Tiffany Grundy is a firm believer in the power of empathy and is determined to show the next generation that kindness is a vital part of being a “good human.” Whether in volunteering or in her career, Tiffany has always been drawn to projects that bring people together. One of her most rewarding highlights involved swapping her laptop for a hard hat, joining a team of empowered women to physically build community housing. This ability to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in sees her well-placed to support commonkind to grow through leveraging the power of community and connections. Fuelled by a large macadamia flat white, Tiffany shared what makes her tick and the importance of curiosity and kindness to make a genuine impact.
Question 1: Why did you join commonkind?
I feel strongly that the concept behind Commonkind is exactly what the world needs more of right now. As a mum of two young kids, I’m passionate about helping the next generation understand that kindness and helping others isn’t optional – it’s part of becoming a good human. If we can nurture empathy and action early, we can shape a much better future.
Question 2: What were you like as a child?
I am an only child so I was very close to my parents and family. When I was in kindergarten, I latched onto my best friend who became my friend for over 8 years through school and beyond. I was like a sibling to her and her parents took care of me often. I was quieter but learned confidence and how to speak up through being a part of their family and interactions. I loved sports and being outdoors (we camped and cottage-d a lot, and I was a kayak and canoe instructor in high school). I loved working with kids and spent 5 years as a camp counsellor during high school working with kids aged 7-10, mostly. I always stood up for what was right and loved the arts, especially music and singing.
Tiffany – making people smile from a young age, aged 2, Toronto Canada.
Question 3: What was your first volunteering experience?
I can’t quite remember that far back (ha!) but I would say it was volunteering for my high school yearbook taking photos at all the events and designing the layout with my friends then printing it in hardcover for all the students. Loved it!
Question 4: What has been your most memorable volunteering experience?
About 10 years ago, my real estate agency back home in Toronto brought together a group of women to volunteer for a Women Build Day, helping physically build community housing. It was incredibly rewarding to roll up our sleeves for a meaningful cause flexing my construction and project management muscles while spending the day alongside a group of strong, empowered women working together to support others in need.
Question 5: What’s the very first job you had (that’s not on your LinkedIn profile) and what did you learn from the experience?
Working in retail (at The Gap) as a teenager. It taught me a lot about people – patience, communication, and how important it is to treat everyone with respect. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.
Question 6: What do you do for fun?
Spending time with my kids and family, going to the beach, good food and drinks with friends, seeing live music, and anything creative. I also love painting, writing and storytelling so I’m always drawn to projects that bring people together around something meaningful.
Question 7: What motivates you?
Impact and people. I’m motivated by the idea that the work we do can genuinely improve someone’s life or shift the way people think and act for the better. I am driven by helping others succeed, whether it’s in business through our advisory and brand work or in my personal life through supporting friends and family with optimism.
Question 8: How do you practice self-compassion?
I try to remind myself that doing your best is enough, especially when juggling work, family and everything else life throws at you. Giving myself permission to slow down and reset when needed is important. And that sometimes it’s ok to say “not today” or “no” as a form of self-compassion or self-love.
Question 9: If you could give children and young people one piece of advice, what would it be?
Stay curious and kind. The world needs people who ask questions, care about others, and aren’t afraid to take action when something matters.
Question 10: What is your most used emoji?
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