Rising Stars 2024: Madeline Thompson

Madeline Thompson, 39
Director, facilities architecture and engineering
Metrolinx

Nominator’s quote: “Anyone who has had the good fortune to work alongside Madeline Thompson knows that she is someone you can rely on to have thoroughly done her homework and to follow through on her commitments.” — Lisa De Angelis, Metrolinx

Education: Bachelor of applied sciences degree in civil engineering, University of Toronto.

Job responsibilities: Lead a team of 34 architecture and engineering professionals who have technical expertise in station and maintenance facility assets. Responsible for the catalogue of standards for Metrolinx stations and maintenance facilities, and ensure they are designed and constructed in adherence to standards.

Career path: My career path started with an internship inspecting bridges around Ontario. This exposed me to the world of structural rehabilitation. My interest in architecture pulled me toward the world of building science engineering and I became an engineering consultant in the building repair and rehabilitation industry. I assessed the building components, designed repairs and oversaw the construction -- at times hanging 60-plus stories in the air. These experiences led me to Metrolinx.

Why did you enter the rail industry? I am a huge advocate for public transit. Metrolinx not only operates the GO Transit passenger-rail system but is also delivering an extensive portfolio of capital projects that will transform transit across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. I wanted to be part of this transformation.

What’s the best advice that you’ve received? Engage with employees at all levels. We, as leaders, cannot lose sight of this.

What advice would you give someone just starting out in their railroad career? Let others know what interests you and take on as many opportunities as you can even if you have doubts. Make positive connections. Be patient; building a career takes time.

What was your first job? I was a violin and piano teacher.

Share a fun fact about yourself. I love yoga, particularly Mysore classes. These drop-in classes involve practicing the Ashtanga primary series by memory and at each student’s own pace — with an instructor available to provide individual coaching. I turn to this practice to “reset” my mind during busy times.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why? Samin Nosrat. She wrote the book and hosted the show “Salt Fat Acid Heat,” which has changed my perspective and approach to cooking. I would love to go to a good restaurant with her and discuss all things related to food — from menu creation, sourcing of produce, cooking techniques and food plating.

Who has had the most influence on your career? My parents. My dad is an electrical engineer, so the engineering profession was very familiar to me growing up. And throughout my life, my mom has demonstrated to me how to form positive connections with others through listening and empathy. They both have high standards of what success looks like. It’s a combination of all their teachings that have influenced my career.

Describe a major obstacle in your career and how you surmounted it. Returning to work after my first maternity leave was a difficult transition – physically, mentally and emotionally. I missed being with my son and I was also concerned about the need to “catch up” with my career after being away for a year. Once I got into a routine, I realized I was applying the emotional intelligence skills that I had developed during my first year of parenting to various aspects of my work life and I wasn’t behind in my career at all. We need to ensure we support new parents during this potentially vulnerable time.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the rail industry today? There will be a lot of growth over the next few decades in the passenger-rail industry within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. It will be a big challenge to maintain the expected quality and level of service to our customers while executing the vast amount of construction that is planned.