MAGAZINE

INSIDE SCOOP Media exec Bonnie Fuller on role models and the state of celebrity journalism

THE ART OF THE DEAL BY MARGOT MICALLEF WOMEN ON BOARDS A STRAIGHT-UP LOOK AT THE BOARDROOM GENDER GAP LOOKING UP WHO INFLUENCES WOMEN OF INFLUENCE?

ON DISCERNING TASTE OYSTERS

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58. COLUMN: Patricia Lovett-Reid on taking control of your personal finances 60. COLUMN: Jodi Gilmour on scoping out business networking opportunities 62. COLUMN: Margot Micallef on the art of the business deal 66. FEATURE: Can role models help you succeed? 74. FEATURE:Women entrepreneurs: A growing economic force 78. FEATURE: Gender divide at the board of director level 6. EDITOR’S NOTE 82. FEATURE: A conversation with media executive 8. CALENDAR OF EVENTS Bonnie Fuller 11. NEWS AND NOTES 88. BACKPAGE: Erin Davis 12. SCENE AND HEARD 18. CULTURE:The Wangechi Mutu exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario 20. HEALTH: Nutrition to keep your energy soaring 22. READING GLASSES: Inject some colour into your workday with these captivating frames 24. WATCHES:Timepieces that will stop them in their tracks 26. PEARL NECKLACES: The essential staple for the elegant professional 28. FASHION: Office-appropriate pant suits, skirt suits, blazers and blouses for summer 36. PROFILE: Ten questions for prima ballerina Karen Kain 40. PROFILE: Financial expert Kelley Keehn 44. PROFILE: Willa Black,VP of Corporate Marketing, Cisco Canada 48. PROFILE: Breakfast restaurateur Cora Tsouflidou 54. COLUMN: Lynda Bowles on how companies can become more competitive by looking to women 56. COLUMN: Diane Cobbold on taking control of your career

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE MAGAZINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, Carolyn Lawrence – PUBLISHER, Matthew Bassett – PROJECT MANAGER, Kate Kulcheski MANAGING EDITOR, Mark Keast – STYLE DIRECTOR, Serge Kerbel – ART DIRECTION & DESIGN, Jan Haringa

MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Isabel Bassett, Yale Breslin, Serge Kerbel, Naeme El-Zein, Stefania Bartucci, Mark Keast, Himani Ediriweera, 225 MacPherson Ave. Carolyn Lawrence, Cytlalli Ruiz-Chapman, Margot Micallef, Carole Park, Leslie Beck, Lynda Bowles, Jodi Gilmour, Suite A-West, Toronto, Ontario Diane Cobbold, Carissa Reiniger, Patricia Lovett-Reid M4V 1A1 Telephone: 416-923-1688 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Fax: 416-923-2862 Erin Riley, Laura Pedersen, Andrew Morton, Tom Sandler, David Lee, Dylan Coulter, Matthew Stylianou, www.womenofinfluence.ca Arkan Zakharov, Carlyle Routh

EDITORIAL/FASHION INTERNS Taryn Black, Stefania Bartucci, Ana Pejic

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE INC. Carolyn Lawrence, Lisa Constanzo, Kim Wolfe, Renee Heinemann, Sabrina Carr, Stephanie White Advisors: Barbara Hackett, Lisa Heidman, Tony Pampena – Intern: Leigh Anne Cooke

Women of Influence Magazine is produced digitally and in print form by Bassett Custom Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission of Women of Influence is prohibited. Please address letters to the editor to [email protected]. All letters are the property of Women of Influence Magazine. All materials are copyright Women of Influence Magazine 2010.

FORUM TO INSPIRE

he first Women of Influence luncheon that I ever attended was in the fall of 1999, featuring T Heather Riesman, Chief Executive officer of Indigo. She shared her story of exceptional professional success, her passion for her brand and demonstrated an authenticity that I had yet to see, especially in a professional and a woman. That day, Heather became a role model, instantly shaping the dream I had, not only for myself, but for every other ambitious woman who may not yet know she was capable, that it was possible, to achieve your professional goals, or to have it all. So often we hear about the gender gap in the work- force closing slower than the generations before us would have hoped, and we know that women still are not represented equally in both the board room and executive suite, and that salaries are still on average lower than men. What we also know is that role models can be pivotal in helping to guide a woman to achieve success in both business and life, and that as women we need to provide the solutions in order to correct these inequalities. Women of Influence has been, over the past sixteen years, providing a forum for women to inspire, learn from and connect with the leading women of North America. With this, our inaugural issue of Women of Influence Magazine, we are adding yet another forum

to inspire. STYLIANOU BY MATTHEW PHOTO What you can come to expect in this magazine are profiles, insights and opinions of all the amazing women reminding us that inspiration and role models can come – entrepreneurs, executives, trailblazers, and emerging from many sources, but are without a doubt essential. leaders - who inspire us; like Willa Black, who launched In April I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with A Million Acts of Green; Wangechi Mutu portraying Bonnie Fuller in New York for a one-on-one interview. the female body as a beautiful and thought-provoking Bonnie has been a role model of mine since I picked representation of societal pressures; and Isabel Bassett, up my first copy of YM Magazine; inspired by her

6 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

influence on women’s lives and her determination Finally, I want to thank the incredible sponsors, to follow her dreams with passion and dedication. supporters, and advisors who have helped me get to As a result, it was a career and lifetime highlight to be this point in my career and who see and who value sitting down with her, after admiring her from afar for the impact Women of Influence is having on women’s so long, but also to be enabling her to be a role model advancement. I would like to especially thank Matthew to many more through her involvement in our magazine Bassett and his team at Bassett Media Group for their and luncheon series in June. What an incredible and hard work in creating this publication. rewarding moment! We hope you enjoy the publication, and the new The launch of this magazine for me marks what has website, bursting with opportunities to inspire you been a year of great transformation, from overcoming on your path to achieving success. the tragic loss of my father, to coping with the economic turmoil and the simultaneous expansion of my business Carolyn Lawrence beyond Canada’s borders. I have found strength and inspiration in looking back to the hardships that the women who came before me had to endure so that I could have the opportunities President & CEO that I now enjoy. Women of Influence

Photo: Carolyn Lawrence with Women of Influence Magazine Publisher Matthew Bassett and Bonnie Fuller. 7 CALENDAR OF EVENTS BY N. NAEME EL-ZEIN Take note of these upcoming Women of Influence events

Join us as Canada’s most accomplished and influential women in business share stories of professional success, personal triumph and how they have worked their way to the top. Deloitte Women of Influence Luncheon Series www.womenofinfluenceluncheon.ca

TORONTO two decades been editor-in-chief REACH FOR THE STARS: for a variety of cutting-edge print JUNE 9, 2010 publications, including Glamour, BONNIE FULLER, PRESIDENT Cosmopolitan, YM, Flare and Marie & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, Claire. HOLLYWOODLIFE.COM Now she is entering the world Media mogul, Canadian-born and of digital publishing, once again a woman of tremendous influence, changing the way women consume Bonnie Fuller’s words are devoured celebrity and style news. across North America. Experienced with the demands After converting Us Weekly into of living a balanced life, Bonnie has the first celebrity newsweekly and also published a novel The Joys of shifting Star from a tabloid to a Much Too Much, inspiring women magazine, Bonnie is praised for to live a “fuller” life. reinventing – and perhaps creating According to Bonnie, for those – celebrity culture as we know it. women with an appetite for ambition, She has been named Ad Age’s reaching the stars is more than “Editor of the Year” twice, has over achievable.

8 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Business growth starts with a conversation.

When growing your business, the most useful financial advice is industry specialized financial advice. As title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards, we are proud to support women in business.

To start a conversation today, visit rbcroyalbank.com/commercial

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® Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ™ Trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. 65 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALGARY SUCCESS & THE CITY 2: MAY 26, 2010 KEYNOTE SPEAKER & PRIVATE PRE-SCREENING OF SEX AND THE CITY 2 Similar to the Toronto event, but with a big difference – Sex and the City 2 CALGARY will be screened before the actual SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY: launch of the movie in theatres JUNE 17, 2010 nationwide. A personal branding MARGOT MICALLEF, professional will talk about how to PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER, make your mark in the business world. OLIVER CAPITAL PARTNERS INC. YOUNG WOMEN Margot Micallef exemplifies the OF INFLUENCE RBC CANADIAN proverb “when you reach the top, www.youngwomenofinfluence.ca. keep climbing.” This mother, WOMAN lawyer, philanthropist, educator, TORONTO ENTREPRENEUR and entrepreneur is living proof SUCCESS & THE CITY 2: AWARDS that women can do it all. JUNE 2, 2010 www.theawards.ca After early success as Partner NATASHA KOIFMAN, The purpose of the RBC Canadian at Russell and DuMoulin and then PRESIDENT, NKPR Woman Entrepreneur Awards as SVP at Shaw Communications, As a professional woman looking to is to provide national recognition Margot became a trailblazer; make her mark, I wonder: What’s it to Canada’s women entrepreneurs, founding Oliver Capital Partners, going to take to make it to the top? whose successful businesses and a private equity investment and The first step in finding the answer achievements contribute so much advisory firm. Margot has been is having great friends and great style to the Canadian and global economies appointed as a Queen’s Counsel to make the most of your journey as well as to their communities. and received the Canadian Women to success. Deadline for nominations: in Communications’ Award for Natasha Koifman, President June 17, 2010 Excellence in Leadership. NKPR, a public and media relations She has served on the boards of company, will share her expertise The Alberta Ballet, CanWest Global on branding, entrepreneurship and Communications Inc. and ENMAX, how she harnesses celebrity power and she is Chair & CEO of Vista for a good cause. Broadcast Group, among others. Bring your business cards and She also makes regular appearances be prepared for a specially designed on CBC News Now. Success and the City networking Margot’s determination and her session. flare for entrepreneurialism have The session will be followed by a driven her to remarkable success. private viewing of Sex and the City 2.

