HR leader Asifa Samji of Stantec talks about transition from environmental science to HR
“The business of HR found me.”
So says Asifa Samji, EVP and chief people & inclusion officer at Stantec, who had been part of the company – a sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting firm – for years prior to her handling any HR role.
Starting as an environmental scientist, she managed projects, conducted fieldwork, and led operations, but one constant remained: a passion for people.
Samji’s formal shift to HR began in 2020 when she received a call from the CEO, asking her to take over as SVP and chief HR officer as their chief people officer back then took a six-month sabbatical.
“He thought bringing a business lens would make an interesting impact,” she says, so she took over the role on an interim basis.
“It turned out, my predecessor didn't end up coming back, [having] decided to pursue other things. And so things were going well, and so the CEO just kept me in this role.”
A big reason why Samji has stayed with Stantec since 2009 is the corporate values, which resonate and align with her own values, she says.
“It’s about the incredible people I work with, the impactful projects we take on, and the opportunities for personal and professional growth.”
Every day brings something different, “whether it’s advancing our strategic objectives, coaching, or mentoring,” she explains. “Looking at data—voluntary turnover, engagement scores—is part of our priorities, as is addressing employee matters and employee relations issues.”
But recruitment is her personal favourite: “I love meeting potential candidates or attending events to help attract people,” she says.
Externally, Samji engages with industry partners and serves on a CHRO roundtable. Internally, her role involves managing budgets, approvals, and partnering with leaders. “It’s never a dull moment,” she says.
She is particularly proud of the programs she’s spearheaded. Early in her HR tenure, her team developed Stantec’s first-ever vaccination policy, navigating client demands and public health guidance.
“We partnered closely with our health and safety team to develop a policy that ensured a smooth transition back to the office,” she says.
Other standout initiatives include the company’s flexible work strategy, employee engagement programs, and diversity and inclusion efforts.
“Our Leader Learning Network is very near and dear to my heart,” Samji adds. “It’s a leadership development program we’re scaling globally, bringing relevant topics to our people leaders.”
A highlight is the SponsorHer program: “It’s focused on advocacy by senior leaders for mid-level career women. There’s mentorship, which is talking to people, but sponsors are people who talk about you. It’s been a very successful program,” she says.
Asked how she feels about all the work she has done, Samji says: “I'm totally exhausted, but I'm really invigorated.”
“There is nothing more fulfilling than helping people grow professionally, which can have a positive impact on their personal lives and help transform a company.”
Creating an impactful employee experience has been the highlight of her HR career so far, she says.
“It’s amazing when you can create a partnership with the business… where HR is a trusted advisor, influencing priorities and enabling success for employees and clients,” Samji says. “That business partnership is something I’m very, very proud of.”
Asked for advice she can share with other HR leaders, she points to the importance of continuous learning and adaptability, and developing strong interpersonal listening communication skills.
“Those are fundamental to building effective relationships,” she says.
It’s also important for HR leaders to learn their company’s business and financial acumen, Samji says.
“No matter what industry you are a part of, no matter what kind of business you're practicing, understanding the craft of that business, understanding how it operates, what their deliverables are and what their priorities are, is going to help you be a much stronger partner to that business.”
