One Last Thing: Tamara Vrooman

Tamara Vrooman, Vancity | BCBusiness

Down-to-earth Vancity president and CEO Tamara Vrooman is inspired by businesses in her own backyard. But her best ideas arrive after hours, likely with wine in hand

Which businesses do you most identify with? Local enterprises.

What do you value in your colleagues? Candour.

What cause is dearest to your heart? Values-based banking.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Values-based banking.

What is your greatest extravagance? Maui every spring break with my family.

On what occasion do you lie? I don’t.

What is your greatest fear? Irrelevance.

How do you take your coffee? Often—and with milk.

What is your favourite destination for business? Our local community.

Which talent would you most like to have? To be able to sing well.

What is your greatest regret? Not buying real estate in Vancouver 20 years ago.

What is your most marked characteristic? I’ve been told I’m pretty down-to-earth.

What is the trait you most deplore in a colleague? Self-centredness.

What is your favourite post-work drink? A nice glass of wine.

What is your present state of mind? Optimistic.

What’s your preferred method of communication? Talking.

Come into the office early or stay late? Stay late.

Where would you like to live? I love where I live—Vancouver.

What do you never travel without? My iPhone.

When do you get your best ideas? When I’m out of the office.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Not a lot; I like where my life is at.