10 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE NEWS AND NOTES

BUSINESS MATTERS SOUND STRATEGY SALARIES RISE ORDER OF CANADA An article in the Globe and Mail ’s An article in the National Post details Recent appointments to the Order ROB section details how it’s important how compensation for women CEOs of Canada include two Women that during an improving economy, at the largest U.S. corporations is of Influence members: Carol with the temptation to switch jobs, booming, outpacing men, according Stephenson, honoured for her make sure that if you do leave, do it to latest fiscal year data. contributions to the development on good terms. Don’t burn bridges. http://www.nationalpost.com/story.h of Canada’s telecommunications Maintain good relationships. tml?id=3022988 industry and for implementing http://www.theglobeandmail.com/re innovative changes to business port-on-business/managing/on-the- TRADING UP school education in Canada, and job/when-you-quit-a-job-dont-slam- There’s an older article in the Post The Honourable Jean Augustine, the-door-on-the-way-out/article1565216/ on the evolution of the investment/ for her distinguished career as an dealer trading floor business, and educator, politician and advocate TIDE IS TURNING? how more women are taking on for social justice in Canada. An article in the Globe and Mail leadership roles there. According to archive details how the tide may be a female managing director at TD AWARD NIGHT turning when it comes to women Securities: “There have been a lot Women of Influence president taking more of a direct role in shaping of changes in the market. It’s a mat- Carolyn Lawrence attended the Canadian business from the board- ter of taking charge of your career. annual Catalyst Awards in New room. That being said, there’s still You can’t sit back. You need to be York City in March, where two of a long way to go. There are great strong-minded and have strong the four companies honoured are stats here – including the Report convictions. It’s a competitive world Women of Influence sponsors: on Business Board Games survey and there is no shortage of people Deloitte and RBC. on corporate governance – on how that want to get into the industry.” http://www.catalyst.org/press-release/ the number of women on boards is http://www.nationalpost.com/story.h 167/campbell-soup-company-deloitte- increasing, to support the anecdotal tml?id=1838551&p=1 royal-bank-of-canada-and-telstra- evidence. The article also lists nine initiatives-celebrated-with-the-2010- of Canada’s largest public companies FRESH FACE catalyst-award which have no female directors Canadian Business magazine features on their boards. The big challenge? an article on Amanda Lang, the UPCOMING EVENTS Getting more women into CEO former business reporter who G20 meeting, in Toronto June 26 positions, or at least more women jumped to the CBC last fall to form and 27. in senior operational roles in one half of the lively Lang & http://g20.gc.ca/toronto-summit/ companies. O’Leary Exchange business show. summit-themes/ http://www.theglobeandmail.com/re http://www.canadianbusiness.com/ port-on-business/board-games/ managing/strategy/article.jsp?content women-on-board/article1375949/ =20100524_10027_10027

11 PEER-TO-PEER PHOTOS BY ANDREW MORTON

Senior executive women gathered to network and share valuable insights at a Senior Executive Dinner at George Restaurant in Toronto in March.

12 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE SCENE AND HEARD

AIM HIGHER PHOTOS BY DAVID LEE

MJ DeCoteau, Founder of Rethink Breast Cancer, spoke to members of Young Women of Influence in Toronto in April, emphasizing the importance of mentoring people, the need to strive for higher goals in one’s career, and why it’s okay, on occasion, to take leaps of faith.

13 IN THE SPOTLIGHT PHOTOS BY TOM SANDLER

Karen Kain, Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada, and a former renowned dancer, inspired an audience at a Deloitte Women of Influence Luncheon Series in April when she spoke about her almost three decades on the stage, and how she redefined the spotlight.

14 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE SCENE AND HEARD

PASSION FOR FAIRNESS PHOTOS BY ANDREW WILSON

Jean Augustine, the Fairness Commissioner for Ontario, spoke at a Luncheon Series event in Ottawa in May, where she touched on her strategies for a successful future. Before her present role as Fairness Commissioner, Jean was the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to the House of Commons, where as Minister she championed multiculturalism and the status of women.

15 RECIPE FOR SUCCESS PHOTOS BY SUSAN MOSS

Liliane Colpron, President and Founder of Première Moisson, a network of bakeries in Quebec, spoke at a Luncheon Series event in Montreal in May. In 2005, she was made an Officer of the Order of Agricultural Merit from the French government. Liliane spoke about entrepreneurialism, and how to succeed.

16 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE SCENE AND HEARD

SPIRIT OF SUCCESS PHOTOS BY LAURA PEDERSEN

Carla Qualtrough, President, Canadian Paralympic Committee, spoke at a Calgary Luncheon Series event in February.

17 THIS YOU CALL CIVILIZATION? BY YALE BRESLIN Wangechi Mutu on what drives her artistic vision

angechi Mutu is a and cultural identity, drawing the Nairobi-born, New viewer into conversations about WYork-based artist who beauty, consumerism, colonialism, was trained as both a sculptor and race and gender. Her representations Women’s anthropologist. Her work consists of the human form are disturbing bodies are of an assemblage of materials – and transfixing, at once utterly often bridging the gap between complex and strikingly direct.” powerful, ever- compiled objects and materials Taking a political and cultural changing, vulnera- with an array of painted surfaces stance with every piece she creates, and textures. I had the pleasure of chatting with ble and under Her work “This You Call Mutu about her artistic process. ‘‘constant Civilization?” is on display at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the first solo Born in Nairobi and currently scrutiny. exhibition of her socially charged living in New York– how would artwork at a major North American you define your artistic vision? museum. The exhibit encompasses I’m passionate about what I do 16 key works by the artist, including because it’s an incredible task or 12 large-scale collage-based works. gift to be an artist, a creator, a thinker, The collages create distorted and an idea sorcerer. My belief is that ’’ fantastical representations of the artists assist in mediating and female form. communicating on behalf of the Says AGO Curator of larger community. Since that is such Contemporary Art David Moos: an enormous and profound role, “Wangechi Mutu’s work boldly I take it seriously and enjoy every explores the contradictions of female nuance allowed to me as a result.

18 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE CULTURE Mutu

You have observed: “Females carry How would you define your and show how high she can kick, the marks, language and nuances treatment of “human form” — an alternate to the traditional pat- of their culture more than the as your work ranges the gamut tern we see in chorus lines. male. Anything that is desired from erotic to disturbing and or despised is always placed on everything in between? Your work has been described as the female body.” How does this The body is many, many little both ancient and futuristic. How statement weave its way into your particles; elements held together by would you describe your creative artistic creations? the forces of physics in a manner process? Women’s bodies are powerful, ever- evolved over time. I pick and pry Those seem like two separate changing, vulnerable and under these particles apart to highlight questions. Do you mean is my work constant scrutiny. In times when certain theories and ideas using a description of the future and the societies (and men in particular) materials that have often the exact past? My work is very present and are at a loss for words or the means same particles and elements within I hope, as such, that I have some to distribute certain assumptions them. insight to share. Then you ask, and beliefs, women become the how does one describe my creative scroll on which the “unwritable” You have said, “Camouflage and process? It’s like a massive constant is scratched. mutation are big themes in my absorption of experience, information, work, but the idea I’m most memories, matter, detritus that enamored with is the notion that climaxes in a controlled release of transformation can help us to luscious, deviant, regurgitated forms transcend our predicament. We all and tales. wear costumes when we set out for battle.” What do you view as your How has your work changed and artistic mask? progressed, based on geographical That seems like an oxymoron... location? artistic and mask. My artistic I go somewhere, I feel lost, process is my most naked moment. experience loneliness, inevitably It is the state I feel most suscepti- homesickness. I come up with ble and yet powerful. some ideas to keep me company. I lose some of my disorientation Tell us a little bit about “Chorus in exchange for self-consciousness. Girls.” What does this artistic vision I ponder over my new, other roles. signify? I dwell on that and multitudes of I was in a good mood when I made things related, and come up with “Chorus Girls” and all the work more ideas. Then I stay or I go from “Little Touched.” It was funny somewhere else. for me to sit and invent an alternate set of “girls” standing in a row What are you currently working on? kicking and thrashing all over the Like Chinua Achebe said when he place in perfect disharmony. Finally was interviewed recently, I’m working the understudy gets to be on stage on, “This interview here.”

