Meet our new Canada Director
Talent Beyond Boundaries is pleased to announce that Patrick O'Leary will join our team at the end of this month as our new Canada Director.
Patrick comes with a wealth of experience, including his most recent role as Global Client Services Manager for world-leading immigration firm, Fragomen. Patrick is a former Board Member of the Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC) and current Board Member of the Private Refugee Sponsor Network Ontario, and the St. James’ Refugee Committee where he lives in Toronto.
Welcome Patrick! What made you decide to step into the role of Canada Director for Talent Beyond Boundaries?
For the last ten years I have worked with refugees in different volunteering and professional capacities. I have been a friend of Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) now for some time and followed their work closely.
I think we reach points in our careers where we feel ready to make that leap and I am excited to do this now as I feel ready both personally and professionally. I think the last 12 months have also been a reflective time for many of us and making this change for me now is also about prioritizing the work I feel is so important and that I am passionate and dedicated towards.
What superpowers will you be bringing to your new role?
I am told I am a particularly good listener and have the capacity to remember very small details from stories for an exceptionally long time. As we welcome skilled refugees into Canada an important part of this will be listening to their stories. It is their stories, experiences and voices that will help shape the future of the program and our work.
How do you believe Canada can benefit from welcoming skilled refugees, and vice-versa?
Welcoming skilled refugees into Canada is aligned with the government’s wider strategy to bring large numbers of skilled immigrants into Canada over the next three years. Canada will benefit from the immense skills and talent of refugees not only economically but also through the shared cultural experiences that make up the fabric of so many Canadian communities.
Skilled refugees will benefit from the opportunity to access mobility pathways to come to Canada to resume, rebuild and move forward with their careers and lives with dignity, respect, and compassion.
What’s your vision for how things could look 50 or 100 years from now, based on the work we’re doing today?
Today, TBB’s work is pioneering new pathways for vulnerable persons to a small number of host countries at a time when the level of displacement across the world is increasing. 50 to 100 years from now, I hope that we are not facing the same level of displacement we are seeing today. But if the trend continues, then I hope there is a more equitable system whereby increased labour mobility pathways are accessible to skilled refugees in most countries in the world.
I also hope that the discussion around durable solutions for refugees expands and additional complementary pathways continue to evolve and develop outside of the traditional routes that have been in place for so long.
Who or what inspires you to keep going when you face challenges?
My inspiration when I face challenges is - and will likely always be - my Mum. From a young age I have seen her work in the non-profit sector where she has built and developed innovative programs that impact so many children and families. When I have challenges, I think of the work she has done and the barriers she has overcome, and it not only keeps me going but makes me more determined to reach my goals.
Who or what makes you laugh?
I am someone who enjoys awkward British humour. Rowan Atkinson, and specifically the character Mr. Bean, always makes me laugh. This year it has sometimes felt that opportunities to laugh and smile are few and far between but I try to stay connected with my friends and find the humour and happiness in life’s smaller things. I am also lucky to have friends who make me laugh to the point I cry!
What are you most excited to start working on in the weeks and months ahead?
This is a difficult question as there are so many aspects of the next few months that excite me, despite being acutely aware of the challenges also.
I am most excited to speak to businesses and local communities in Canada about TBB and the incredible opportunity they have to partner with us. I am excited to speak with candidates as well, specifically those who have already arrived in Canada, to understand what their experiences have been and what we can learn.
Selfishly, I am also incredibly excited to join the TBB team and collaborate with such a talented group of individuals and share learnings and experiences from different countries.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
The last two years have been dedicated to completing my master’s program when I have not been working. (If you were to ask me this question a year ago my answer would have been quite different!) Over the last year, playing games such as Code Names and Articulate over Zoom has become a great way of staying connected. I have always enjoyed writing and have recently started to write my first fiction piece. Whilst it is in its early stages, I am enjoying the process and learning!
Reflecting on the future, I do look forward to and welcome a post-pandemic world where we can socialize face-to-face again, as I am certainly someone partial to after-work drinks and good conversation with close friends.
Connect with Patrick:
Whether you’re a Canadian company interested in hiring a skilled refugee, or a partner or donor in Canada wanting to support our work, feel free to contact Patrick for a chat.
