Black Diamond Group’s Women in Leadership Part 2: Growth Stories with Shared Perspectives
March 10, 2025
At Black Diamond Group, we have always held firm in our belief that a high-performance team is best built by measuring objective performance goals and merit regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. With that sentiment, and in honour of International Women’s Day, we are proud to have a strong representation of women in leadership roles across the Company, helping us Create A Better Way in everything we do.
Today, we are proud to give a selection of these strong, inspiring leaders the podium, to discuss their career growth at Black Diamond Group, share their perspectives on success, and share wisdom and learnings that may inspire future generations of women in business. Read on to hear from Nicole Sasaki, VP Operations Controller, MSS; Emma Covenden, General Manager, Corporate Communications, Gov't Relations & CEO Office; Jenna Smith, Finance Controller, Australia; and Carla Jones, General Manager, Customer Success.
Tell us a bit about your career journey at Black Diamond Group:
Within a month and a half of joining Black Diamond, COVID-19 had us all locked in our homes. I was grateful to have some great co-workers that spent a lot over Teams teaching me the business. Within the first year, I had helped with implement an EPM tool and by the end of the year we had acquired Vanguard, which instantly gave me a team in the US. It has now been 5 years, and we have done business or asset acquisitions almost every year. I have a fantastic team and am very fortunate to work with great people.
How has the Company, and your leaders and colleagues, supported your growth over the years?
The company, leaders, team and colleagues have been a huge support to me over the years. They have taught me about modular construction and what it is like to work in a branch. We have built a close relationship where the business calls for accounting support and allows my whole team to know more about what we do day-to-day so account can find the right solutions for the business. They have also supported and helped me grow as a person, especially as a leader.
How would you describe the key to your success?
I believe the key to success is people. You learn so much from those around you. When I think of all the advice I’ve gotten and learnings I’ve had from everyone, it’s been amazing to put it all together and pass it along. My father always taught me to work hard which helps you be a strong individual contributor but as you get more senior it is about how you work with people and putting all the pieces together.
What advice would you give to others who are aspiring to leadership roles?
First and foremost, believe in yourself and your talents. We also need to listen to the advice from others, assess if it fits you and make adjustments or ask for help. We are all still learning! The best advice I received and give to others is, you don’t have to take all the feedback, but you should try it on and really look at yourself in the mirror, leave what doesn’t fit you but own what does.
Tell us a bit about your career journey at Black Diamond Group:
Over the past nearly seven years, I have held progressively senior roles within the Office of the CEO, including: Executive Assistant to the Chairman & CEO; Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & CEO Office; and General Manager, Corporate Communications, Government Relations & CEO Office.
How has the Company, and your leaders and colleagues, supported your growth over the years?
When you look at the growth of countless team members and leaders across the Company, it is evident that Black Diamond Group truly believes in supporting career development and promoting internally. Everyone’s growth story is unique, but for me what’s been most impactful is the trust and willingness from leaders to build my knowledge of the business and broaden my professional skillsets by taking on challenging projects or more responsibility. Further the Company is very intentional about talent development and training programming, so the opportunity exists to contemplate career aspirations and set actionable plans to grow.
How would you describe the key to your success?
Taking ownership and the initiative to increase responsibilities within a current role has been key to my career progression here at Black Diamond. Further, understanding my long-term career goals and putting measurable objectives in place to hold myself accountable has been crucial. Finally, ensuring alignment with your leader on what your ambitions are and then be willing to put in the work, so when an opportunity arises, you’re ready, is also important.
What advice would you give to others who are aspiring to leadership roles?
Be confident! Take on something new that’s outside the scope of your role, even if it’s a challenge.
Tell us a bit about your career journey at Black Diamond Group:
I joined the team during a time of disruption, and I came with a fresh perspective on how the Finance Team could function optimally, aligning policies and procedures with those at a Global level.
How has the Company, and your leaders and colleagues, supported your growth over the years?
The Canadian Executives have been extremely supportive even with the difficult timezones, always accommodating when I had questions, introducing me to others in the business who could assist. It certainly feels like we are one team despite the distance.
How would you describe the key to your success?