19 FUEL UP BY LESLIE BECK, RD

Ways to counter that mid-day energy slump

etween juggling work, family, FUEL YOUR MORNING berries and ground flaxseed; or and personal time, who Maintaining a steady stream of whole grain toast with peanut Bdoesn’t need an energy energy requires eating the right butter and fruit salad. boost every once in awhile? We’ve foods at strategic times. all hit that difficult time of the day For many of us, this means filling CHOOSE LOW GI CARBS when our energy dips, our concen- our fuel tanks more often – starting The type of carbohydrates you tration flags and we’re ready to take with breakfast. Carbohydrate-rich choose can also impact your energy a nap. breakfast foods like whole grain level. Bran cereals, large flake One of the top nutrition concerns cereals and breads, fruit and dairy oatmeal, milk, yogurt, soy beverages, among my clients is low energy – products replenish the body’s apples, pears, oranges, dried apricots, and how to have more of it. How supply of glucose, much needed berries, nuts and seeds are called energetic you feel, or don’t feel, can after a night of fasting. low glycemic index (GI) foods. impact your mood, your motivation, Eating breakfast can also enhance That means they’re digested and your productivity, your self-esteem, mental tasks that require prolonged converted to blood sugar slowly. As even your ability to control over- concentration and memory by a result, your body gets a balanced eating. providing your brain cells with release of energy rather than a If you have trouble getting in glucose. Studies show that eating quick burst. gear in the morning, feel tired and the morning meal improves your Eating high GI foods, which are drained by mid afternoon, or want mood, memory and energy level. usually highly processed and may to crash on the living room couch The best breakfasts include have a concentrated amount of after work, the very culprit could carbohydrates for energy and a little sugar, cause bigger spikes in blood be your diet. Blunders such as protein and fat to help regulate, sugar and can cause your body to skipping meals, overindulging, or slow, the release of that energy. lose steam faster.They include running low on water, and drinking Good choices include high fibre white bread, bagels, cereals made too much coffee can leave you feel- cereal with milk, fruit and nuts; from refined grains, sugary cereals ing sluggish. a smoothie made with milk, frozen and pastries.

20 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE COLUMN Health

EAT MORE OFTEN 12 cups (3 litres). With the exception deficiency, even without full blown It takes your body roughly two of alcoholic beverages, all fluids anemia, can cause fatigue, lethargy to three hours to break down the count towards meeting water and difficulty concentrating. sugars in the food you eat, release requirements. That includes water, Iron-rich foods include red meat, them into your bloodstream, and milk, unsweetened juices, tea and enriched breakfast cereals, dried convert them to energy.To prevent yes, even coffee. fruit, kidney beans, cooked spinach your energy level from fading, go and prune juice. A daily multivitamin no longer than three hours without CURB CAFFEINE and mineral supplement can also eating. That means planning for If you want more energy, think help women meet their iron snacks between meals. twice about reaching for that requirements. Snacks should boost your blood jumbo-sized cup of coffee. Caffeine sugar and keep it relatively stable doesn’t give you energy, but MOVE YOUR BODY until meal time – think carbohydrate because it’s a stimulant, it increases A daily 30-minute cardiovascular (low GI), protein and a little fat. heart rate and mental alertness. workout will boost energy level and Try fruit and almonds, a decaf latte The more caffeine you consume, mood. No time? Research shows and a piece of fruit, bean soup, the less sensitive you become to that even 10 minutes of brisk activity whole grain crackers and part skim its effects. In other words, it takes will increase heart rate and keep cheese, vegetables and hummus, more caffeine to achieve that lift. you feeling energized for up to two or an energy bar. Caffeine might perk you up during hours. Bring snacks to work so you’re the day but it can also keep you If you still find yourself feeling not temped to hit the vending awake at night, particularly if it’s sluggish, despite eating right and machine or raid the candy jar when consumed late in the afternoon. exercising, it might be time to your energy dips. If you’re concerned Caffeine can disrupt sleep by visit to your doctor. Ongoing about weight gain, keep snacks blocking the body’s production of fatigue may be the symptom of to 150 to 200 calories (women) and adenosine, a brain chemical that an underlying health problem. 200 to 250 calories (men). causes drowsiness by slowing down nerve cell activity. Leslie Beck is a Toronto-based dietitian HYDRATE TO ENERGIZE Aim for no more than 400 in private practice, best-selling author, Drinking adequate fluids can also milligrams of caffeine per day and Globe and Mail columnist. help you feel more energetic. Water (8 oz. of brewed coffee has 135-175 Visit her website at ww.lesliebeck.com in your bloodstream circulates mg; 8 oz. black tea has 43 mg; 355 oxygen and nutrients to your tissues ml cola has 39-50 mg). Gradually and removes wastes. Water in sweat cut back caffeine over three weeks. helps control body temperature; Start by switching to decaffeinated mild dehydration is a common beverages after 12 noon. cause of early fatigue during exercise. And water is an essential BOOST IRON ingredient in the production of Another dietary reason for low energy molecules. energy is a lack of certain vitamins Women need to drink 9 cups (2.2 and minerals, especially iron for litres) of water each day; men need menstruating women. An iron

21 FRESH LOOK EDITED BY SERGE KERBEL Is it getting too hot in the office, or is it just your new reading glasses?

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22 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Visit bell.ca/enterprise THINK PINK EDITED BY SERGE KERBEL A girl’s office watch doesn’t have to be masculine. Go with a white metal square face and pink band.

FROM THE TOP (LEFT TO RIGHT): CHANEL, $2,100 (WWW.CHANEL.COM) STORM, $200 AT SEARS (WWW.SEARS.CA) NINE WEST, $59 (WWW.NINEWEST.CA) TOMMY HILFIGER, $87 (WWW.TOMMY.COM) BAUME & MERCIER, $4,990 (WWW.BAUME-ET-MERCIER.COM) ARMANI EXCHANGE, $120 AT THE BAY (WWW.THEBAY.COM)

24 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

PEARL OF WISDOM EDITED BY SERGE KERBEL Revive your classics this summer with a fresh twist. A handful of exquisite pearls around your neck will keep you cool.

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26 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE `Z.?A d\ZR[ rIZ[({trjs brings together 30 accomplished women who believe in the importance of art education. Each woman donates $10,000 to the AGO. In recognition of her generosity, she enjoys membership in a vibrant program developed by the AGO that encourages further learning about art through exclusive tours of signiÞcant private art collections in the city. smART women 2010 begins this fall and is ideal for those wanting to develop an art collection or nurture a burgeoning interest in art.

The 2009 program was fully subscribed, so donÕt delay. For more information, contact Norah Farrell, Manager of Individual Giving. !# &$& ### Rea "$

.4< ;Rea IOW Vj|x is the Art Gallery of OntarioÕs dynamic new membership program for people under 40. Designed for young professionals who want to immerse themselves in the vibrant art scene in Toronto, AGO Next offers its members close encounters with art and artists in invigorating social settings.

Events exclusive to AGO Next members feature experts and luminaries and are designed to educate, enrich and inspire while also providing a unique opportunity to broaden social and professional networks.

Join today and be part of a community of like-minded people while lending your support to one of CanadaÕs most vital art institutions. dddNT\a[Rea

TOP TO BOTTOM: Night view of Giuseppi PenoneÕs installation in Galleria Italia; Massive Party 2009; Toronto artist Thrush Holmes. Photography © 2010 Art Gallery of Ontario STYLISHLY

SUITABLEPHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLYLE ROUTH, STYLE BY SERGE KERBEL

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Campo twill jacket, $650, twill pencil skirt, $140 all Andy The Anh, Double wrap leather strap watch, Emporio Armani, $245 Metal strass necklace, $2, 575, resin metal flower cluster ring, $1, 250, 28 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE steel and enamel ring with diamonds, $3, 850, all Chanel FASHION

29 30 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE FASHION

THIS PAGE Cotton blazer, Nanette Lepore at Holt Renfrew, $455 Chiffon blouse, Ben Sherman at The Bay, $118 Pencil skirt, Andy The Anh, $395 Nude shoes, Christian Louboutin at Davids, $1,060 Glasses, L.A.Eyeworks at Josephsons Opticians, $450 Lacquered wood bangle, $275, double-wrap watch, all Hermès

OPPOSITE PAGE Blazer, Tara Jarmon at The Bay, $650 Dress shirt (worn as blouse), Pink Tartan, $375 Pants, Baia at The Bay, $195 Ceramic watch with diamonds, Michele, $3,115 Pearl necklace, $109, with angel wing pendant $ 139, all Thomas Sabo Eyeglasses, L.A. Eyewear at Josephson Opticians, $450 Clutch, Salvatore Ferragamo at Davids, $1,185 31 Cotton jacket, J.Mendel at Holt Renfrew, $2,395 Silk Camilla brooch, $1,475, pearl strand necklace, $1,980, all Chanel 32 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Embossed leather strap watch, Emporio Armani, $345 FASHION

33 34 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE FASHION

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aving graced stages around the world for decades, with her elegance and charm, Karen HKain has established herself as one of Canada’s leading artistic icons. Although no longer performing, Kain continues to inspire and motivate women across the country. As the artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada and an advocate of the arts in Canada, she has opened the door for many dancers and artists, all the while continuing to put Canada on the map internationally. Despite numerous accolades and accomplishments, the prima ballerina maintains a sense of humility. Here Kain shares some thoughts on her inspirations and challenges. She spoke at the Women of Influence Luncheon Series event in Toronto on April 30.

