When I began my board journey, I didn’t consider the importance of diversifying my board portfolio. A board portfolio is the different boards you lead and serve. Similar to your investment portfolio, you should be strategic in developing your board portfolio. It should reflect your risk profile and the stage of your board career. Additionally, you should regularly monitor and review your board portfolio to ensure you are getting a positive return. When thinking of diversifying your board portfolio, here are three critical areas for consideration: Consider the Evolution of Your Board Journey To evaluate the evolution of your board journey, first, consider the size and stage of the boards [...]

It still surprises me that there has been little change in corporate Canada to add more women to TSX listed boards. “Either corporate Canada changes its culture, or it’ll have to justify to shareholders why it’s deliberately weakening its own bottom line.” Jennifer Stewart & Catherine Clark Women Get On Board was recently referenced in this article from the Ottawa Citizen, which speaks to the four ways to advance more women to boards: 1-Set targets 2-Develop a board skills matrix 3-Get help 4-Move the needle It has been six years since the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) implemented disclosure rules mandating that TSX-listed companies “comply or explain” their board diversity figures. [...]

I often reflect on this quote: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." I have noticed the profound and powerful truth of these words. In my 35 years as an executive, corporate director and entrepreneur, I have observed that one of the most powerful forces in the world is the power of giving. Giving motivates, delights, inspires and moves people. I have learned never to underestimate the value of giving with a generous heart. In this blog, I will discuss: Giving and taking in business Doing well by doing good Principles for giving generously and receiving graciously Giving [...]

I often hear that women need more mentorship from men and women leaders to advance their careers. While this is true, women need more than mentorship alone. Women need sponsorship, too! Mentorship vs. sponsorship What is the difference between “mentorship” and “sponsorship”? There are a few critical distinctions between the roles. Mentorship is about advising. They help by guiding behind the scenes. Sponsorship, on the other hand, is about acting. Sponsors support individuals they believe in by publicly advocating them when they are not in the room. In her Harvard Business Review article, organizational behaviour expert Herminia Ibarra succinctly describes the difference between sponsorship and mentorship. She writes, “While [...]

Did you know the power of connection can be a one of the most effective paths to accomplishing your goals in business and beyond? Specifically, the path to success is authentic connection with people in your network. However, the very idea of networking and connection can be intimidating. The good news is that connection doesn’t just happen at awkward events. In fact, it is happening right now, everywhere—online, at work, and in your social life.  Even when we are not consciously networking, we are still connecting. Meaningful connections can happen anywhere, from a virtual conference, to a LinkedIn post, to the person next to you in your yoga class. The question [...]