Age: 39
Birthplace: Utrecht, Netherlands
Company: Full-service law firm
(Sponsored)
Preparation is key to preventing legal consequences for dismissal, according to Emond Harnden LLP
Companies contending with the difficult process of dismissing an employee must be very careful about their actions, or face potentially serious legal consequences. Being proactive about maintaining accurate and detailed
Local businesses face hiring obstacles due to immigration pullback, flawed screening
In his 39 years of practicing immigration law, Warren Creates (a rare Law Society Certified Specialist) has never seen an environment so challenging for employers looking to hire workers from
Education: Bachelor of laws, University of Ottawa (2009); bachelor of arts with distinction in sociology, Carleton University (2002)
Charitable involvement: Youville Centre
Biggest biz achievement: I am the most proud of having built strong relationships with my clients – I feel very lucky to work with people who feel they can rely on me and to be able to support them in the work they are doing.
Biggest obstacle: Becoming a parent at a young age was certainly not easy. That being said, it was an incredible source of motivation and has been a key factor in me becoming the person that I am today.
Biggest influence: I think my children have been the biggest influence on me. I have been parenting my entire adult life, so my decisions in going to school and starting my career have been made with them in mind.
Biggest lesson learned: Be direct with people and have the hard conversations early. People tend to avoid difficult topics, but approaching a contentious issue head-on as opposed to making assumptions can save you a lot of trouble.
First job: Counter staff and food preparation employee at a French gourmet food store.
Advice I’d give the younger me: Be less afraid to take risks and speak your mind. I think women are taught to play it safe and discouraged from being frank – and I think the more quickly we can shake off those lessons and find our voices, the better off we are.
Favourite pastime: Trying to convince my very old dog that he wants to go on a longer walk.
I’m currently reading: Disease and History by Frederick Fox Cartwright
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Senators
Favourite local summer event: Canada Day
Preferred social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram
