SHEET HARBOUR: Long-time Scotiabank employee Joanne Lambert got a big surprise at the most recent annual company celebration. She’d already received an award as “Top Individual” in the bank’s Sheet Harbour branch.
But then the District Vice-President presented Lambert with “The Best of the Best” award for all of northeastern Nova Scotia.
She was one of six employees from Nova Scotia, and two hundred and fifty from across Canada, who won a grand prize of a trip to Los Cabos in the Baja California Peninsula, in the Municipality of los Cabos, Mexico at The Hyatt Ziba Resort. “There’s really no words for it,” Lambert says. “I feel proud and respected.”
Just back from her holiday in Mexico, Lambert reports that she enjoyed every single minute. "The resort was stunning and included five pools. The beach was gorgeous but the waves were too strong in the ocean for me to swim." She’s a vegetarian, and a “fussy eater” at that, but reports, “The food was to die for. I enjoyed everything from guacamole to stuffed peppers and tomatoes and had the best pizza I have ever had in my life."
There were six Scotiabank executives on hand to support the winners for a week that included banquets, massages, group activities at the beach, local music, and fireworks. "I was able to take my sister Lori with me as 'Guest of the Best,’” Lambert says. “I was on a mission to enjoy every experience I could. I am essentially a shy person and I wanted to find and meet new people.... and I killed it!"
In addition to Skill Building sessions, the week also included excursions. Lambert chose an Outback Walk and Camel Safari. "I got to go into the desert and a roadrunner crossed the road in front of us! I took a camel ride along the beach,where we did whale watching. During our hiking tour, we had photos taken with a 70 foot cactus that is over 200 years old, and then we enjoyed a tortilla lunch at a Mexican cantina and did some tequila testing!"
The week concluded with staying on the dance floor until the last chord was played. "I just wanted to take it all in and savor every moment. I went to bed at 2 a.m. and was up at 4 for the sunrise."
Scotiabank executives gave Lambert a shout out for being the most engaged and involved with the Scotiabank App they had provided to the group. The app enabled them to get to know each other through photos and messages and Lambert took full advantage. "On Wednesday while I was off on the Camel Safari...they asked 'Where is she?' ...so it shows how much I used it!"
Lambert shows her pride in receiving this award. "I am honoured to be selected and be given this opportunity. I am motivated more than ever to be the best. I have met so many new friends from all networks of the bank from coast to coast. There are many excellent Scotiabankers and I hope that one day they all get to experience this."
