learning to lead

Whether you want to move up or up your game, we've got the advice and inspiration you need.

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Are you the leader you want to be?

Leaders have had to step in and step up like never before — from managing remote teams to motivating employees through uniquely challenging circumstances. Whether you’re aspiring to enter a leadership role or need help navigating the changing demands of leadership, you’ll find both inspiration and direction in the success stories and expert advice curated here.

Wanda Costen is leading change in business education.

An academic leader who champions inclusive excellence, she brings a unique combination of experience in academia — as a Dean, senior administrator, researcher, and professor — as well as a private and public sector management career. She discusses her own journey and preparing students to be leaders who understand their role in society.

Sign up for Smith Business Insight—a free monthly newsletter on the issues facing leaders today—to be entered to WIN a Queen’s Executive Education course valued at $3,300.

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Sign up for Smith Business Insight—a free monthly newsletter on the issues facing leaders today—to be entered to WIN a Queen’s Executive Education course valued at $3,300.

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Karen Jackson-Cox, Executive Director of the Career Advancement Centre at Smith School of Business, shares insights on the changing work landscape.

The World of Work Keeps Changing – This Career Expert Suggests Leveraging Your Untapped Potential

"Everyone should build a Personal Advisory Team — a PAT — to help build their confidence, provide diverse perspectives and honest feedback, and inspire them to grow their impact individually and as part of a team."

Michelle Lee, Assistant Professor of Strategy and Organizations, discusses the issue of classist hiring practices.

This Smith School of Business Professor Explains why Equitable Hiring Practices Create a Healthy Company Culture

“Everything from what a candidate is wearing to their mannerisms is implicitly considered in determining if they’re the ‘best fit’ for an organization’s prestigious culture.”

Ceren Kolsarici, Director of the Scotiabank Centre for Customer Analytics, shares her insights.

The Adoption of AI Helps Organizations Become Industry Leaders — This Smith School of Business Executive Explains Why

“I love that there are so many opportunities now; this field of work is starting to flourish and it’s starting to grow.”

Janey Buzugbe faced challenges she wasn’t prepared for as an immigrant. So she started a business to help fellow newcomers.

Her immigrant and career education network combats under-employment among new Canadians.

“There is a general lack of acceptance and recognition of foreign education and work experience, which stunts the success of immigrants.”

Katie Callery couldn’t find maternity clothes to wear — now she owns her own brand that constantly sells out.

From a corporate job to entrepreneur, she shares her journey.

“I had always wanted to see if I could do something on my own, so I decided to look into programs that would help support that dream.”

Jennifer Reynolds never feared a career jump — and it led to the role of her dreams.

The senior manager of equity, diversity & inclusion with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment shares her journey.

“It can seem scary to make these kinds of career jumps early on, but it’s important to keep your own best-interests and passions in mind.”

Jill Nykoliation left a corporate career for advertising — now she runs one of Canada’s best agencies.

Juniper Park\TBWA’s founding partner and CEO shares her journey.

“How come nobody says to a guy that he can be anything a girl can be?”

How a non-linear career path led to a role as a Deloitte consultant — with a ‘human-first’ approach.

Chloe O’Brien, senior consultant in Workforce Transformation, shares her story.

“We are looking at re-skilling, up-skilling, and re-evaluating the employee experience — in order to attract and retain top talent in a post-pandemic world.”

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Roots CEO Meghan Roach leaned into the challenges of the pandemic — and transformed the brand.

Her career journey and collaboration helped her guide the company through.

“Having gone through a pandemic and come out stronger, we know that muscle is in us and we have the capacity to deal with challenges.”

Roxane Ducasse went from working in government to Walmart’s leadership program.

She shares how she used an MBA to pull off her pivot.

"Being so young, I didn’t want to stay in the public service forever. As much as I loved it, I didn’t want to be boxed in."

How Sarah Jordan has inspired her team to transform Mastermind Toys.

As an engineer that's under forty, she isn’t your typical retail CEO.

"Be unapologetically authentic; don’t feel the need to adopt a classic or traditional style of leadership."

How Kristi Soomer went from management consultant to fashion entrepreneur

What she lacked in fashion experience, she made up for with business acumen.

"I was in my thirties when I first began to realize that I wanted to feel more connected to the purpose of my work."

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