When was the last time you stopped to reflect? In my experience, it’s an exercise we could all make more time for. Reflecting on the past—on our achievements, challenges, and all the moments in between—can yield fresh insights, a renewed sense of purpose, and personal growth.

That’s why I decided to make the word “reflect” one of my guiding principles for 2026.

For over a decade, I have participated in an annual practice called “My Three Words,” selecting three words each December to guide my decisions and actions throughout the year ahead. After focusing on active allyship in 2025 with the words Include, Elevate, and Sponsor, I have chosen Reflect as one of my three words for 2026, along with Cherish and Gratitude.

This practice has become pivotal in my journey as an award-winning entrepreneur and corporate director, encouraging me to prioritize activities aligned with my goals, let go of distractions, and stay true to my values.

The Meaning of Reflection

To reflect means “to think carefully and deeply about something”. It involves taking time to consider past experiences, actions, and outcomes, with the aim of gaining vital insight and understanding.

Reflection fosters personal growth. By examining my past choices and their effects, I can learn valuable lessons from both my successes and my failures. Ultimately, reflecting on the past helps me make more informed, thoughtful decisions in the future.

Inspiration for the Year Ahead

My choices for this year’s three words were driven by my desire to honour my mother’s legacy. She was a hard-working immigrant who taught me the value of living with purpose and integrity. When she passed away in August 2025, I was reminded of the importance of reflecting on the past, cherishing important relationships, and expressing gratitude for what matters most.

My 2026 guiding words were also informed by two key highlights from 2025. Each offered an opportunity for reflection and, ultimately, growth.

1. Celebrating Women Get On Board Inc. (WGOB)’s 10th Anniversary
Since I founded WGOB in 2015 with a bold vision to build a national movement, the social-purpose company has become a trailblazer, amplifying women’s voices and transforming boardrooms and beyond. Amidst this year’s 10th anniversary celebrations, I seized the chance to reflect on our successes and consider how we can build on them in the coming years.

I founded WGOB to connect, promote, and empower women to serve on corporate boards with confidence and courage. As I reflect on what we’ve achieved over the past decade and look ahead to the next, I feel inspired to build on our momentum and pursue more ambitious goals. Together with the WGOB team, I am committed to pioneering an inclusive governance model grounded in the philosophy “The Power of Three”—where one woman in the boardroom is a token, two is a presence, and three is a voice. This model builds on our successes and ensures women continue expanding their power, leading to a transformative impact that extends far beyond the boardroom.

2. Receiving the Icon Award from BMO
In October, I received the Icon Award from BMO in recognition of my work growing WGOB’s national movement to advance women on boards. The recognition was humbling—and unexpected. It inspired me to consider how far we’ve come and to reflect on what spurred me to launch WGOB in the first place.

My desire to build this community emerged during my early years as a corporate director, when I was often the only woman in the room. I knew that bringing more women to the table would lead to better outcomes, and I was determined to create new structures to help women gain power in the corporate landscape.

Ten years later, we’ve made significant strides, but there is still more work to do. Osler’s latest Diversity Disclosure Report showed a marked slowdown in board diversity progress in 2025, underscoring the need to intensify our efforts, expand our community of advocates and allies, set more ambitious targets, and empower the next generation of women leaders.

I have always been driven by passion, but as I look ahead to 2026 and beyond, I feel a renewed sense of enthusiasm and dedication to our mission of amplifying the voices of women leaders, board members, and professionals across Canada through education, mentorship, and allyship. 

Reflection as a Catalyst for Informed Action

In 2026, I commit to “thinking carefully and deeply” about past actions, letting my reflections guide my efforts as a champion of corporate governance, a catalyst for change, and a builder of community. 

Last year’s focus on the words include, elevate, and sponsor centred on actively supporting marginalized voices as an ally. The word elevate held particular significance for me, as it inspired me to amplify others and enhance the presence and influence of underrepresented individuals.

By reflecting on the transformative results of my allyship—such as the hundreds of WGOB members appointed to boards—I can draw on those insights to guide my future decisions. This continuous cycle of reflection—supported by my other guiding words—will serve as an anchor, keeping me true to my values and focused on what enriches my life.