36 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE PROFILE Karen Kain

What did you share with the audience at Women is like having a bird’s eye perspective, instead of being of Influence? down on the ground. It’s very different. It takes a long KK: I decided to touch on challenges and mentors: time to understand how it all works. There are a lot people that helped me throughout my career, paying of financial challenges to keep it going. There is a lot tribute to them by giving the reasons as to why they of fundraising to be done. It’s a very complex job, but helped me, supported me, educated me and enlightened it’s a great job, it’s fascinating. If you are trying to keep me. Nobody gets anywhere without a lot of people an organization that you love and that you believe is supporting them. vital to the city and the country, you have motivation to Who are some of the people who supported you? keep it first of all as excellent as it can possibly be, and KK: My journey starts with my training, so I start with as healthy as it can possibly be. As a company that has Betty Oliphant, Celia Franca, who was the artistic director given me the opportunity to have an incredible career, of the National Ballet and who also helped found I feel very motivated to work very hard to keep it strong Canada’s National Ballet School, Rudolph Nureyev and and healthy. Erik Bruhn. These were all people that I worked with How have you been able to foster artistic initiatives? and who I learnt a great deal from. They helped me in KK: It’s been challenging and frustrating at times, my career in many different ways, with inspiration but because there always seems to be things that are more also practical information, giving me opportunities that important. But I truly believe that if you keep producing I wouldn’t otherwise have had. James Kudelka, who something excellent, keep showing it to people and was the artistic director before me and a choreographer, reaching out to people by letting them see what it is I had worked with quite a bit. I was also trying to give you are doing, eventually they understand what it is information about what it’s like to be a performing to see works of art at this level. To see this particular art artist and to be at a ballet company, what the process form, practised at the highest level, people do appreciate is. I think a lot of people don’t really know.They only it. We have a lot of barriers to people seeing it because see the performance on stage. They don’t really know it costs a lot to produce. It’s not something that you the challenges that go along with that. I don’t think create and then just sell it. It’s made out of living, anybody really knows what my job is now. breathing human beings that can only do it for a certain What exactly is your job now? amount of time. It is a very temporal art form, so it has KK: Well, I’m the artistic director of the company, so to be viewed in that context. It’s fleeting, intangible, I’m responsible for the repertoire. I am responsible for but it’s very special and I think that as long as we all all the choices that we put on stage. I’m also responsible keep showing people how wonderful it is, they will get for the choices of the choreographers, working with it and appreciate it. them on casting. I oversee a very large organization, Where do you see Canadian ballet going from here? one that creates sets and costumes. We have a whole KK: It’s progressing with every generation, with every orchestra. There are a lot of people, a lot of detail that choreographer who is stretching the limits. It is is involved. progressing right here, right before our eyes. Anybody That sounds like a lot of work! Describe the transition who comes to see it can see that the level of technique, from being a dancer to an overseer? the level of virtuosity, the level of inventiveness just KK: When you are performing, it’s all about your own continues to grow with every generation. What I would performance. It’s all about how you contribute to the like to see is that the National Ballet of Canada, which big picture. You have your contribution and it’s your is a company that is among the best in the world, be seen role in the big production. To be overseeing all of that more on the world stage. I mean, in my day we got to

37 PROFILE Karen Kain

be seen in New York and in London, but these days (it is too costly to move) a ballet company showing. I think we are one of the most creative companies in the world. We are doing more work and more interesting work that most companies are daring to do. I would like to be able to show that. But that is a very costly undertaking. What were some of the hardships you experienced, being a woman in your career? KK: You know there are a lot more men running ballet companies and a lot more men choreographing. I think that it is slowly changing, but it’s still pretty much opportunity or why did I blow that opportunity? You a man’s world. It’s changing, but women are changing know sometime you just have to pick a road and you too. They are more confident and boards of directors have to go down it, because there are a lot of roads to are more confident in selecting women to take on these choose from. I don’t think that my advice is going to be roles. I mean, a number of the mentors that I talked applicable to anybody else’s choices in their life. I had about (during my speech) were women. So there have a passion and I followed it to a lot of things, and I was always been women pioneering in the arts. But if you fortunate along the way. I have no complaints. look around the world there are probably four women You are a true inspiration for many.What is it like that run dance companies, and the rest are all men. You to have such admiration? will see that there are a lot more women choreographers KK: All I ever feel is fortunate to still contribute, and now.There used to be hardly any. And a number of that just because I can no longer dance it doesn’t mean women that are getting recognition are Canadians and that I can’t contribute, that I can’t make the future of I have invited some of them back to create works for this company stronger by building foundations here, us. They are really talented and really fantastic. So you helping others to achieve their dreams, and keep this know it’s changing, the world is changing. company vital. Keep it in the public eye. All those What advice do you have for women who want to things are important to me. follow their passion and dreams? How do you stay inspired and motivated? KK: I would never tell women that there aren’t tradeoffs KK: I get really tired sometimes, but I’m used to that. and that you can have it all, because I don’t think you As a dancer there were times where you really didn’t can. Nobody can have it all. I don’t know how anyone feel like dancing, but if you are a pro you do it anyway. could do the job that I’m doing and have three kids. You learn discipline and you learn to do stuff that you That’s from my point of view. It could be different, may not really want to do sometimes. And there are lots maybe if you had a lot of money and could afford all of parts of this job that aren’t my favorite parts, but you the help. I think you have to make your choices in life just get on with it. Like in any job, you can’t love every and you have to follow the path that you think is the bit of it, and you can’t love it everyday, but for the most right path for yourself. You have to define what is part as long as you feel motivated than that is good. I’m meaningful for you, and you know it’s different for motivated by the people I work with and I’m motivated everybody — what drives you, what is meaningful to by the people who come and visit us. All the artistic you, the kind of life you want to have. I always say to my collaborators that I get to work with, the designers or dancers, I don’t want anyone to look back on their the choreographers, all those things are at least never career and have regrets and ask: Why didn’t I take that boring. It can be stressful, but never boring here.

38 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE INSPIRED BY THE CLASSIC GLAMOUR OF OLD HOLLYWOOD.

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f there’s anyone who understands what it means levels. Personal financial management doesn’t have to to be a woman in corporate North America today, be daunting or intimidating. It’s a message she regularly I it’s Kelley Keehn. imparts to women, whether they are starting a career, She’s billed as an expert on money and the psychology or perhaps balancing that career with family life. Keehn behind it. Over her career, she has managed millions of herself says her own life has benefited greatly by practicing dollars for one of Canada’s international banks, and she the principles of personal financial responsibility has lived through the trials and tribulations of opening detailed in books like She Inc. and running her own business. She has grown into a On a cool February day in Toronto, after she had sought-after speaker and educator for many successful spoken to a Young Women of Influence audience, the corporations. She’s written six books, including She Inc., focus was less about financial principles, and more a woman’s guide to maximizing her career potential, on marketing and image. She took part in a Women and The Woman’s Guide to Money. of Influence Magazine photo shoot in the boardroom “You go about your life day-by-day,” she says. on the 22nd floor of a downtown Toronto hotel. “Certainly for me, money has always been the driving In between the photo shoot, and in the limo on the force.” way back to the airport, to fly her back to Edmonton, Now most likely you will see her more on television, she talked about the Young Women of Influence Evening as a regular contributor to CBC and CNBC (She and Series event, and what she spoke to an audience of CNBC host Carmen Wong Ulrich recently did a segment ambitious young leaders about, covering everything on “money infidelity,” cheating on your spouse financially from variable rate mortgages to the best time to have and how it ruins relationships). This fall she will be children when considering one’s financial road map. co-hosting Burn My Mortgage, premiering on Canada’s Keehn has been a financial professional for 12 years. W Network, described as “home finance” meets Married for 10 years, she says she believes men are in “Amazing Race.” women’s lives for support and encouragement. It’s part Keehn has built her own personal empire on the mantra, of the “corporation” theme. Home life is a partnership, “Think of yourself as a corporation.” She offers money where both sides set financial priorities, take inventory, tips to her audience via an upbeat, passionate style. negotiate, manage the finances. “It’s all about making Keehn will boil down that advice to the most simplistic you feel good about money,” she says.

