Tell us about yourself.
My name is Michelle Eames and I am part of the Legal, Compliance and Regulatory as Senior Legal Counsel at Interac. I support various product teams and lines of business such as Interac e-Transfer, Interac Verified and commercial partnerships. When I’m not working, I love everything arts, entertainment, and spending time with my 4-year-old daughter at different kids events and shows. My guilty pleasure is keeping up with celebrity news and gossip, no judgment please! I also enjoy traveling and have fond memories of my adventures in Petra, Tibet, and Machu Picchu.
What does a typical day at Interac look like for you?
There is never a dull moment at Interac and no two days ever look the same! I am someone who needs variety in my work so I can be found assisting on different product matters, negotiating a deal, or mentoring other counsel. I am now supporting the Interac Verified team and have been enjoying saying hello to new team members and learning about new products.
You’ve worked at Interac for 6 years. Can you share more about your journey, your favourite part of your job, and what has kept you here?
I cannot believe how fast six years has flown by! The support of the LCR team is one of the biggest reasons that I have enjoyed working at Interac. The work is interesting and my role provides me with the opportunity to learn about new product lines that keep me challenged. I also appreciate being able to lead meaningful projects such as building LCR’s inaugural Indigenous summer student program, which aims to provide undergraduate Indigenous students exposure to an in-house legal environment. As someone who identifies as BIPOC, Interac’s commitment to D&I has also been particularly important to me and I am happy to be a member of the East Asian ERG.
Hands down my favourite part of the job is connecting and collaborating with so many great colleagues. I appreciate how everyone is rolling up their sleeves and supporting each other during this time of transition. It just shows how Interac is home to some of the nicest people I’ve ever worked with.
What advice can you offer to women seeking to pursue a career in the legal field?
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of finding mentors that will give you advice and help you navigate your career. Do not be afraid to make mistakes, as you will learn just as much from them as you will from your wins. One of my biggest pieces of advice that I pass onto women seeking a legal career is to not feel pressured to be someone you are not. Remember to have confidence in your abilities and to always advocate for your best interests.
What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion to me is a mindset. It means coming from a place of empathy and compassion – putting myself in someone else’s shoes to better understand that person. Inclusion also means celebrating our individuality and remembering that we all deserve a seat at the table.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. How do you aim to do this in your life?
I want to continue championing other women and to lean into what makes us unique and different. Whether we realize it or not, we all learn from one another, and I want to inspire inclusion by making sure that the voices and ideas of my fellow peers and colleagues are heard and respected. The values and experiences of others help shape who we are and why I believe it is important to celebrate diversity.
Interac is committed to supporting small businesses across Canada. Are there any women-owned businesses you are proud to support and would like to share?
I love pampering myself at Skin Republic Clinic. The owner is a woman who identifies as BIPOC and has specifically created a business centred on inclusivity. Medical spa treatments have not always been available for BIPOC individuals, and her clinic focuses on treatments and products that are safe for everyone to enjoy.
What makes Interac a unique place to work?
The culture and people. Interac has really taken the time to create a workplace that focuses on employee wellness and work-life balance. The Quiet Hours are helpful for parents of young children like me, who rush to do the drop offs and pick-ups. I also made good use of the mental health benefit top-up last year as I always try to show up with the best version of myself. I am also fortunate to work with so many diverse and interesting individuals who make the time to help and support one another. Every day I learn something new about myself, either personally or professionally.
