Sandra Seeley

What year did you join Cushman & Wakefield (or one of the merged firms) and in what role?
I joined in June 1984 in Human Resources as an administrator at A.E. LePage. Shortly after, we merged with Royal Trust and became Royal LePage. I became the administrator for the Residential Divisional Manager for North and Eastern Ontario, which included three regions and approximately 75 branches. From there, I became Executive Secretary to the President of Residential and later joined the commercial end of the business. I probably have been through seven-plus mergers and name changes.
What’s your present title – and briefly describe your day-to-day responsibilities.
As Operations Manager in the Toronto East office, I run the entire operations of the office, managing support staff, facilities, HR, recruitment, financial forecasts, costs controls, charitable and social events, and more.
Describe some of the changes you’ve seen take place in your role and our firm.
Originally, I used a typewriter, then slowly the word processors came on board, and finally an actual computer was used, with no mouse initially. We used fax machines with rolls of shiny paper. There was no email system back then everything was typed and mailed or delivered to various colleagues, clients, and suppliers.
Describe some high points in your career.
I headed up the United Way for GTA and organized a black-tie casino event with all the senior management running the various games. We organized client golf events, which raised a great deal of money for children in need. We had executive dinner, silent auctions, and even offered a car for a hole in one, which was won by one of our agents. I’ve also enjoyed organizing picnics, afternoon BBQs for support staff with various games, and many great networking events. I used to travel to Ottawa frequently, where I organized many dinners and awards programs. On the commercial side, I’ve organized our client ski day, Christmas parties, and various social and client events in the GTA.
What are some things that many of your colleagues would not know about you?
I was a single Mom when I began with the company and had twin boys who were approximately 4 years of age. They are now 37 and I have two grandchildren, a boy and girl who are 4 and 2 years old.
If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be, and why?
Reliable, truthful, and family-orientated.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or dead, who would he/she be and why?
My Mom. Being a single parent, my Mom was always there to support me and my sons. She came from very meager beginnings in Scotland and loved Canada. She was my best friend and even though it’s been over 14 years since she passed, I still miss her.
What do you like best about working for Cushman & Wakefield?
The people.