ARRIVAL LOUNGE
“WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN LEADERSHIP ROLES IS CRUCIAL”
Vaidehi Bhagat.
By ROHIT SINGH
Vaidehi Bhagat began her career in Mumbai where she lived and studied until 1992, working with renowned five-star hotels such as Century Hong Kong, Holiday Inn Grand Stanford, and Excelsior.
In the early 2000s, she decided to immigrate to Canada with her husband. “The initial stages of our journey in Canada were marked by challenges,” she recalls. “Securing employment was particularly difficult; I took on odd jobs to build connections and adapt to our new environment. I was also forced to make difficult choices, including accepting a lower position and salary.”
Eventually, Bhagat found employment with a Canadian airline company in 2000. However, the aviation industry faced a severe setback following 9/11, and the company was shut down.
Nonetheless, this marked a turning point in her career, as she contemplated starting a business in the field of marine services with a business partner. “My husband was still in Hong Kong, and we recognized that if he were to start anew in Canada, we would both be back to square one,” she says. “The journey was undeniably challenging, but the determination to succeed left us with no option but to move forward.”
Bhagat and her husband founded Global Sea Services Ltd, a company that provides specialized sea services. She currently serves as the founder-president of the organization.
Having found success in Canada, Bhagat decided to volunteer and give back to her community by taking on leadership roles in non-profit organizations. She is president of the Sawitri Theatre Group; chairperson of Panorama India; founder of the Indo-Canadian Women Foundation; and community outreach director of the TRIEC Professional Immigrant Networks (PINs) association, Brilliant Minds Group (BMG).
“Contributing to my community has always been a significant aspect of my life,” says Bhagat. “Through my various leadership roles in these organizations, I’m able to make a positive impact in the well-being and success of newcomers to Canada, just as I received support when I was in their shoes many years ago.”
She also wants to encourage other immigrant women to take on leadership roles in their communities and organizations. “Women’s participation in leadership roles is crucial because it promotes diversity of thought, leading to more well-rounded decision-making and innovative solutions, and it fosters inclusivity by addressing the unique needs and perspectives of women,” she explains. “Additionally, female leaders serve as role models, inspiring future generations of women to pursue leadership positions.”
Bhagat’s advice for newcomer professionals, specifically women, currently beginning their careers in Canada:
1. Confidence is key. Believe in yourself and your abilities. It can go a long way in achieving career goals.
2. Resilience matters. Setbacks are part of the journey in building your career in a new country, but it is imperative to bounce back and persevere.
3. Network actively. Who you know also matters along with what you know. Attend industry events and join professional associations to build a strong network.
4. Find a mentor. Mentoring plays a vital role in shaping everyone’s life. Seek mentors that can provide guidance, open doors, and accelerate your career growth.
5. Get involved in your community. Volunteering helps to integrate and showcases your commitment to assimilating and accepting Canada as your new home.
6. Celebrate your achievements whether they are big or small. These moments will remind you of your success and progress to drive you there again.
• If you’d like to share the story of your arrival in Canada, please write to desinews@rogers.com or call 416-695-4357.