40 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE PROFILE Kelley Keehn

41 PROFILE Kelley Keehn

Her books and speeches are mediums to try to give the best advice to those who are having trouble saving KELLEY KEEHN’S money.The vast majority of her work consists of getting MORTGAGE TIP SHEET women to recognize their potential. It’s about getting women to focus on their spending habits and their ability NEGOTIATE. The posted rates are rarely the actual to have what they want and spend what they want with- rates you can get by simply asking. Consider that on out feeling guilty about it. a $250,000 mortgage, a 1% difference could save you “What I recommend to people is for 30 days write $43,841.29 during the life of your mortgage*. down in a notebook every single penny they’ve spent, see where it’s going and see where they can have fun GOOGLE THE BASICS. Learn terms such as an trimming the spending fat,” she says. Again, her focus amortization, fixed and variable rates. Be sure to check is making the seemingly arduous process of personal out your bank’s website before your meeting. They likely finance fun. It’s never too late to start saving, she adds. have a list of definitions, useful articles and calculators. Her ability to come out and admit that she has made all the mistakes detailed in the book has given women BUY NOW OR LATER? Remember all the costs across the country a chance to relate to her. involved in home ownership. You shouldn’t spend more “What I think you have to do daily is not compare than 32% of your gross income and don’t forget property yourself,” she says. “If I compare myself to Oprah, I feel taxes, insurance, closing costs, condo fees and more! like a failure every day. [But] there are few billion people on this planet who would take my worst day. I complain HOLD THE RATE! If you’re not quite ready to buy, about my late flight and they’d say, ‘Are you kidding call your banker. They’ll often hold the current interest me? You are so privileged.’ Everybody has to give their rate for up to 180 days. head a shake and say, ‘Compared to whom?’” As she builds on her career, Keehn is now looking FIXED VS.VARIABLE – who has a crystal ball? forward to co-hosting Burn My Mortgage, described as Experts say that over the life of a mortgage, a variable a high energy series that challenges families and proves rate will generally win. However, with rates at an all- that the only obstacle between them and paying down time low and ready to climb as early as this summer, their biggest debt – their mortgage – is a little sacrifice. you need to know your interest rate risk factor. If rates Through a series of elaborate challenges, Keehn and climbed even a couple of percentage points, your her co-host show families that lifestyle and bad habits mortgage payment could nearly double. Could you stand in the way of their dreams of mortgage freedom. handle an increase? A family that follows the rules and successfully completes the challenges receives a head start savings reward THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. Many banks today of $5,000. offer a combination of a fixed rate mortgage with a por- Keehn says she is very excited that it will give her tion set up as a line of credit that floats with prime. viewers a chance to recognize their own money faults and make appropriate changes. RRSP VS. PAYING DOWN THE MORTGAGE – “What I love about it is that everybody can follow WHAT’S THE BEST BET? What about doing both! the stunts and look at their own life and think, ‘I can If you’re a high income earner, an RRSP is hard to do that,’” she says. “We want the viewer to start talking beat. But ensure you take the tax refund and apply it about money and learn how to be wiser with it.” directly to your mortgage principal. Not only will you

42 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE be saving for your retirement, taking advantage of a DO IT MORE OFTEN. Paying bi-weekly or better yet, great tax break, but you could save thousands of dollars weekly, makes an extra payment a year that can add up on your mortgage and shave years off the length of it. to big bucks!

BUY NOW OR WAIT? If you don’t have at least 20% TO INSURE OR NOT TO INSURE. Mortgage insurance for a down payment, you will have to purchase CMHC is generally a pretty good idea and your bank may insurance. Depending on the size of your mortgage, require it. The question is, should you purchase the this could cost you thousands of dollars. Do some insurance they offer or shop around for a private policy? calculations and ask your banker if it’s best to save up The latter could be less costly and you have absolute a little longer. control of who gets the amount at death.

* Based on a 5-year fixed, paid bi-weekly, a 25-year amortization and the difference between a steady 5% vs. 4% interest rate.

What I love about it is that everybody can follow the stunts and look at their own life and ‘‘think, ‘I can do that, we want the viewer to start talking about money and learn how to be wiser with it. ’’

43 IN

BACKPHOTOGRAPHY BLACKBY ARKAN ZAKHAROV, STORY BY STEFANIA BARTUCCI For Willa Black, when it comes to business, there are no challenges too great

“do-er,” or a multi-tasker.That’s what people “Hugely gratifying,” is how she has summed up the say about Willa Black. impact of that project, when talking about Canada’s A As vice president of corporate marketing at environmental sustainability.Through her actions in Cisco Canada, the technology company – ranked third business and in projects like A Million Acts of Green, out of 134 companies surveyed in the most recent Hewitt and through her ability to engage people, Black has Associates’ annual survey of Canada’s best employers, evolved naturally into a role model for women in in partnership with Report on Business Magazine – Black business. If she has an idea she believes can work, has built a reputation as someone who inspires and or is involved in a cause that requires bringing people rallies people through her actions. together, business or charity-related, she can do it all, At Cisco, a worldwide leader in helping companies and push people towards a common goal. and individuals network through the internet, she “I hope that I don’t influence people,” she says. “I hope is responsible for strategies designed to promote the that I invite people to work with me, to follow along company’s external brand awareness. But she also leads with me.” programming in support of Cisco’s Corporate Social Her advice to young, aspiring business women is simple: Responsibility initiatives. “Figure out where your true talent lies. What are you She has developed ground-breaking, award-winning really, really good at? Then find an environment that programming, such as the Globe and Mail Business allows you to showcase that talent. Step two is working Incubator, an online resource designed to assist owners hard when you start off. You have to earn your stripes, and managers of small- to medium-sized businesses, you have to make sacrifices. You have to prove yourself.” and A Million Acts of Green, along with the CBC’s Then, open up. “Don’t be afraid to share your good George Stroumboloupoulos and David Suzuki. People ideas and good opinions,” she says. “Don’t keep them in over 50 countries logged in 1.7 million acts of green to yourself.” in over 100 days, saving over 106 million kilograms As Black discusses her endeavours at Cisco, and as she of greenhouse gases. It was Black who came up with talks about balancing work and family (she’s a mother the idea, sold Cisco on getting involved, then sold the of three) — as well as her love for travel — her passion CBC on the project. and personality shine through. Black is no wallflower.

44 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE PROFILE Willa Black

45 PROFILE Willa Black

She says she feels very fortunate to be part of a company like Cisco. The work environment there is collaborative, energetic, and fun, she says. Her style is not to micro- manage people. Employees are pushed to think for themselves. That way, she adds, good ideas rise to the top. “Cisco’s culture is by nature results-oriented. Finding ways to make things better is what we’re all about,” Black says. “It’s a wonderful ethical and cultural match to who I am because we believe very strongly that the technology we provide and the solutions that we provide can have a real impact on communities. “I like to think of myself as the brand steward of Cisco. I really am responsible for helping Canadians under- stand what Cisco is, who we are, what we do and the value that we bring. I do that through advertising. I do that through sponsorships. I do that through government relation activities. I try to penetrate and reach into all communities and key influencers, and educate them on our brand.” For Black, a lot of her professional development came from role models in other companies she worked at, making her way up the chain. “When I was at the Royal Bank, an executive who was leaving the company said to me, ‘Don’t be afraid to speak up at meetings, don’t be afraid to share your ideas,’” she says. “Because even though it may seem intimidating when you’re in a room full of people and you may not feel it’s your place, what you have to contribute is valuable.” Black now doesn’t hesitate to impart what she has learned to younger people on the rise. On the project front, next up is something under the working title, “25 Transformational Canadians.” “We have partnered with the Globe and Mail to recognize 25 Canadian leaders who, through their work, are positively impacting and changing the lives of people in Canada and around the world,” she says. For Willa Black, all challenges can be met, one step at a time. “It’s all so exciting, and our technology is helping people touch more lives,” she says.

