In my early years as a board member, it was common for me to be the only woman at the table. Being the “only one” can be an isolating experience. You may feel afraid to speak up and share your opinions, even on issues that fall well within your realm of expertise. Looking back, I’ve realized that when I felt included and as if I belonged in the boardroom, I felt less isolated and performed better in my role. The reason was logical: when I felt included at the table, I felt safe sharing my thoughts and contributing to discussions. Inclusion is an issue that is rising to [...]

As the year draws to a close, it’s time to engage in one of my favourite annual traditions: #My3words. I am happy to share my three words for 2025 are include, elevate, and sponsor. After reading about the idea from Chris Brogan in 2015, I began selecting three words each December to guide my choices and actions throughout the upcoming year. Since then, my three words have served as guideposts on my path, helping me to keep my goals and values at the forefront of everything I do. Practicing this tradition for more than a decade has taught me to focus on what matters—and let go of what [...]

Back in December, as I considered my goals for 2024, this quote from Oprah Winfrey was on my mind. “Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.” Those words inspired me to select “lift” as one of my #my3words for 2024, a ritual I complete each year to help me keep my goals and values at the forefront of everything I do. The other words I selected were “listen” (read my post on effective listening here) and “advocate” (read my post on advocacy here). I was also inspired by Gavriella Schuster, Board Executive and DEI Advocate, who joined us as a guest speaker at [...]

One of my goals for 2024 is to become a more effective listener. As I continue to become a stronger ally, I’ve realized that listening is a vital leadership skill and a critical tool for allyship. That insight was crystalized for me at our WGOB Summit in 2023 when I spoke with a woman who heads up the Indigenous affairs department at a university in Ontario after one of the afternoon sessions. During the conversation, she mentioned the land acknowledgment we read at the start of the day. Her suggestion? We should consider adding a call to action to our future land acknowledgements to demonstrate our commitment to [...]

In 2024, I’m focusing on advocating for myself and others to make positive change. When I joined my first board in 1999, I had every reason to be nervous. I was relatively young for a board member, I had no previous governance experience, and—as was common at the time—I was the only woman around the table. But I wasn’t nervous. At least, not much. Why? Because, in many ways, I had been preparing for this moment for my entire career. As a young Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), I learned early on to advocate for myself, speaking up to access opportunities and advance my professional career. Not only did [...]

It’s that time of year again—time for #My3words. It’s my pleasure to announce that #My3words for 2024 are advocate, listen and lift. Why do I select #my3words each year? In 2015, I read about Chris Brogan’s idea to choose three words in the new year to guide your choices and actions. Ever since, I’ve been picking my own three words (read my complete list below) to serve as guideposts for my path, helping me keep my goals and values at the forefront of everything I do. They remind me to focus on what matters and let go of what does not. This year, #My3words were inspired by Gavriella Schuster, [...]