Tanya’s Blog

Have you ever felt stuck in your career, knowing you were meant for something different but unsure how to make the leap? That was me in 2015, after 15 years as a paralegal. Today, I’m sharing my story not just of career transition, but of personal transformation – because sometimes the biggest transaction you’ll ever handle is advocating for yourself.

Let me be clear: this isn’t a story about overnight success. It’s about methodical planning, resilience, and the idea that we are the primary stakeholders in our own careers. The journey from paralegal to project manager took two years, countless conversations, and more than a few raised eyebrows from naysayers.

My breakthrough came when I realized a simple truth: no one was going to hand me a new career. My leader wasn’t responsible for my growth – I was. This mindset shift changed everything.

Instead of waiting for opportunity to knock, I started building my own door. I began with my company’s EFAP program, diving into skill assessments and career reviews. When project management emerged as a 99% match for my skills and interests, I didn’t just dream about it – I created a plan.

I approached the transition like the detailed-oriented paralegal I was: methodically and thoroughly. I conducted informational interviews and spoke to many people in my company. I secured a couple advisors or coaches if you will, who became instrumental in my journey. And then I did something that raised a drew a lot of attention – I volunteered to organize our company’s first-ever Wellness Expo, turning it into my project management proving ground. I won an award for that work shown in the image above.

While studying for my CAPM certification, I discovered something amazing: many of my paralegal skills were transferable. Organization, attention to detail, stakeholder management – these weren’t just legal skills, they were project management gold.

By December 2016, I had earned my CAPM certification. Five months later, I stepped into my first Junior PM role. The transition wasn’t just about changing jobs – it was about changing how I viewed myself and my potential.

Here’s what I learned: Career transformation isn’t about leaving everything behind. It’s about leveraging what you already know while being brave enough to learn what you don’t. My legal background didn’t become irrelevant; it became a unique selling point that set me apart in project management.

The secret? Resilience. Persistence. And the courage to push beyond your comfort zone. But most importantly, it’s about taking ownership of your career path. Because at the end of the day, you’re not just the plaintiff in your career – you’re also the judge and jury.

What comfort zone are you ready to push past?

Discovering Purpose: My Journey to Empowerment Through Public Speaking

Hi, I’m Tanya—a project management professional with a deep passion for knowledge sharing and public speaking. My journey to this moment has been both exciting and deeply fulfilling, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

A Spark That Ignited in 2014

It all began in 2014. I attended a course for public speaking and presentations through Saint Mary’s University. Terrified, I muddled through the three day course and by the end gained a huge amount of confidence speaking (although couldn’t stop the sweating part). I started practising. Through informal invitations to speak at conferences, events, and workplace sessions, I discovered a profound joy in sharing my experiences and giving back. Those moments—connecting with audiences, exchanging ideas, and inspiring action—sparked something in me that I’ve decided to pursue more intentionally. And the first time that I put a mic on to speak in front of a large group – utterly amazing! I knew I had to pursue this passion.

From Legal to IT: A Career Evolution

Before stepping into project management, I spent 17 years as a paralegal. Transitioning into IT was a bold move, but one that opened doors to growth, learning, and leadership. Today, I’m a Transformation Lead at a major utility, combining my love for continuous improvement and strategic leadership.

My Mission: Empowering Others

I’ve seen firsthand how knowledge and encouragement can empower individuals to lead confidently in their world. My mission is simple: to help people unlock their potential. What sets me apart is my commitment to transparency—I believe in sharing what works and removing barriers to success.

Values That Guide Me

At the heart of everything I do is servant leadership, with empathy as a cornerstone. I’ve also embraced the “let them” theory—a mindset that helps me navigate an increasingly busy life with grace and focus.

Beyond the Professional Lens

When I’m not immersed in project management or speaking engagements, you’ll find me on the ice rink playing hockey, on the basketball court, or even in the boxing ring. I’m also an avid volunteer, dedicating time to causes that matter to me and my community.

What to Expect Here

Through this blog, I’ll share insights on project management, continuous improvement, and career development. Whether you’re a conference organizer, project manager, or executive leader, my goal is to provide you with actionable ideas and fresh perspectives.

Let’s Connect

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker, symposium presenter, or a consultant facilitator to tackle workshops in your organization, let’s start a conversation.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here’s to learning, growing, and making a difference—together!