First Generation Jamaican-Canadian Chelsea Ziadie’s strong connection to Jamaica runs deep, shaped by her family’s legacy in football. Her mother, Debbie Doyle Ziadie, and father, the late Christopher Ziadie, both proudly represented Jamaica on the international stage. With uncles Nicholas and Craig Ziadie and grandfather Dennis Ziadie also leaving their mark in Jamaican football, Chelsea’s roots are undeniably tied to the island. This strong sense of heritage has always been a part of her identity.

From Ice Hockey to Finance to Tech

The former pro Ice Hockey player graduated from Harvard in 2018 and started her professional journey in finance as a Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley, working with high-net-worth clients and honing her skills in business acquisition and financial planning.

However, in 2021, she felt ready for a new challenge, transitioning into the tech industry at Google. As a Senior Account Manager, she now works with 55 small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on growth strategies in the retail and commerce sectors.

When asked what led her to switch careers, Chelsea explained that it was about pushing her limits and seeking new opportunities. “I wanted to stretch the skills I already had while taking on a fresh challenge,” she said.

The career switch provided her with more flexibility and a better work-life balance, which she prioritises by incorporating regular self-care routines into her schedule.

Chelsea Ziadie (first left), former pro ice hockey player for Harvard turned diversity champion at Google
Championing Diversity and Inclusivity at Google

Chelsea’s professional path has always aligned with her personal values. In addition to her role at Google, she takes on leadership responsibilities as a Sales Inclusion Taskforce Ambassador and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pillar Lead. These positions allow her to drive inclusivity and ensure that Google continues to foster a workplace culture that celebrates diversity.

For Chelsea, teamwork, determination, and work ethic are critical in the corporate world. Having grown up playing ice hockey and football, she believes that sports taught her how to function effectively within a team. “It’s about knowing your role and being adaptable,” she shared. These qualities have translated seamlessly into her career, where she works under pressure while remaining committed to delivering her best.

Jamaican Canadian Chelsea Ziadie making waves at Google
Prioritising Wellbeing in a Demanding Role

Despite her busy career, Chelsea knows how to maintain balance. Whether it’s walking her dog, Bubbles, listening to podcasts, or spending time with friends and family, she’s developed strategies to avoid burnout and stay grounded.

Her friends often remark on her ability to overcome adversity, something she attributes to her father’s advice: “never too high, never too low.” This mantra has helped her remain balanced in both her personal and professional life, facing challenges with composure and determination.

Chelsea’s journey from Harvard to Morgan Stanley and now Google illustrates her ability to adapt, grow, and lead. Through her work, she continues to champion inclusivity while balancing her personal passions. Whether working with businesses, championing diversity initiatives, or spending time with her loved ones, Chelsea’s approach is clear: stay grounded, rise to challenges, and lead with purpose.

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