46 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Chilina Kennedy as Bianca with cast members. Photo by David Hou. Chilina Kennedy

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General Director 2010 Photography by Andrew Eccles Artistic Director Cora Tsouflidou met the challenges in the darkest period of her life and emerged to create one of Canada’s true business success stories

48 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE PROFILE Cora Tsouflidou

CULINARY

CREATIVITYPHOTOGRAPHY BY ARKAN ZAKHAROV, STORY BY N. NAEME EL-ZEIN nside an non-descript office complex in Mississauga With her education cut short by the pregnancy of her — the kind with formal grey Venetian style blinds first child, and with so many years absent from the work I on all the windows — we wait for our guest of honour. force, she was regarded by many employers as unskilled Dwarfed by our large cushy leather chairs, we sit and inexperienced, and therefore unemployable. Left patiently around a large mahogany boardroom table scrambling to support herself and her family, Cora’s while business of the Blackberry variety is attended to. solution was the purchase of a modest 29-seat snack bar And lest we forget who and what has brought us to on Côte–Vertu Road in Montreal’s St Laurent district. this location, there are some silent but ever-watching “My plan was to feed my kids.” eyes looking down upon us as a reminder, but not of the Growing up in Caplan, Cora had big dreams early human kind. Chickens of all shapes and sizes, mostly on, pursuing a classical education after high school with ceramic, in speckled ivory and off-white tones, peer a focus on Latin, Greek and literature, in the hopes down through glassy, amicable eyes from floating of being a writer. A decade and three kids later, Cora shelves around the boardroom – in silent approval of reconnected with her creative juices behind a frying pan. Ms. Cora Tsouflidou. “I discovered two major things that work for me and After a full and early morning, opening a new Chez that still, to this day, make me wake up [and take notice]. Cora in Burlington, Tsouflidou sits down to talk about I discovered that you can create with food — not just her amazing 23-year career as an accidental restaurateur. words. Taking this and mixing it with that (gesturing Currently, the Chez Cora empire sits at 115 locations passionately with her hands). With the morning food across Canada, with more on the way. on my counter, I started putting chopped spinach in my What was the spark? “Poverty,” says Tsouflidou, native crepe mix and putting all kinds of spices in my batter of Caplan, Quebec. At the age of forty, after her marriage for French toast… I did not invent new food but I disintegrated and with three teenagers to tend to, Cora invented a new way of presenting food. I realized, and was left with the type of deep, brain-arresting insomnia that was my biggest thing, that you can express your that comes with fighting for survival. creativity even if you work in a kitchen.”

49 PROFILE Cora Tsouflidou

So many people are interested in things and they talk about it but they are not committed. I am ‘‘a committed person. I’ll die on the spot, but I’ll do it – that’s the difference.’’

Cora’s passion, expressed through her contemporary not enough to sustain her family for the long-term. breakfast’s unique flavors and combinations set amidst A new 59-seat location opened shortly after her return vibrant plate presentations, translated to a loyal following to Canada. of customers that became a sort of extended family. “When that second [location] opened, (she takes an During what might have been the darkest and most audible intake of air, obviously still in awe close to 20 uncertain time in her life, she found an unwavering love years later), I realized I was able to duplicate myself. in the positive feedback of her customers. So then I started to think, if I could open a second one After two years at the snack bar, working as she that was as good as the first one … why don’t I do it describes it like, ‘devils,’ pulling seven-day workweeks, another time? Each one of my kids could have their own her children surprised her with a trip to Paris so she Cora [restaurant] and I could have mine … that was the could rejuvenate. While travelling abroad she had the biggest realization I had; Why not another one and space to reflect and realized that the one location was another one?”

50 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE In 1993, after her eighth store, Cora decided to enough to know the product, you have to have a brain explore franchising her business and taking the Cora for business, to think, to coordinate and to organize.” name across Canada. By that point in Quebec, Cora’s I ask if these skills came naturally for her as a mother. name was synonymous with breakfasts that were feasts Coming from a family of three myself, I have seen the for the eyes as well as the belly. degree of multi-tasking, thinking on your feet and time The following year, Franchising Cora Inc. was created and money-management, that goes into raising a brood. and the first franchise opened in Pointe-Claire. I ask “Exactly! Exactly! I had that. And those are business if she was ever fearful or apprehensive, on this swift and [skills]. Being a single mother I was saving to have seemingly smooth journey from housewife to business- enough to buy the groceries. I was keeping the children woman extraordinaire to freshly minted franchisor. always in harmony. I was working hard, planning, “I was full of fear, of course,” she says. “At the beginning, teaching, encouraging and disciplining sometimes when I always thought, I am not a businessperson; I am an I needed to. And these are all the things I do as a big intellectual, I’m a writer.This is not my forte and all boss. Being a mother is great preparation for business.” those kinds of scary thoughts we put in our minds. Other than a few million well-dressed eggs and a Every time I opened a store I would say, ‘I reached my voracious appetite for educating herself on all things platform ... my ceiling … and soon [people] will discover business, what was the secret ingredient to Cora’s my incompetence.’ But I kept going on and because self-made success? I am an intellectual, I read a lot and I read everything “That I like to create has helped a lot,” she says. about franchising.” “I took a segment of the restaurant business, which is Cora, fueled by both her lack of experience and her breakfast, and no one had brought it very far. I created passion to succeed, became an expert on franchising. this concept, that many people today copy. My initiative Without a mentor, she used the many authors and the and creativity [fueled my success], making Cora obstacles they overcame in their endeavors as the guid- restaurants unique … creativity is a precious asset to me.” ing hands to lead her on this new path. Many franchises, as they grow, fall prey to losing the “Today I would say I educated myself on business … quality and the very unique charms that are the I read all the business books and reading was really my foundation of their initial success. How does Cora, with coach. One book in particular, Michael Gerber’s E-Myth, a growing number of establishments that extend as far [discusses] why most entrepreneurs fail … It is not as British Columbia, keep this long-distance family from becoming a broken home? “Well, the fish smells from the head,” she says. “So I need to spread the culture of the company to my key people, which goes to the director that goes to the peo- ple on the field. We need to live the culture. I am at all the openings … I am still baking cookies and bars every Monday to take to the office.” Unfortunately, it seems for every female success story told, there is a dose of predictable cautionary tale or the underlying connotations that being female alone acts as a handy-cap in business. Somehow I have a feeling that Cora feels differently and I ask her if she sees any advantages in being female.

51 PROFILE Cora Tsouflidou

“The biggest advantage [for women is] to know that I succeeded in creating a franchise system. Today there they are so well prepared being a woman. Women are are about 5,000 people across the network receiving a caring; they care for harmony, peace and love. Women paycheque with the Cora sun on it. I created jobs and work more and are realistic without as much ego. What helped franchise owners to have their own business and I realized is most women [don’t see this], they think independence. I am proud of that.” they are missing something to succeed. [Where as] I see Cora’s enormous success goes far beyond great that they are more talented and prepared just by being omelettes for the general population. The Cora a woman. Especially with children, they have learned Foundation, started in 1998, has raised more than to deal with adversity. Besides, having a business is like $1 million over the past ten years, directed towards having a baby; you get pregnant and in eight or nine non-profit organizations assisting children in need months you have no preparation at all but the kid across Canada. comes out and teaches you how to be a mother. In this “When I started [at the snack bar] I was the cook and way [starting a] business, it teaches you. My second my son’s girlfriend was our waitress and she became passion, after my business, is making women realize that pregnant. I was so worried because we were so poor … they have what it takes. God doesn’t send us dreams I decided to put $6 away everyday for [the child’s] that we can’t realize.” education … as the business grew, I knew I would be I ask her if she considers herself a role model. okay and they would be okay. But I also knew how many “I think so because I am an example of an old folk children were not alright. We made our foundation who started at 40 years old, with no money but a good to assist [non-profit organizations including] Breakfast cause and a good reason. I was in love with my job and Clubs of Canada, that provide schools [in low-income passionate. I have integrity. For these reasons I can be a areas] with breakfasts for their students.” model that it is possible to succeed when you start at 40, Cora exudes a boundless energy. Having gotten up when you are a woman, when you have integrity, when in the wee hours to attend the opening, she will be you have children. [For all these reasons] I am proof that whisked away to board a plane shortly after our it is possible.” interview. And yet there is nothing low-energy or sleep- During her twenty-plus years in the hospitality deprived about her. Her eyes shine brightly from behind industry Cora has won an impressive array of awards, a pair of retro-style frames.When she is feeling especially including the Governor General’s award in 2003. In spirited about something, which is often, she moves her 2004, Cora was inducted into the Canadian Professional hands to underscore her zeal. Sales Association’s Hall of Fame, followed by the “In the beginning I think [my work ethic] came from Hall of Fame award from the Canadian Franchise my survival mode. I had to be the cook. I had to be the Association in 2005. In 2009, she was one of the RBC boss … I did not have a choice. When you come from Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award winner in the a poor background you have no other solution but to Bell Trailblazer Award category.With plans to open work. And as they say,‘When it’s windy even the chicken upwards of 200 locations throughout Canada and can fly.’ I am not stopped easily [even when things are expansion into the United States, one wonders what tough]. Now it is part of my winning formula. I know is left on Cora’s “to-do” list. when I need to work and I don’t complain. Hard work “To be frank my proudest moments have not been gives results. So many people are interested in things winning awards,” she says. “If we are the fastest and they talk about it but they are not committed. I am growing company – it isn’t because of me. It is my great a committed person. I’ll die on the spot, but I’ll do it – team … I started [my business] to feed my children but that’s the difference.”

