That moment when you realize you've found your "forever job"
Today we shine the spotlight on Jacquie Barlow, Director of Operations, Atlantic Canada/Eastern Ontario. Jacquie’s debut at dentalcorp included a chance elevator encounter with a friendly colleague and a poorly timed vacation – both of which confirmed that she’d found her forever job.
Tell us about your background – how long have you been with dentalcorp and what were you doing before you joined?
I have lived and worked in the Maritimes most of my life, I love the East Coast! A year and a half ago I made the move to dentalcorp after a lifelong career in retail. It is so exciting to work with teams and Partners that are so passionate about what they do.
Have you always wanted to be in this field?
If you had told me when I was younger that I would be supporting dental teams, I would have said “no way!” But now that I’m here I’m so inspired and motivated by how welcomed the teams have made me feel, and I find that, every day, we’re teaching each other new things.
Tell us a bit about your role on your team?
I take great pride in supporting the practice teams. From being a sounding board, to helping solve financial problems or collaborating with other departments, each day is filled with new challenges and learnings.
Share something funny that’s happened to you.
When I had only been with dentalcorp for a few days, I was in the elevator on my way up to the Support Centre. There was a very nice man also headed up there and we had a chat about how I had just started with the company, where I lived, etc. When we reached our destination and found the doors locked, I said “Don’t worry, I can call someone to let us in.” As luck would have it, at that moment someone ran up to open the doors for us. I responded, “Wow, what service!” and laughed. The gentleman said goodbye and wished me luck, and I told him the same. Later I found out that the man on the elevator was Graham Rosenberg, CEO of dentalcorp.
Tell us about an experience you’ve had that’s really left an impact.
Two months after I joined the company, and I had a vacation booked. The pandemic had just started, and by the time I landed in my destination, the world had changed. It was Zoom calls on the beach and calls to stay as informed as I could about what was happening. About 4 days in, I got an email from our Senior Vice President, Operations, Joe Spagnuolo. I was sure it was going to say please come home, which I would have done if flights allowed. But the email simply said, “Thank you so much for your support while on vacation. You didn’t have to do that, and we are really grateful.” At that moment I knew I had found my forever job.
Share something about yourself that your co-workers would never guess?
I was a germaphobe long before Covid. Apparently, I was unwittingly preparing for the pandemic my whole life.
What are your aspirations for personal and professional growth?
My goal is to have the largest, top performing region in dentalcorp and to be the mother of a wonderful daughter in law school!
What advice do you have for new team members joining dentalcorp’s Support Centre?
The term “team” is so often misunderstood or taken for granted. The individuals that make up our Support Centre are all skilled and very hardworking people. The support I have received in my time here has been second to none. If you enjoy autonomy, hark work, and you are goal-focused, dentalcorp is the place for you!
