In this month’s edition of Leadership 1-on-1, we caught up with Tanya Baker, who recently stepped into the role of Neighbourhood Regional Manager. With over eight years at OSL under her belt, Tanya brings experience, empathy, and a competitive edge to everything she does. We chatted about her journey to leadership, building strong teams, and how motherhood shaped her perspective along the way.
First off, congrats on the new role as Neighbourhood Regional Manager! What has that transition been like for you so far?
Thank you! The transition’s been really good. I’ve had a lot of support from my district manager and from Chad—he used to be my manager and now he’s my counterpart. I’m still learning, obviously, it’s going to take some time, but for the most part I’m comfortable in the position. The hardest part? Letting go of my ATL 03 team. They’re under new management now, which I oversee, but it’s been hard not having that day-to-day control.
You’ve been with OSL for over 8 years now. What’s kept you inspired and growing here?
A lot has changed over the years—new faces, big changes—but the opportunity for growth and development within the company has kept me going. I come from a self-employed background. When my kids moved out, I told my husband, “It’s time to get a real job.” I applied for a door-to-door role and at first I thought, “Oh my goodness, can I even do this?” But I actually really liked it. I became one of the top performers and just kept growing. I started in 2017, became an assistant manager in 2019, a field manager in 2021, and now a regional manager. So yeah, it’s been quite the journey!
You’ve won President’s Club twice! What’s your secret sauce for leading a team to consistent success?
I’m a bit competitive! [laughs] It’s about staying focused on goals and making sure your team’s aligned. I was recently told by my manager that I was the top female manager in Canada. It, of course, made me curious about where I ranked with all the managers and found out I was “Top 10, which is amazing, but it also made me want to work towards being #1 overall. And…I did it! I became the first female manager to hit #1 in all of Canada, and then I did it again the next year. But really, as proud as I am of myself, I couldn’t have done it without my team and all of their hard work. It comes down to appreciating and recognizing them and all their hard work. You can’t get to the top without them.
You’ve worked closely with your AFMs to build leadership from within. What’s your approach to developing strong leaders on your team?
I build strong working relationships with all my AFMs. We set clear goals and expectations, have regular one-on-ones, and coach consistently. The biggest test for me was always: can I take a vacation and not worry? And I could. Every time. Because we were all aligned. Just recently, four people from my old team applied for a B2B manager role. That made me so proud. It means the development we did together really stuck.
As a neighbourhood marketing manager, what does a “win” look like for you?
To me, a win is when the team is happy. I don’t like negativity. We control what we can and let the rest go. Don’t get me wrong, I love winning, but it’s not just about hitting numbers. It’s about building a team that feels supported and connected. That’s the real win.
What’s it like balancing your career with motherhood, particularly at OSL? Any advice for other working parents?
My kids are grown now (31 and 28!), so I’m in a different phase, but I understand how challenging travel can be when raising a family. At OSL, we recognize those challenges and do our best to plan accordingly. While travel can be a key part of the role, our team’s aim is to provide as much notice and support as possible to help our agents and leaders manage both work and family responsibilities.
What’s been the most rewarding (and maybe the most challenging!) part of being a mom while working in a fast-paced leadership role?
The most rewarding part is showing my kids what’s possible. I had my first child at 18, started my business at 19, bought my first house at 20, had my second child at 21, and got married at 25. I didn’t follow the usual order, but I kept going. My daughter recently graduated top of her class and got a government job. I like to think I showed her that if you work hard, you can do anything.
The sales world is always changing. How do you stay ahead of the curve and keep your team motivated?
LinkedIn Learning! I love those courses. I take what I learn and apply it, whether with my team or now with my managers. Staying current matters. I want to make sure I’m always bringing fresh ideas and relevant info.
Last one! What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your journey with OSL, or about you as a leader?
Most people don’t know this, but I gained all my sales experience through OSL. Before this, I was self-employed as a bookkeeper and accountant. I started my business at 19, helped run my husband’s company, and then came to OSL with no sales background at all. Everything I know, I learned here. It just goes to show, if you’re willing to learn and grow, anything is possible.
Conclusion: Thanks so much to Tanya for taking the time to share her story! From building strong leaders to making space for working parents, Tanya’s journey is proof that success isn’t always linear, but it is absolutely possible with the right mindset, support, and a little bit of grit.