Meet Tanya Van Biesen, Director of Catalyst Canada and #GoSponsorHer Advocate

Tanya van Biesen is Executive Director of Catalyst Canada, the leading global non-profit working to accelerate progress for women through workplace inclusion, and a founding partner of the #gosponsorher initiative. As a recognized influencer with deep experience in the executive search sector at the most senior levels of corporate Canada, Tanya has over two decades of industry research to share on why sponsorship is so effective in advancing women. On June 21, she’ll speak on a panel of sponsorship experts at The Sponsorship Summit: How Corporate Canada is Investing in Female Leaders. Get to know her a little more personally here.

My first job ever was… Delivering newspapers for my brother when he was too tired to cover his route.

I chose my career path because… I am passionate about people.

The best part of my job is… The incredibly interesting people that I meet every day.

My proudest accomplishment is… My 2 children – Jack and Meredith.

My boldest move to date was… To leave the security of a partnership position at a world class firm.

I surprise people when I tell them… That I have always wanted to be a back-up singer.

My best advice to people starting their career is… Work hard, work with great people, and learn as much as you can as quickly as you can.

Sponsorship is important because… It is intentional support and advocacy for the career success of another.

My best advice from a mentor was… To plan my career out as I would a marathon, and not a sprint.

Work/life balance is… Looking forward to both being at home and being at work.

I stay inspired by… The people that I meet who are committed to gender equity.

The future excites me because… I believe that Canada is on the cusp of amazing change.

My next step is… The same as my last. Continue to advocate for women in Canadian business.

Want to hear more from Tanya van Biesen? Get your ticket to The Sponsorship Summit today.