In the latest edition of our Cultiv8 Employee Series, Jordan Holmes, Director of Talent Operations at Continent 8 Technologies, sat down with Sabrina Mastroianni, our Montreal-based Paralegal.
In the interview, Sabrina talks about her professional journey, her ability to align legal requirements with the company’s business objectives and how the support from the Continent 8 team and culture empowers her to tackle each new challenge and opportunity with purpose and intent.
Hi Sabrina! Can you tell us a little but about yourself and your role as a Paralegal at Continent 8?
Certainly! I’ve been practicing law for over a decade. I’ve dabbled in small to medium to large law-firm boutiques, specialising in all areas of law, including corporate, compliance and commercial – I’ve tried it all!
After serving in a law firm for several years, I decided to pursue in-house counsel, which I absolutely love. The dynamic of working within a corporation versus law firm is, in fact, very different. I am definitely a people person and enjoy holding connections with customers throughout the longevity of the business relationship. In-house counsel promotes this, and Continent 8 encourages it. I’ve been here for three years now, and I could not be happier. I love my colleagues and the relationships we build, not only with our customers and partners, but with each other.
In terms of my actual role, I streamline everything legal, from customer agreements, vendors, resellers, partnerships and everything in between.
How did you come to choose a career as a paralegal? What aspects do you enjoy most about your job?
Originally, my studies were geared towards becoming a lawyer, specifically in family law. However, after volunteering at Batshaw Youth and Family Centers in Montreal, I realised that being a lawyer, especially in family law, was not for me.
My internship at a corporate firm was a turning point, and I loved it. I ran with this, and I’m happy that I did. What I love most about my job is the opportunity to ensure internal compliance while negotiating business deals. I take great pride in navigating complex legal landscapes to make sure that our practices adhere to the law and uphold our company’s standards. Balancing legal requirements with business objectives is both challenging and rewarding, and it’s incredibly satisfying to contribute to our organisation’s integrity and success!
Can you describe some of the challenges you encounter in your position?
Perhaps what is most fascinating is the fact that no two days are ever the same. It’s the nature of our business, especially as we continue to grow at an exponential rate. The challenge lies in maintaining finesse while satisfying customer needs and simultaneously reducing Continent 8’s risks and exposure.
How do you align with Continent 8’s culture and values of Genuine Care, Active Ownership and/or Purposeful Creativity?
As a Paralegal, my role inherently encompasses a bit of everything related to the company’s core cultural values. Each project typically involves overseeing tasks from inception to completion, necessitating Genuine Care and Active Ownership to ensure that every detail is meticulously reviewed and accounted for. ‘Fine-tuning’ is often essential, calling for Purposeful Creativity at times, whether it’s collaborating on new legal terms, managing negotiations or crafting innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients.
Can you talk through some of the new initiatives you are working on?
Some of the new initiatives consist of a deeper understanding and awareness of ‘knowing your customers’ or KYC. The importance of truly understanding our customers not only allows Continent 8 to provide white-glove support but also mitigates our risk. We’re 100% committed to this process and procedure.
Any final thoughts?
Yes – I can go on forever! I have had my fair share of corporate cultures, executives and colleagues over my professional career – I am seasoned in my field of expertise. As I’ve often said, working at Continent 8 has been, and continues to be, an extraordinary journey both professionally and personally. I am grateful to be a part of this amazing team and am appreciative of the challenges, the successes and even the occasional hurdle because we always find a way to lean on each other and make the most out of each and every opportunity.
