Tania-Joy Bartlett grew up with a passion for building things and an even stronger passion for building community. From an early age, she was drawn to hands-on work and the sense of accomplishment that comes with solving practical problems. That curiosity led her into the trades, where she earned her 309A electrical qualification, became a Master Electrician, and trained as a heavy equipment operator.
Her path wasn’t always easy. Entering a male-dominated industry meant facing skepticism, harassment, and being underestimated. Instead of backing down, Tania-Joy doubled down on education and credentials. “I made sure I had more qualifications than those discriminating,” she recalls. This determination became the foundation of her leadership style.
As the past owner of New Beginnings Contracting Services and New Beginnings Building Services, she set out to create something rare in the industry: a workplace that valued skill above all else. Safety, quality, and equality were at the center of her operations. That commitment earned her more than 25 community awards and recognition from her local Chamber of Commerce for promoting diversity in the trades.
Her proudest recognition, however, came from her work as a volunteer. The Volunteer Award from Junior Achievement, given for mentoring and speaking to students about careers in the trades, remains her favourite. Outside of work, she enjoys fishing, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
For Tania-Joy, the trades have always been about more than tools and blueprints. They are about education, equality, and the belief that hard work can change lives.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Tania-Joy starts her day early. She likes to spend a few minutes outside with her coffee, often in her garden. “It grounds me before I get into the day,” she says. Mornings are her most productive time. She prioritizes tasks that need problem-solving or creativity, like reviewing designs or planning volunteer presentations.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Her process is practical. She sketches things out on paper, whether it’s a work plan or a talk for students. “Writing it out makes it real,” she explains. From there, she tests ideas quickly. In her business days, that meant piloting new safety practices on one site before rolling them out. Today, it means trying small changes in her routine or garden before committing.
What’s one trend that excites you?
She’s fascinated by the growth of green building technologies. From solar panels to energy-efficient systems, she sees opportunity for electricians to lead in sustainability. “Tradespeople are on the frontlines of climate action,” she says.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
She writes daily lists but limits them to three big tasks. “If I try to do ten things, I do none of them well,” she admits.
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Don’t wait for acceptance. Create your own standards and live by them.”
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
She believes that silence can be more powerful than words. “When you don’t respond to harassment or doubt, and you just outwork everyone, it speaks louder.”
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
She recommends continuing education. Even a single-day workshop on a new tool can give you a fresh perspective.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
She goes fishing. “There’s something about the water that clears your mind,” she says.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Hiring for attitude, not just skill. She always looked for people who valued safety and teamwork over speed. “Skills can be taught. Attitude can’t.”
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
The forced closure of her businesses was devastating. It nearly cost her her life. But she rebuilt her sense of self by focusing on volunteering and education. “I realized my worth wasn’t tied to a company name. It was in what I gave back.”
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
She suggests creating mobile training labs for trades — trucks equipped with tools and learning stations that bring education directly to schools and rural areas.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
She uses OneNote to organize her thoughts, especially when planning talks or tracking new safety regulations.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
She loves Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. “It showed me that leadership and gender conversations aren’t just in boardrooms — they’re in job sites too.”
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
She enjoyed Call the Midwife. “It’s about women balancing work, life, and dignity in tough conditions. I relate to that struggle.”
Key learnings
- Inclusive workplaces don’t just support diversity — they raise overall quality and safety standards.
- Continuing education and skill development are the most reliable paths to long-term success.
- Balance between personal fulfillment and professional discipline is essential for resilience.
- Facing discrimination or setbacks can be fuel for creating better environments and higher standards.