Shantala Hickey,
Success Story

Shantala Hickey,
ESG, Sustainability Supply Chain Manager

Shantala joined GPSI’s team in 2022, following her post-graduate diploma in Environmental Management. She is responsible for the ESG Division and the corporate social responsibility strategy. Before joining GPSI, she held several management positions at Bombardier Aerospace as well as Galderma, a company operating in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. She has more than 15 years of experience in procurement, logistic, and production planning. The environment and sustainable development are undoubtedly her greatest passions.

  • Could you tell us a little about your position and your experience with other employees?

    As an ESG Manager, my job is to establish ESG Division service deployment strategies in collaboration with the Marketing, IT, and Sales team. I’m fortunate to be part of the decision-making process on marketing campaigns, public ESG information, and the sustainable supply chain. In addition, I monitor the progress of the online service platform and the creation of the customer portal with the IT team. This part of my work allows me to give guidelines while participating in various projects. Another part of my work includes the governance of the various activities within GPSI. Coordination of performance reviews, presentation of results, and improvement of KPIs are monthly activities because we are always looking to improve our internal processes and how to monitor them. Governance allows me to have contact with all organizational levels, to have a global view of the objectives of the different departments, and to propose KPIs and actions to improve results.

  • We would love to hear your thoughts on the essential skills and attitudes needed for your role.

    A good manager is above all a good communicator. Understanding others and being understood is the foundation of the skills essential to success in management. Since my beginnings as a manager, I have always emphasized participatory and inclusive management. At GPSI, autonomy, and priority management are also essential skills for success.

  • How has your experience been working remotely with a team from different cultures?

    Working at GPSI requires working in proximity with all colleagues wherever they are located. The wealth of working with people from all horizons lies in bringing different views and opinions. Everyone has a different experience and culture which is beneficial when we are making strategic decisions for different projects. This allows us to have a diverse and unique vision to make the best decisions.

  • GPSI must have been a valuable experience. What was the biggest challenge you faced?

    Starting a new division is a big challenge in itself! Through this mandate, I have had to demonstrate great resilience and patience as a new start takes time. The first mandate signature is a great motivation and pride to see its efforts coming to a result.

  • What motivates you to continue working for the company?

    When a job allows you to combine your passion with your values, there is nothing more motivating than to achieve the most beautiful challenges. At GPSI, I work in the environment field, implement sustainable initiatives, and share my passion with my colleagues, and I have a great openness with the leaders of the company.

  • Can you share your most significant professional achievement?

    I associate my professional success when my work has an impact on the people around me, on the company, or that generates a personal feeling of accomplishment. Since I have been working at GPSI, one success that met these 3 points was the development of the business plan of the ESG Division. The establishment of a strategy, a goal, and a detailed marketing plan allowed me to have an impact on the company, increase the sense of engagement by demonstrating the seriousness of the ESG approach, and have a social and environmental impact on my daily work.

  • What is it like to work for GPSI?

    Pleasant! People are friendly, always ready to help you. There is a spirit of mutual assistance and collaboration regardless of the position of the person. The Montreal office is airy, the coffee is good, and it’s quiet!

  • Lastly, what advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in your field?

    Working as an environmental consultant at GPSI means opening to great possibilities for achievement a pool of possibilities and having the flexibility to be creative every day. There is nothing more important than doing inspirational work and being the master of your destiny.

Recent posts by Shantala Hickey

Aspects of Supplier Audit & Risk Assessment

Guide to Supply Chain Sustainability 2023

Guide to ESG and its Impact on the Supply Chain

How is Supply Chain Sustainability Affecting Manufacturers?

How is Supply Chain Sustainability Affecting Manufacturers?

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