Leadership one-on-oneSuzie Currie

SC: What I admire most in a leader is their ability to be approachable, honest, and respectful. In my mind, leadership isn’t just about decision-making, it’s about building trust. That’s why I also value vulnerability and candour without compromising professionalism. Great leaders give of themselves, they show their humanity, and in doing so, they create space for others to do the same. 

SC: I love to laugh, and I think we should do it more. If there’s an opportunity to make someone laugh or to laugh along with someone, you bet I’ll take it!  My Border Collie, Hughie, makes me laugh a lot.  He is full of energy and personality and cracks me up daily. I’m originally from Cape Breton, where we love our well-timed zingers and colourful language.

SC: If I could have anyone on my shoulders, cheering me on, and reminding me of my strengths, I would choose Michelle Obama, without hesitation. She's a strong, empowering woman who leads with conviction and isn’t afraid to set boundaries. She also practices vulnerability in a very public way. There’s so much to admire in how she owns her voice, supports others, and stays grounded in who she is.

SC: At UBCO, we punch above our weight in research, innovation, and creative activity offering meaningful opportunities for students. Coming from the East Coast, I’ve seen how smaller institutions can create rare and influential experiences for students. What makes UBC Okanagan so exciting is that it combines that close-knit, community-connected environment with the reach, reputation, and excellence of a U15 research university. It’s the best of both worlds.

I view our two campuses as complementary, and UBC Okanagan is uniquely positioned to be a jewel in the UBC crown.

Our strength lies in our scale, our connections to the Syilx Okanagan Nation, industry, and each other, as well as our shared drive to grow strategically and inclusively. There’s a real appetite here to lead with intention. We have wonderful and ambitious staff, faculty, and students and a creative energy and enthusiasm on this campus. That’s what drew me here.

SC: I take my work seriously, and try not to take myself too seriously. This mindset helps me keep things in perspective. I also try to lead with curiosity and kindness. Those two qualities go a long way in building trust and moving through uncertainty.

SC: I’m a biologist, so recharging for me means getting outside and into nature. I live on an acreage in the countryside. I moved across the country when I started this role back in September, and I am still getting to know this beautiful part of the world and I love exploring the local surroundings.

You’ll often find me hiking, biking, walking, or skiing with my dog, Hughie. He’s curious, high-energy — he’s practically the canine version of me.

SC: The best advice came from my late dad. He used to say, “Suzie, never pass up the opportunity to say nothing.” It’s a simple message, but such a powerful reminder of the value of listening. I’m naturally curious about people. I love understanding what makes them tick.

SC: You’ll find that my answer is very similar to the character traits I value in a leader: honesty, approachability, respect, and collegiality… oh, and a good sense of humour too. Humour is not a necessity, but it's a bonus! I thrive in a work setting where I can be myself and let my personality be part of my professional life. I want to work alongside colleagues who create space for authenticity, and we can bring our whole selves to the workplace.

SC: I hope to be remembered for helping shape a sustainable and impactful vision and culture for research, innovation, and creative activity at UBC’s Okanagan campus. I hope to foster an environment where researchers feel inspired and supported, and where the campus strategically flourishes.

SC: Teleportation and breathing underwater! As a marine biologist, I delight in seeing and being surrounded by fish. I’ve been fortunate enough to snorkel and dive in some amazing places. It brings a peacefulness I’ve never found anywhere else.

If I could teleport underwater, I’d go straight to Raja Ampat. It’s an Indonesian archipelago in West Papua, known for its pristine coral reefs and marine diversity. 

SC: One of the best parts of my role is connecting with researchers and creative thinkers across disciplines. Every conversation leaves me inspired — there’s a contagious energy in research and innovation on our campus. 

It’s the researchers and creators that excite me more than specific areas. UBC is a world leader in research and innovation because we work together to create an accessible and supportive environment to ensure researchers and their trainees thrive and can take their work to the next level. At UBCO, we are building strong community and industry partnerships and creating space for diverse voices across disciplines, sectors, and cultures.

Given our current climate and geopolitical chaos, we are living through what some call a “polycrisis” – a convergence of multiple, overlapping global crises.  Through research and innovation, UBC and all postsecondary institutions have the opportunity and responsibility to provide critical thought, solutions, and be places of hope and creativity.

SC: UBC Okanagan is uniquely connected to our communities, and the meaningful partnerships we’ve built allow us to strategically align our research expertise with regional, national and international challenges and opportunities. We address local issues on a global scale.

My role is to help create the conditions for that kind of collaboration — to bring people together from different areas to help spark impactful conversations and inspired connections. We focus on convening, strategy, and alignment. It’s in those intersections, between disciplines, sectors, and perspectives, where the magic happens.