That people-first philosophy — which involves listening closely to both employees and customers — has paid off over the past two-plus decades. It’s an approach that sets Payworks apart from its competitors, notes Gamey. “Our customers tell us how we’re different. We always put the customer first, always checking in with them so they can tell us what’s most important to them. They identified customer service as the No. 1 priority.” Her company firmly established, Gamey hasn’t taken her personal success for granted. Now in a position to help others, she’s dedicated herself to giving back to people and the city she lives in. Extensively involved in the community, Gamey sits on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ board of directors, the Business Council of Manitoba’s board of directors and the TELUS Manitoba community board, to name a few. “I was fortunate to get involved with the United Way early in my career,” she says. “I was able to see challenges that communities faced first-hand. When you see those challenges, you feel that if you have the time and money, you should do what you can to give back.” And that she is doing, not only through serving on the three boards she sits on, but also as the chancellor of the University of Winnipeg. “There’s the old saying — if you need to find someone to do something, find a busy person,” says Gamey. “I’ve always had an interest in community engagement and volunteerism, so I make time for it.” In essence, she’s simply doing what comes naturally. “It’s something I’m very passionate about — learning about issues, learning about communities and connecting with people. Getting involved is the way to help drive positive change. Giving fills you up and is so energizing.” She says she hopes that her spirit of giving will be infectious. “I want to provide support in a meaningful way to move the needle, and, hopefully, to inspire people to get involved by donating their time, talent and money. All giving is good; all giving makes a difference.” ◗
Barb Gamey, Payworks co-founder. Photos courtesy of Payworks
It would be fair to say that Barb Gamey’s business acumen and giving, caring attitude was shaped early in life. Those attributes were derived from family, says Gamey. “My dad was an entrepreneur, and my uncles also owned businesses,” recalls the co-founder of Payworks. “I had a lot of entrepreneurial experiences early on and saw my dad agonize over business decisions that affected his employees.” After working in the payroll field for many years, Gamey decided to take payroll services to the next level in 2000. It was then that she co-founded Payworks, blending cutting-edge computer technology with a customer- centric service philosophy. Following the example of her dad and uncles, Gamey based her business around a people-first philosophy. “Our employees and their families rely on us to make the right decisions every day. My obligation is to ensure that we have a successful business, so they don’t have to worry about their economic livelihood,” she says.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MARCH 8 TH
FROM CHALLENGE COMES CHANGE So let’s all choose to challenge gender bias and inequality, misogyny and violence against women. How will you help forge a gender equal world? Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
I CHOOSE
I CHOOSE
I CHOOSE
I CHOOSE
FROM CHALLENGE COMES CHANGE So let's all choose to challenge gender bias and inequality, misogyny and violence against women. How will you help forge a gender equal world? Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 21
#CHOOSETOCHALLENGE #IWD2021
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