I am very proactive. I am proactive with my own learning, finding ways to understand the business so that I can implement improvements and create efficiencies. I am proactive with leading my team, checking in with them and understanding what they need to be successful and ensuring that I support them. I am proactive with the goals that I set myself and always find ways to grow my knowledge and take on new challenges.
What advice would you give to others who are aspiring to leadership roles?
As you take on more senior roles, it is less about technical knowledge and more about soft skills and especially people skills. Focus on communication style with Executives, as well as your team members, finding ways to motivate them to achieve the broader company goals. And you often must adapt your communication style to suit the audience.
Tell us a bit about your career journey at Black Diamond Group:
I’ve had a rewarding career at Black Diamond Group, progressing through diverse roles that helped me develop a wide range of skills. I began as a Receptionist, then transitioned to contract administration, sales, and procurement. I later joined LodgeLink as the first employee, taking on roles in client relationships and customer success. I’m currently the General Manager of Customer Success, where I lead efforts to enhance client experiences and drive growth.
How has the Company, and your leaders and colleagues, supported your growth over the years?
Throughout my tenure, I’ve had the opportunity to grow with the company, take on new challenges, and contribute in meaningful ways across different teams. I’ve been fortunate to work with mentors who have encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and continuously develop my industry knowledge. Whether through hands-on learning, leadership guidance, or collaborative teamwork, I’ve always felt empowered to grow and evolve in my career with Black Diamond Group.
How would you describe the key to your success?
My success at Black Diamond Group comes down to adaptability, strong work ethic, and relationship-building. I embrace new challenges, I take initiative, and I build strong connections with colleagues, leaders, and customers. My problem-solving skills and strategic mindset have allowed me to drive results, while the support of a great team has helped me grow and thrive.
What advice would you give to others who are aspiring to leadership roles?
Have a strong will to win by being prepared, learn from everyone around you, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you to grow.
We thank these spectacular women in leadership for sharing their insights with us! Next, read about the perspectives of Meagan Edwards, General Manager, Marketplace Settlement; Elaine Mazurick, Advisor, CEO & Strategic Communications; Lindsay Pyke, Senior VP, Finance; Christine Hutchings, General Manager, MSS; and Teresa O’Rourke, Operations Controller, WFS, here.
Today, we are proud to give a selection of these strong, inspiring leaders the podium, to discuss their career growth at Black Diamond Group, share their perspectives on success, and share wisdom and learnings that may inspire future generations of women in business. Read on to hear from Nicole Sasaki, VP Operations Controller, MSS; Emma Covenden, General Manager, Corporate Communications, Gov't Relations & CEO Office; Jenna Smith, Finance Controller, Australia; and Carla Jones, General Manager, Customer Success.
Nicole Sasaki, VP, Operations Controller MSS
Tell us a bit about your career journey at Black Diamond Group:Within a month and a half of joining Black Diamond, COVID-19 had us all locked in our homes. I was grateful to have some great co-workers that spent a lot over Teams teaching me the business. Within the first year, I had helped with implement an EPM tool and by the end of the year we had acquired Vanguard, which instantly gave me a team in the US. It has now been 5 years, and we have done business or asset acquisitions almost every year. I have a fantastic team and am very fortunate to work with great people.
How has the Company, and your leaders and colleagues, supported your growth over the years?
The company, leaders, team and colleagues have been a huge support to me over the years. They have taught me about modular construction and what it is like to work in a branch. We have built a close relationship where the business calls for accounting support and allows my whole team to know more about what we do day-to-day so account can find the right solutions for the business. They have also supported and helped me grow as a person, especially as a leader.
How would you describe the key to your success?
I believe the key to success is people. You learn so much from those around you. When I think of all the advice I’ve gotten and learnings I’ve had from everyone, it’s been amazing to put it all together and pass it along. My father always taught me to work hard which helps you be a strong individual contributor but as you get more senior it is about how you work with people and putting all the pieces together.
What advice would you give to others who are aspiring to leadership roles?
First and foremost, believe in yourself and your talents. We also need to listen to the advice from others, assess if it fits you and make adjustments or ask for help. We are all still learning! The best advice I received and give to others is, you don’t have to take all the feedback, but you should try it on and really look at yourself in the mirror, leave what doesn’t fit you but own what does.
