Circle CRM Group is a group of consulting archaeologists; CRM stands for Cultural Resource Management. The team, led by Margarita, goes in before development projects begin to ensure that significant archaeological resources are not impacted (or that the impact is mitigated). They hike, dig, and get paid to spend time outdoors, hopefully discovering stuff along the way! 

Just this past year, Margarita was named one of WXN's Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women. In her own words, she has come far "from a group of one in my living room with a line of credit and a dream, to a woman leading a group of many working throughout Western Canada". 

Please tell us about a turning point or challenge that you feel shaped you as a leader or mentor.

"In the fall of 2018, we lost three key staff in the span of a month, and I had to quickly jump back in the field. It taught me a lot about being proactive and about being honest - was my culture what I thought it was and were we doing as great a job at taking care of our people as I wanted to? Having self-realization about what I possibly don't know and/or could do better has really opened my eyes to so much opportunity."

What would you say is the most important trait or skill to develop for someone working in your field?

"My field" can mean many things; I used to identify as an archaeologist first and foremost but in recent years, I have embraced the role of CEO. In both roles, I have utilized my superpower, which is grit. Grit will take you places that other people will not be able to go. In those times when I have been hiking through the woods on a really bad day, I put my fierce face on and just go. That's grit; you can do anything you put your mind to."

Margarita's session format is flexible and may take place in-person or virtually.