Staff Highlight: James O’Brien

Name: James O’Brien

Job Title: People and Culture Coordinator / HR Specialist

Program: People and Culture Department

Length of time within the organization: just over 2 years

What is one of the most rewarding aspects of your employment at arc?

Working with people who do such great work, seeing the evolution of arc in two years, and connecting people to roles that are a great fit have all been incredibly rewarding experiences. (ok more than one, but its one sentence so that counts?). 

How have you grown or developed personally or professionally during your time with arc? 

Yes – my time with DEIB has made me challenge my ideas of diversity, even with my personal belief of being fairly open minded.  I like it when people around me start using terms like “decolonization” or “fragility” who wouldn’t normally (i.e. my retired dad).  I’ve also had many professional development opportunities which I am happy to put into practice with my expanded role. 

How do you observe your role contributing to create thriving communities, free of systemic barriers and full of belonging, equity, and hope?

From an HR perspective, my role contributes by actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This involves
implementing policies and practices that remove systemic barriers, ensuring fair hiring processes, and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. I work to connect individuals with opportunities that align with their strengths and aspirations.  As my role expands in the agency, I hope to help build an environment where belonging, equity, and hope are not just ideals but everyday realities. However, there is still work to be done to achieve these goals fully.

Can you share one of your biggest joys working in collaboration with other staff, community partners, or clients to achieve a goal? 

Collaborating with the DEIB Committee on our annual survey was a significant milestone for me. The committee members consistently brought up perspectives I hadn’t considered, highlighting the importance of teamwork and diverse viewpoints.

How has arc’s two-eyed seeing approach and commitment to decolonization contributed to your perspective and approach towards transformative reconciliation?

In all honesty, this is a rather new concept for me. I like the theory behind it because it challenges perspectives; just because we’ve always done something a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the correct way – or we should even continue to. It forces you to evaluate perspectives from different angles and consider alternative approaches.  You can take that theory into all aspects of your life! To fully embrace a two-eyed seeing perspective, I have to acknowledge that I am still on a learning journey to understand the Indigenous perspective, but I am willing to learn and acknowledge we are at all different places in terms of change. 

What inspires you to continue working in the social services sector?

In high school, I initially considered becoming a social worker, but my school counsellor advised against it. I find it interesting that I eventually found my way to arc programs. I want to acknowledge the challenging (yet hopefully rewarding) work that everyone at arc programs does. I am constantly in awe of arc employees – you all handle it authentically and professionally. 

While my high school guidance counsellor was correct that social work might not be the best fit for me, I feel incredibly fortunate to contribute to the success of our employees and agency in this demanding field. 

I enjoy practicing yoga, running (writing it down means I’ll get back into it), exercising my dogs, appreciating design (despite my office’s appearance, I used to be an interior designer), traveling when the trip is well planned, and spending time with a close group of people who allow me to be my authentic self (for better or worse). 

Is there anyone you would you like to recognize or give a shoutout to for their support, mentorship, or teamwork? Why?

There are too many! I’m lucky in a sense that I get work with so many people in the agency in different locations and programs.  You’ve all helped me and taught me things (regardless of whether you are aware you were teaching me or not).   

But let’s say NICK – we look alike so…yah the guys’ got mad style. He’s also really good at putting things in perspective and provides not just what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. 

I hope that with my expanded role, I can continue to build and create an employment experience for all staff that feels as welcoming and sincere as the one I have enjoyed.