Emma Covenden, General Manager, Corporate Communications, Gov't Relations & CEO Office
Tell us a bit about your career journey at Black Diamond Group:Over the past nearly seven years, I have held progressively senior roles within the Office of the CEO, including: Executive Assistant to the Chairman & CEO; Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & CEO Office; and General Manager, Corporate Communications, Government Relations & CEO Office.
How has the Company, and your leaders and colleagues, supported your growth over the years?
When you look at the growth of countless team members and leaders across the Company, it is evident that Black Diamond Group truly believes in supporting career development and promoting internally. Everyone’s growth story is unique, but for me what’s been most impactful is the trust and willingness from leaders to build my knowledge of the business and broaden my professional skillsets by taking on challenging projects or more responsibility. Further the Company is very intentional about talent development and training programming, so the opportunity exists to contemplate career aspirations and set actionable plans to grow.
How would you describe the key to your success?
Taking ownership and the initiative to increase responsibilities within a current role has been key to my career progression here at Black Diamond. Further, understanding my long-term career goals and putting measurable objectives in place to hold myself accountable has been crucial. Finally, ensuring alignment with your leader on what your ambitions are and then be willing to put in the work, so when an opportunity arises, you’re ready, is also important.
What advice would you give to others who are aspiring to leadership roles?
Be confident! Take on something new that’s outside the scope of your role, even if it’s a challenge.
Jenna Smith, Finance Controller, Australia
Tell us a bit about your career journey at Black Diamond Group:I joined the team during a time of disruption, and I came with a fresh perspective on how the Finance Team could function optimally, aligning policies and procedures with those at a Global level.
How has the Company, and your leaders and colleagues, supported your growth over the years?
The Canadian Executives have been extremely supportive even with the difficult timezones, always accommodating when I had questions, introducing me to others in the business who could assist. It certainly feels like we are one team despite the distance.
How would you describe the key to your success?
I am very proactive. I am proactive with my own learning, finding ways to understand the business so that I can implement improvements and create efficiencies. I am proactive with leading my team, checking in with them and understanding what they need to be successful and ensuring that I support them. I am proactive with the goals that I set myself and always find ways to grow my knowledge and take on new challenges.
What advice would you give to others who are aspiring to leadership roles?
As you take on more senior roles, it is less about technical knowledge and more about soft skills and especially people skills. Focus on communication style with Executives, as well as your team members, finding ways to motivate them to achieve the broader company goals. And you often must adapt your communication style to suit the audience.
Carla Jones, General Manager, Customer Success
Tell us a bit about your career journey at Black Diamond Group:I’ve had a rewarding career at Black Diamond Group, progressing through diverse roles that helped me develop a wide range of skills. I began as a Receptionist, then transitioned to contract administration, sales, and procurement. I later joined LodgeLink as the first employee, taking on roles in client relationships and customer success. I’m currently the General Manager of Customer Success, where I lead efforts to enhance client experiences and drive growth.
How has the Company, and your leaders and colleagues, supported your growth over the years?
Throughout my tenure, I’ve had the opportunity to grow with the company, take on new challenges, and contribute in meaningful ways across different teams. I’ve been fortunate to work with mentors who have encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and continuously develop my industry knowledge. Whether through hands-on learning, leadership guidance, or collaborative teamwork, I’ve always felt empowered to grow and evolve in my career with Black Diamond Group.
How would you describe the key to your success?
My success at Black Diamond Group comes down to adaptability, strong work ethic, and relationship-building. I embrace new challenges, I take initiative, and I build strong connections with colleagues, leaders, and customers. My problem-solving skills and strategic mindset have allowed me to drive results, while the support of a great team has helped me grow and thrive.
What advice would you give to others who are aspiring to leadership roles?
Have a strong will to win by being prepared, learn from everyone around you, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you to grow.
We thank these spectacular women in leadership for sharing their insights with us! Next, read about the perspectives of Meagan Edwards, General Manager, Marketplace Settlement; Elaine Mazurick, Advisor, CEO & Strategic Communications; Lindsay Pyke, Senior VP, Finance; Christine Hutchings, General Manager, MSS; and Teresa O’Rourke, Operations Controller, WFS, here.
