Meet Tina, Ourboro’s favourite Finance and Operations Manager!
Tina grew up in Southeast Asia. She spent time living in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, and even Australia before moving to Canada after graduating high school.
From budgeting, to fundraising, to payroll, to legal, Tina makes sure everything is working behind the scenes.
How long have you been with Ourboro?
I joined the Ourboro team in January 2020, so I was in the office for only 2 and a half months before we started working from home due to COVID.
As the Finance and Operations Manager, what does your day-to-day look like?
Before I do anything else, I have to start each morning with a cup of coffee. Then, I’ll take Leo, my 8-year-old toy poodle, for a walk before coming home for a second cup of coffee. On a typical day, I have around seven cups of coffee!
I usually get a few emails overnight from auditors or accountants so I’ll start my day by responding to those and then checking my to-do list. The rest of my day changes based on what is going on at Ourboro. Each month I complete our monthly reporting for investors. We also have our budget planning and projections done annually.
How did you get started in Finance and Operations?
My career in Finance started with an internship at an online brokerage and wealth management firm. From there I moved into various roles in different areas of the financial industry like wealth management, investor relations, fund operations, and financial reporting.
What brought you to Ourboro?
I’ve changed roles within the financial industry a few times, spending time in different areas to try new things and discover what I really like. When I saw the Finance and Operations Manager role open up, it felt like all those career paths converged at Ourboro.
The idea behind Ourboro also really spoke to me on a personal level. Many of us are told to go to university, work hard to get a good paying job, and you should be able to buy a home once you’ve done all that. But it’s no longer possible in our generation. I felt like something had to change.
I bought my first home, a 400 sq ft condo, a few years ago and I remember moving in and feeling lost. I asked myself “is this it? Is this what the ‘homeownership’ dream is supposed to be?”. After working so hard to become a homeowner, it still didn’t quite feel like home because it wasn’t what I truly wanted, it was the only thing I could stretch to afford.
I sold that condo two years later and was able to make a return on my investment. It was actually the best investment I’ve ever made, and I think others should be able to have the same opportunity. I knew that Ourboro could make a big impact and I wanted to be a part of it.
Where could we usually find you when you’re not working?
When I’m not working you can usually find me at the dog park with Leo. He loves spending time there, finding all the dog toys he can, and it makes me happy to see him happy.
What book is on your bedside table right now?
I just finished The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest. It’s a great book about turning your self-doubt into a strength and how to look within yourself for answers.
I can’t read fiction, it just doesn’t resonate with me. But I love reading to learn from authors. Often it’s years of their life and learning, all compacted into one book. I’m also listening to more audiobooks lately, I find they help me retain the information better.
What’s something that people often find surprising about you?
People are often surprised to hear that I love Jazz, prior to COVID you could find me at Jazz clubs in the city. I find it really relaxing.
I’m also a big UFC fan! I grew up watching Muay Thai. I find the background stories inspiring and love the anticipation and excitement going into the main events.
What’s your favourite neighbourhood in Toronto or the GTA?
Yonge and Shepherd. There are lots of good restaurants, especially authentic Asian restaurants, along with pubs and patios. It feels like you’re downtown but it’s actually uptown and close to home, I’m only five minutes away.
