The month starts here: some things you need to know-and a few you probably don't.

• Author: Woodsworth, Judith
• Position: Interview - Biography

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

Who was your favourite role model? I had a female political science professor in first year university who inspired me to contemplate a university career, and a (male) dean with whom I worked, who taught me some of the human skills that go along with administrative ones in a university setting.

What is your favourite sport? That has changed over time: I went from swimming, to squash, and this summer took up rowing which I enjoyed very much.

What would you consider a great night out?

Having a long, leisurely fine meal with a group of great people.

What is your favourite book? No one, single favourite, but Canadian women authors such as Margaret Atwood, Carol Shields, Alice Munro-I try to read everything they publish.

What is your favourite type of music?

Classical and, more precisely, chamber music like Mozart or Schubert string quartets. But I also like folk, blues, country, jazz.

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What would you like to be remembered for?

"Contributing to the well-being of the community.

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When it comes to hiring people, what qualities do you look for?

"Honesty, integrity and their work ethic. They have to look at themselves to see how they can do better and their communication skills with people are important.

"But most important they've got to want the job ... they've got to have that enthusiasm. You want to have somebody who wants to be there and wants to do their best all the time and they won't do that if they don't have that want."

What parts of personality are your strengths? Which are your liabilities?

"The compassion, energy and optimism I have for the industry. I always think there's going be something better. I hope for the best. You need hope. That's my biggest strength, I don't give up easily and I believe in people.

"Again, that will work the other way because sometimes I'll trust people that I really shouldn't and I can really get caught. And my compassion because I can get pulled into things because I believe so much in something."

What's the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

"With my job, because it's creating a plan or a vision and a destiny, it's about creating a new project and watching it grow, that's very satisfying. When you facilitate...