great our HR service or our University can be. What I love about UBC is the focus on innovation and exploration, which fits perfectly with my personal drive for continuous improvement.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Working out and hiking so I can enjoy cooking and eating.

What is one new thing that you want to try and why?

Not so much of a thing, more a destination. I really want to travel in Africa and explore some of the variety of cultures and experiences that are unique to that continent.

What book/movie/TV show have you read or watched recently that you’d recommend to others and why?

I just watched the Haunting of Hill House series on Netflix, lots of twists and turns and scares – just right for the Halloween season!