52 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE 53 CALL TO ACTION BY LYNDA BOWLES, PARTNER, DELOITTE

In order to become more competitive, companies need to start looking at women to fill more senior roles

ack in 1984, there were no and hear how they dealt with similar female partners at Deloitte. challenges. We learned women in B To become a partner, one professional services had a common had to demonstrate the ability to issue: namely, they found it difficult generate work (and hence, revenue) to get ahead in male-dominated in the market. fields. So, a group of women — myself With almost no female role models, included — founded our firm’s the WBDG filled a significant void Women’s Business Development for women professionals. Our group Group (WBDG) in Toronto, to also assisted others looking to set develop our profiles internally. up similar networks or participate The WBDG was an action-oriented in joint networking events. group organizing networking events Fast forward to today: Deloitte has for women in professional services. 169 female partners and associate We weren’t radicals by any stretch, partners (26% of the firm’s business although many viewed the group’s leaders). Yet too often, women are formation as a “bold step.” still excluded from marketing and Attendees at our female-only practice development activities. events, which included women from How often are women invited to other organizations, said it was golf with the men or even go for refreshing to talk to other women a drink after work?

54 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE COLUMN Bowles

Now that there are more women • Women can succeed as not be able fulfill the requirements leaders, it is our responsibility to business leaders. A recent of the role. provide similar networking Catalyst study indicates that I recall a story about how a opportunities for other women. companies with women in leadership position became available One activity at Deloitte – our Spring senior roles (more than one or involving significant travel. The breakfast, which has been running two) and female representation selection team decided women for 25 years – is so successful that on the board (more than one would not want the promotion men at our firm want to be included. or two) were more successful because they would have to be It is a welcome sight to see men than companies with no away from family. Qualified women supporting women this way.We female representation. In spite weren’t even given the opportunity have made progress, but the trek of this, Catalyst found that, in to say NO. Ironically, men offered has been a long one. 2009, only 14 percent of board the role declined because of the seats at Financial Post 500 travel demands. Not every leader- WHAT WE KNOW companies were held by ship choice is successful, but any Many of our challenges today women, an increase of just one unsuccessful decision focused on remain similar to those from the percentage point since 2007. a woman leader often ends up mid-1980s. As an advocate for tainting all women. The failures women in business, I am constantly TAKING ACTION of male leaders never seem to have surprised to learn that these Women need to stand up and the same effect. challenges are all too common: ask for challenging and difficult Being good at gender diversity • The pool of talented women assignments. If we sit back and wait in organizations is hard. There have does exist, yet ... when firms for work that proves our skills, the to be risks taken and a willingness look externally for senior-level wait may be a long one. to accept the occasional failure – hires, everyone goes to the Next, more women need to act taking risks is what makes an same (mostly male) pool of as mentors to other young women. organization grow and succeed long- resources. If businesses are to The lack of inspiring role models is term. It’s time for our professions be successful, they must look a deterrent to the success of future to start taking a lot more risks. It’s to non-traditional hires. Step leaders. Women look up the ladder time to start appointing more women outside of the box. and, seeing no one like themselves, to significant leadership roles. • A firm’s leadership team believe they can’t advance in their should reflect the customers organization. Then they leave or Lynda Bowles, FCA, is an Audit served. There are as many stop aspiring to leadership roles. partner at Deloitte. She won the YWCA female customers as males. Women of Distinction Award for Organizations need to advance THE FINAL STEP Business in 1998. She is also involved more women who can develop In spite of all the talk – and money on boards of many organizations the necessary skills to succeed spent on diversity programs – women including: West Park Health Care — and mirror the client base. continue to struggle to obtain Centre, Bloorview Children’s Hospital, Times are changing and our significant CEO-type leadership Women’s College Ambulatory Care leadership teams need to reflect roles. Why? Because it is often Centre and the Toronto Zoological the large numbers of women believed that women either don’t Society. Deloitteis the lead sponsor of and visible minorities we serve. have the qualifications or would the Women of Influence luncheon series.

55 THE WINDING ROAD BY DIANE COBBOLD

It’s important to manage and take control of your career

our career is one of your that are reluctant to manage their • Develop an inventory of your most valuable assets and own careers. They still believe that skills, interests and core Yultimately you need to be their loyalty and accomplishments competencies. in control of its direction. will speak for themselves. Their • Make note of any skills or Today’s career-minded individual managers will “see” what they’ve knowledge that are weak and understands that the cliché corporate contributed and they will be need to be improved. ladder has developed a number of recognized and rewarded without • Record all significant broken rungs. any self-promotion. They’ll just professional and personal A typical career path is no longer sit back and wait. And then they’ll accomplishments and correlate linear but more closely resembles a wait a little longer. them to your core competency labyrinthine.You’re continually faced The reality is that managing your list. with making choices through a net- career is each person’s individual work of inter-connecting pathways. responsibility. Don’t be a spectator. SEEK INPUT The choices you make and how you Step up and become an active Make a point of actively seeking cope through the winding maze will participant in the direction of your input and advice throughout your determine how well you reach your career. While you can’t predict every career. We each possess many goals. detour, knowing how to manage innate skills and traits that we may The reality is that managing your your career is the first step. not recognize as valuable but career is each person’s individual resonate with others we work with. responsibility.You can’t predict every IDENTIFY YOUR PROFESSIONAL • Volunteer to participate in detour, but knowing how to manage SKILL SET company 360 reviews to gain your career is the first step. Be knowledgeable of your professional insight into how others see us. As an experienced career coach assets. Know who you are and what • Take in-depth assessments I have met hundreds of individuals you have to offer. to help understand more

56 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE COLUMN Cobbold

about your personal traits, • What do you want your brand Your long-term goal could be, “to characteristics, values, career to represent? be the Vice-President at a Fortune preferences and working style. • What type of image do you 100 company in 10 years.” Ambitious? • Seek out mentors. These want to project? Maybe. But it doesn’t mean with the individuals can provide invaluable • Know what differentiates you right skills, planning and motivation guidance and support. from your personal competition. it can’t be achieved. So what goals • Understand the needs of your are you going to set for the next 2-3 KNOW THE MARKETPLACE audience and the marketplace. years to get you one step closer? AND YOUR COMPETITION While you want to set as many Be aware of the ever-changing KNOW YOUR VALUE self-directed goals as possible that marketplace and how it will impact Your value in the marketplace will don’t heavily rely on marketplace you. fluctuate depending on a number conditions, or happenchance, • What initiatives or strategies of variables. Even the best and the consider striking a partnership is your current employer brightest can find they’ve been with your manager or employer. undertaking? devalued due to a supply/demand If you are recognized as a person • What are the current trends imbalance or a poor economy. with high potential, or you’re a in your industry? Taking into account marketplace rising star in your organization, they • Regularly assess the global conditions your career value or net may be very willing to help you marketplace.What is happening worth needs to assess the sum of: reach your goals if it ensures your in the world that could directly • your skills (learned, continued employment with them. impact your business or line transferable and innate) of work? • life and work-related experiences A LIFE-LONG PROCESS • Keep current on new • personal and work-related Active career management is a life- technologies that you could accomplishments long practice. It requires us to adapt into your personal • training, education perform regular maintenance checks skillset. • individual traits and to ensure the skills, training and characteristics. experience we possess in positioning SHAPING YOUR PERSONAL us for the future. BRAND SETTING GOALS AND We need to be open-minded and Having taken stock of who you are, DEVELOPING A PARTNERSHIP accept that our careers will take us what you have to offer and the Embed goal-setting into your life. on a winding, and exciting journey. marketplace expectations, you now Set a combination of short and Don’t begin to manage your career have to help shape your personal long-term goals that challenge you when it’s in jeopardy or crisis. brand. both personally and professionally. Realize that taking control of your Never forget, you are a product. One important aspect of goal- career requires active life-long While you may not be as flashy as setting is to actually write them commitment. an iPhone, you are still a product down. Record or post them in a that a company may buy/hire and place that you will frequently see. Diane Cobbold is a senior career you have your own unique set of While you may record a few coach with Careego.com, a division features, benefits, service offerings, goals that are ambitious, try and set of Knightsbridge Human Capital and apps. realistic and obtainable goals. Management.

