As a woman constantly travelling for work, Kristi Soomer struggled to find versatile clothing that would allow her to pack less on trips. So she launched Encircled. The clothing line began with just one product — a cardigan that can be worn eight different ways. Now, Kristi’s company offers over 40 different designs, employs more […]
Coined by Anjuan Simmons, the term ‘lending privilege’ describes using your own position or power to help underrepresented or disadvantaged groups. What does it look like in action? We spoke to Matthew Jefferson, who walked from BC to Newfoundland to raise awareness on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women, and Jordan Hart, who […]
Over the past 14 years at Cisco, Lisa Richardson has held roles in commercial sales, global account management, and as leader of Cisco Canada’s enterprise networking business. As leader of Cisco’s solutions sales in Canada, she’s also an expert in the simple, comprehensive technology solutions Cisco offers for small business owners — keeping them connected, […]
As Group Head at BMO Wealth Management, BMO Financial Group, Joanna Rotenberg is one of the bank’s most senior women leaders. She’s on BMO’s Executive Committee, sits on several boards, is active in the community, and is also a mother of three. How did she do it? We asked Joanna to share the key lessons […]
Maryann Turcke knows that her collection of career job titles seems out of the ordinary. But in the details, her path becomes clear. During her career, Maryann has moved up, down, sideways and even made a right turn, with an MBA from Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, to get to her current job […]
You’ve accomplished the first step: you have a website for your business. But is it good enough? Answering these five simple questions can help you determine if your online presence is building your business — or holding it back. How important is your website? It’s a key part of the relationship […]
After completing an Executive MBA from Smith School of Business, while working full time and making partner at an executive search firm, Catherine Bell knew she had the capacity for a big undertaking. It would take a few more years of experience, but she eventually launched The Awakened Company — a management consulting firm that […]
Deloitte recently released a report — The design of everyday men — that investigates men’s experiences with work, family, and masculinity. Co-author Eric Arthrell explains how his personal experience of becoming a father inspired the study, and why taking a closer look at men’s success is an opportunity for gender equality. By Hailey Eisen […]
Tamara Hansen had been working at Scotiabank for over 30 years when she made the choice to come out as transgender and publicly transition. She wasn’t sure what to expect from the process — and was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support she received from the bank and her coworkers. Now, she’s speaking out about […]
When Karen Malone moved to Canada from Ireland in 1989, she had a high school diploma. But the CFO of Cambridge Group of Clubs also had grit, determination, and a desire to learn. She continued adding to her education and experience (and her exercise routine) to get her to where she is today. Here’s what […]
An executive search professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry, Lisa Knight, Managing Partner at Lee Hecht Harrison Knightsbridge, has made a career of knowing what organizations are looking for in a candidate. Today, your ability to excel in a changing environment will be what sets you apart. By Lisa Knight […]
Technology can have an impact on an organization’s success — and these eight entrepreneurs know it. As participants in the Cisco Women Entrepreneurs’ Circle, they’ve been paired with engineering interns with the goal of using technology to better their businesses. They’re sharing the challenges they’re solving with technology this year — could it help your […]
As CEO of YWCA Metro Vancouver, Deb Bryant is working to bring economic independence and wellness to vulnerable women. She’s also dreaming big about a better future through a global vision for change. That’s why Deb and the YWCA are taking part in the Women Deliver 2019 Mobilization Canada campaign — joining their voices with […]
Having spent 16 years as a physics professor at Simon Fraser University, Dugan O’Neil was well aware of the underrepresentation of women in academia — and was working to change it. His recent involvement with Informed Opinions, an organization committed to amplifying women’s voices in the media, is helping to end underrepresentation on an even […]
Tiffany James became interested in the beauty industry while doing her undergraduate degree. Not long after, she set her sights on a goal: working at L’Oréal. She planned a direct path, starting with Smith’s Master of International Business program, and didn’t let any challenge stop her. Now, she’s a Global Project Manager in the L’Oréal […]
Gillian Riley was named President and CEO of Tangerine, a subsidiary of Scotiabank, in December, 2018. In just a few months she’s already made her mark, focusing not only on customer growth but also spearheading an initiative to help women-led businesses in Canada thrive. Gillian shares how she rose through the ranks, what has made […]
Sophia Jacob, an award-winning event planner and founder of three networking organizations, is working to see more women of colour in leadership positions, on boards, and in the C-suite across Canada. That’s why Sophia and her organization, the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network, are taking part in the Women Deliver 2019 Mobilization Canada campaign […]
Are you being held back because of how you “frame” the situations you encounter at work? It’s easy to get caught up in how we “should” think and act as a leader. Caroline Pfeiffer Marinho, Executive Vice President, EMEA, Lee Hecht Harrison, explains how her own experience has taught her that success comes from focusing […]
If you’ve ever purchased a ticket to a Women of Influence event, you may have noticed the option to add a donation to G(irls)20, our official Charity of Choice. Every year, with the help of our generous WOI community, we are honoured to make a donation to their cause. We want to share with you […]
Salim Teja’s long career in tech has touched every part of the ecosystem, from entrepreneur, to investor, to corporate innovator. In his current role of President, Venture Services, at MaRS, he’s not only championing Canada’s tech ecosystem, he’s helping to guide it towards greater diversity — with initiatives in research, representation, and funding. […]
Kimberly Fulton was navigating her career as a management consultant and looking to incorporate her passion for women’s advancement into her work. Inspired by an article about the director of Catalyst Canada in her alma mater’s alumni magazine, she pursued and secured herself a six-month secondment with the global not-for-profit focused on women’s advancement in […]
Whether full-time or side-hustles, women’s entrepreneurship is on the rise and more and more women leaders and public figures have raised their voices to spark social and economic change in their industries — yet they still face roadblocks. Wendy Cukier, founder, Ted Rogers School of Management’s Diversity Institute, shares her insights. . By […]
As the most successful freestyle skier in Canadian history, Jennifer Heil understands the positive impact that sports can have — and not just measured by Olympic medals. Girls who play sports have been shown to have higher confidence, greater academic performance, and more career success later in life. That’s why Jennifer and viaSport, where she […]
When Veronica Draleau, VP, Global Talent Development Projects at Lee Hecht Harrison, found herself feeling overworked, she toyed with the idea of walking away from her career. Until she realized she wasn’t trapped in a high-stress job — she was trapped in a high-stress mentality. By Veronica Draleau At a point of feeling overwhelmed […]
The journey towards a diverse and inclusive workplace can be long and difficult — especially in an industry that’s overwhelmingly male-dominated — but David Pathe, President and CEO of Canadian resource company Sherritt International, knows that the benefits still outweigh the challenges. Here’s how his organization is making change. By Hailey Eisen […]
The majority of Canadians have positive attitudes towards diversity and inclusion programs, but a new study reveals there is more work to be done to achieve truly inclusive workplaces. Smith School of Business and Catalyst Canada offer tips to help your organization increase the effectiveness of its D&I initiatives. By Kristen Sears […]
Joanna Griffiths launched Knixwear when she became aware of a need in the market for underwear that could handle “little leaks.” She solved that problem, and for the next five years focused on building a brand that helped women get over their insecurities and facilitate conversations. The strategy paid off. Not only is Knix a […]
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