Barry Foo joins our HR team
Just a few weeks ago, WJS welcomed Barry Foo to the HR team. He joins us from parking providers Impark. Barry’s work will focus on talent development; making sure the developmental tools and processes are in place so that we can be successful in our work. Barry’s agreed to a short Q and A to help everyone get to know him better.
Q: Where are you from?
It’s a very difficult question to answer! I am of Chinese origin, but I was born and raised in South Africa. I’ve lived in the UK, and travel on a British passport. I lived there for nearly ten years and I became a citizen. When I came to Canada, I got my permanent residency. So basically, I am South African, lived in the UK, but am now Canadian and enjoy being in Canada. The perfect definition of a Canadian!
Q: What attracted you WJS?
I wanted to be part of a company that was values based. It’s the ‘strength in people’ theme that came through very strongly for me. That’s the business, and it’s what we need to reflect in ourselves as employees It also represents who we are as an organization. I also enjoyed meeting with Debbie and team and appreciated how she managed the interview process from the beginning.
Plus the drive to Maple Ridge is so much shorter than my former commute to downtown Vancouver!
Q: What will be your role be at WJS?
I will be helping employees develop their skills and potential through courses, programs, and tools that will help them grow, achieve their potential, and meet organizational goals. I cannot be successful in my work if the talent isn’t successful in theirs. That’s the foundation.
Q: You’ve worked in the financial services, engineering, and parking sectors. Was is it a deliberate choice to go into an industry that was so different?
I wouldn’t say that, but again the first attraction was the orientation to people and the people who deliver the service. We try to give people a better life. The people in this industry have a passion for the work – a calling.
What do you when you’re not at work?
I love spending time with my seven-year-old son. He takes up most of my time outside of work. We live near a green belt and the mountains, so we spend a lot of time outdoors. I don’t think there’s a better place to raise my son.
I am from the southern hemisphere and I love cricket but no one here understands it!
Q: Who’s your team?
Since Canada don’t play cricket, I mostly I support South Africa, and I support England too because there are so many South Africans on the English cricket team!