From video game industry pioneer to government minister

Professional and CorporateLeadership and Government
Written By Stuart McNish

Guest: Brenda Bailey (government minister in jobs and the economy)

There is no “normal” day when you work in government. That is what Brenda Bailey has learned as British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. In fact, she sees her job as a real-life crash course on British Columbia.

This is not a job you simply enter directly. Brenda describes her career path as “very windy,” characterized by doors closing and forcing her towards many career detours – those that men might not have faced. She credits her achievements to having good access to education and being extremely lucky, with people she knows and interests that aligned with opportunities.

After working in the software industry and shaping companies geared towards women in tech, she wanted to fit her social values with a position of power that can make a difference in people’s lives – and thus began her journey into politics, which she continues to this day.

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Stuart McNish
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