13 Questions With: Lindsay Stephenson

November 16, 2015

Head, Corporate Information Services, National Capital Commission

A hero who has inspired you in your career?

Judy Booth. She is the Chief, Access to Information & Privacy at the National Capital Commission and has had a fascinating career. She is a leader in the Privacy field and is a strong voice for excellence in records and information management. Judy is one of those individuals who loves her job, has a thirst for knowledge, is highly respected and is more than happy to explain, train and guide those who want to learn more about ATI & Privacy.

The first job you ever held and at what age and your first position in the library and/or information services field?

My first real paying job was at the Tea Party in the Glebe. My first position in the information services field was while I was at Queen’s University. I worked in the Art Library and the Art Slide Library.

Why a career in librarianship?

My University degree is in Art History and I wanted something practical to go with it. Algonquin had an Archives Technician diploma program and it seemed like an interesting choice. I was lucky and worked in the archival field during school and shortly after graduating. A job in records management opened up at the NCC in 2002 and I haven’t looked back since. Working in IM allows my inner sleuth to come out, searching for the right piece of information that someone needs. How cool is that?

Coolest thing in your cubicle or office?

I have two actually. An old rotary phone and a RCMP nutcracker.

What is your guilty pleasure?

When I am at home alone and instead of using the time to clean up or do laundry, I do absolutely nothing.

Career advice – what’s your top tip?

Enjoy what you do.

What useless skill(s) do you possess?

I remember ridiculous tidbits of information that people tell me.

Proudest moment in your professional life?

Hhhmmm, it’s not my proudest but it is one that I will always remember.

When I just started at the NCC I was tasked with looking for a file that nobody could find and of course it was urgently required. I found it and did the most amazing happy dance only to discover everyone was at lunch and I had to wait for them to get back to share the news.

If you had 24 hours all to yourself, how would you best like to spend it?

At the spa being pampered.

If you didn’t work in the information industry, what would you be doing?

Right now, I would say a Disney travel agent. That place is addictive.

Finish this sentence: “In high school, I would have been voted the person most likely to … “

I have no idea…high school seems so long ago.

How do you stay current in your field?

Conferences, awareness sessions, meetings and discussions with other professionals.

What would you like your headstone to read?

No regrets.