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Redefining Jobs for the Next Generation of Women

Redefining traditional jobs for the next generation of women.

BY JENNIFER LAIDLAW, CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER, ONTARIO SECURITIES COMMISSION


I believe I can make a difference.

So, following a decade of transformational human resources leadership work in the Ontario Public Service, I joined the Ontario Securities Commission. There were several factors which influenced my decision to make this move.

First, there were changes at the top, and I thought I could help. A new Chair was coming in, a new Executive Director and Vice-Chair needed to be recruited. The Executive Management team was open to all the possibilities to make the OSC an increasingly more attractive, modern, high-performing organization. There was talk of the need for a new strategic plan as a roadmap for the next few years, with a desire to be a 21st Century regulator and employer. Who would not want to be a valued player in that scenario?

Second, the important role which the OSC plays in contributing to effective capital markets, the health of Ontario’s economy, global financial stability and investor protection, was eminently appealing. This, apart from the public policy element, was a completely new field for me. To be a valued and effective business partner and leader, I would therefore need to understand the business. This learning challenge was highly motivating.

Third, the passion which OSC employees exhibit for their work was impressive. True fertile ground to cultivate a higher order of performance and success.

Over many years of working to help employers establish strong employer brands as attractive, modern high performing organizations, a recurring theme for me is that for organizations to succeed they need to value a diverse and inclusive workplace where women can fully participate in the organization’s performance, growth and success.

At the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), we are proud to be in this space. At a time when there is public discussion about the low rates of women on corporate boards, women comprise one third of OSC’s Board and women chair the Audit and Finance and Human Resources and Committees. Of the six executives who report directly to the Chair, four are women. Almost two thirds of the 16-person Executive Management Team are women.

Throughout our organization women occupy fulfilling positions as managers, lawyers, accountants, investigators, human resources and IT professionals. Many are leaders in their fields. They choose OSC because we offer an alternative to the traditional career paths of these professions – an opportunity to get involved in complex, far-reaching public policy, legislative and regulatory work. Work affecting the health of Canada’s largest capital markets and, by extension, the health of Ontario and Canada’s economy and global financial stability.

OSC’s Executive Director and Chief Administrative Officer started out her professional life as a geologist before entering the regulatory arena. She was appointed to her present position in June 2010. “This has been a great move for me”, says Maureen Jensen. “We have such a great mix of people who are passionate about and highly skilled at what they do. We have important work to do and our leaders are diligent about ensuring our work is integrated and professional, no matter who is involved. Women and men represent OSC with great skill and pride in our public forums internationally, provincially and nationally.”

As a 21st Century employer, the OSC benefits from the perspective that women bring to their work on a daily basis. Productive collaboration and engagement both inside and outside the organization, helps the OSC develop appropriate policies, gather intelligence from various sources and get results.

“There is a sense of a common purpose,” says Commission Vice-Chair Mary Condon, a respected academic and author on securities law, “to be a sophisticated and responsive organization operating in the public interest.”

The OSC, as a modern organization, will continue to improve its workplace, its performance and its value. That includes welcoming and developing women of influence. Over a year later, I have not been disappointed. It also doesn’t hurt that our Executive Director knows so much about diamonds!