57 FAMILY FINANCIAL PLANNING BY PATRICIA LOVETT-REID, SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT,TD WATERHOUSE Peace of mind lies in gaining control of your personal finances

work for TD Waterhouse and SHARING A FINANCIAL INSTILLING FINANCIAL have made a career of educating FUTURE RESPONSIBILITY ICanadians on the importance When we got married, my husband This approach extends to our kids. of personal finance and investing. and I realized we had different lev- We talk very openly with them, A Certified Financial Planner by els of assets, but importantly, simi- ad nauseum, they would say! We trade, I strive to break down the lar financial values. Early on, we raised them to be industrious and often complex world of finance and instituted a ritual of balancing the to manage their money responsibly. explain what it means to people books every weekend. We taught them to pay themselves of all walks of life – through client We share one bank account first. We encouraged them to presentations; media appearances because that works for us. We stick get jobs during the summer to and books targeted to women. to individual spending thresholds contribute to their cash flow for Life isn’t about money. But when for discretionary expenses. We the academic year. It always helps you take control of your finances, consult each other on every major to have some skin in the game! you lay the foundation to achieve purchase – not to seek permission, peace of mind, contentment and but out of respect for each other. WOMEN AND FINANCES the lifestyle you want. We communicate frequently and Women owe it to themselves to On the personal side, I have a transparently and make decisions be involved. After all, no one cares husband and four kids. My husband together.We developed our invest- more about your money than you. and I are both pretty disciplined ment strategy together; reviewing our When I meet women who have a when it comes to money.As you can portfolio regularly and consulting hands-off approach to their finances, imagine, finances and investments our advisor quarterly.We know exactly it is usually attributable to a lack are important themes in our home! where we stand at any given time. of time – not a lack of ability

58 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE COLUMN Lovett-Reid

or interest. But that’s not a reason 3. AVOID COMMON MISTAKES • Maximize your RESP to abdicate responsibility. • Throwing caution to the wind contributions This doesn’t mean you have to • Short-term view • Maximize tax deductions do it yourself. Approach it the same • Over-confidence • Maximize employee benefits way you would your business: • Under-estimating the power • Employ yourself, part or full Surround yourself with the right of compounding time professional expertise, consult and • Letting taxes guide your • Don’t forget about short/long- assume responsibility – i.e. be investment decisions term disability, critical illness informed, seek counsel, make deci- • Using excessive margin insurance and employee life sions and measure performance. • Not knowing where you are going insurance plans But no matter who is actually man- • Portfolio concentration aging the assets – your spouse, your • Not knowing what you are doing 7. SAVINGS partner, your investment advisor – • Procrastination • Take a long-term approach you must be fully engaged. to saving and investing If you haven’t been involved 4. LEARN MORE, EARN MORE • Set up a pre-authorized before, approach it as an evolution. • Upgrade your financial literacy purchase plan Start educating yourself. Do one and skills. • Keep 6-9 months of living thing every month to further your • Build a team of professionals expenses for contingencies knowledge. Set some goals. Every that you trust – financial step will advance you on the path advisor, lawyer, accountant, etc. Patricia Lovett-Reid, Senior Vice and get you closer to financial President of TD Waterhouse Canada responsibility or partnership. 5. BE DISCIPLINED Inc. is one of Canada ’s leading and • Pay yourself first! respected authorities on personal • Think hard about your wants finance. Patricia holds the designation 7 STEPS TO vs. needs of Certified Financial Planner and • Work with a financial advisor is a regular commentator for Business FINANCIAL to discover your true risk News Network, CTV, CP24 and the tolerance and implement National on CBC. Patricia is the host FREEDOM an appropriate long term of MoneyTalk , a national prime-time portfolio strategy. television program on personal 1. BECOME YOUR OWN CFO • Stick to your plan and don’t finance, airing every Monday • Nobody cares more about your be tempted off-track by short- at 8:00 pm (ET) on Business News financial well-being than you term market movements. Network and offers daily market do, so don’t abdicate financial commentaries on radio stations responsibility. 6. GO BEYOND such as AM 740 and 680 News. • “Buy and hold” to defer taxes 2. SET GOALS • Maximize your RRSP and • Set realistic financial goals for TFSA contributions yourself – short, medium and • Income split with family members long term – and be personally • Remember that dividends are accountable for reaching them. your secret weapon

59 BRANCHING OUT BY JODI GILMOUR

Want to grow your business? Look for networking opportunities at professional development programs

s a young realtor, I am a bit A decade ago, as a chubby- of a hybrid between an cheeked 21-year-old realtor, I feasted Aentrepreneur and a contract at the educational buffet like a salesperson. I choose how I run my hungry hippo. Often, I found business within the structure offered myself immersed in a flurry of by my brokerage and the regulating note-taking. But sometimes what bodies for Real Estate in Ontario. was being taught didn’t resonate Aside from the regular licensing with me. courses required of all realtors, I am Between you and me, when in control of my own professional I find myself disappointed with a development. If I want to work on course, or topic, I generally excuse a particular aspect of my business, myself and see if I can do some it is up to me to figure it out. networking with like-minded Thankfully, there are thousands colleagues. If I can find myself of options out there! Our RE/MAX a “Big Wig” to learn from, I win! Regional Directors do an excellent (Most “Big Wigs” love giving out job of sorting out the fluff and advice to smiling, doe-eyed newbie’s. bringing the best new concepts And occasionally, one of these to town. Still, navigating the vast successful people will take a liking array of courses, coaches and to you and end up being the person conventions offered up can leave who changes your professional life a gal confused! forever.)

60 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE COLUMN Gilmour

I will tell you; it is in the hallways who I aspire to be as a professional. means they pull in seven figures at professional development I have run the three-month-long and own a chateau in Burgundy, programs (good and bad) that program 15 times in three years to great! Make them your mentor, I have found the best opportunities over 100 salespeople in our company your boss and friend. That way, for my business. Sometimes, it’s and I learn something new every your self-directed professional gushing with other people about time. Because of that, I let our development program will come the new earth-shattering concept realtors retake the course whenever naturally, and be a whole lot of fun. we have just encountered. More they want. I believe you only retain In the program I teach, they say, often than not, the best advice the information that is pertinent to “Show me your friends and I’ll tell comes from colleagues who will you at the time. Your understanding you who you are.” become great referral resources, grows with experience, and so your friends and mentors. capacity for developing new skills is Beyond managing one of Canada’s You don’t always find your endless. Therefore, taking the same largest and most successful RE/MAX mentors at professional events. One course twice is far from redundant. franchises, Jodi Gilmour is the mentor I didn’t know I had was If you’re working in a field that host of HGTV’s new hit property my friend’s father. He was a highly plays to your strengths and makes series For Rent, now in its second successful “Big Wig,” and I admit you feel great about yourself, season, and is a featured contributor I was a little scared of him, though you’ll have a much easier go. If on the reality series Marriage Under I never let him see it. you can create opportunities to Construction (also on HGTV). Hanging out at his cottage or rub shoulders with people who are by his pool in the city, he would more successful than you are, go ask my opinion on the real estate for it! (Just remember to give back market. What it taught me was to someday when you’re on top). You always have an opinion on the never know where the opportunity market, a 45 second elevator speech of a lifetime will present itself. that I could give at the drop of Lord knows I never imagined that a hat. It was one of the best gifts joining the family business would I’ve been given professionally, and inadvertently land me a show on if he were around today I’d thank HGTV.But you won’t find your next him for it, but since he’s not I’ll pay big thing doing what everybody it forward. else does. Now, as a leader in my family-run In the professional and personal brokerage I share responsibility for aspects of my life, I try to surround choosing the development programs myself with people I like who are we make available to our salespeople. successful by my definition. Define It’s a responsibility I take very success for yourself and identify seriously, even though our sales- people who are successful in your people can simply choose not to eyes. bother.Turns out, I lead one of our If that means they work a 25-hour most popular programs. The content week and spend the rest of their and delivery truly resonates with time on the ski slopes, fine. If it

61 THE ART OF THE DEAL BY MARGOT M. MICALLEF, Q.C.

People, not numbers in a financial plan or words in a legal document, are what make deals happen

love the art of the deal. I love broadcaster that had a dual class But to pay the same price for the beginning: from the point of shares, voting shares controlled the non-voting shares as what Mrs. I of conception of the idea, to by the Griffiths family of Vancouver, Griffiths was asking would render the initial awkward overtures. I love and non-voting shares which were the deal uneconomic. We sought the middle: the dance that begins publically traded and widely held. legal advice and were told there with the start of negotiations when Following the passing of WIC’s was no way to proceed and that both sides realize a deal can and founder and patriarch, Frank we would be sanctioned by the should happen. I love the end: Griffiths, the family decided to sell securities regulators if we tried. the euphoria of success and the its controlling interest. Shaw was I remember going into Jim Shaw’s anticipation of the future marked interested in buying the company office to give him the news. I had a by the closing celebration. I love every but we first had to agree on the knot in my stomach. After listening intense, emotionally undulating terms by which we would purchase to me Jim asked me what I wanted aspect of it. And I’m fortunate. I’ve Mrs. Griffiths’ voting shares. to do. I told him I wanted a second been able to participate in billions I was a senior vice-president of opinion. And with the courage with of dollars worth of transactions Shaw at the time. Along with CEO which he led every aspect of the WIC over the last 25 years. Jim Shaw, I was charged with moving acquisition, Jim supported my request. It all starts with courage however, the deal forward. Unfortunately After consulting another law firm for the most satisfying deals are there was a lot of controversy at we agreed that in fact there was a way often those that pundits say won’t that time around valuing voting to proceed. It wasn’t without risk, happen. The acquisition by Shaw shares in a dual class structure but we felt it would violate neither Communications Inc. of WIC Western and there was case law that said the spirit nor letter of the law.We International Communications was you couldn’t pay more for a class were right. The result was that we such a deal. WIC, as it was called, of voting shares than for a class created new law that today governs was a successful radio and television of non-voting shares. mergers and acquisitions in Canada.

62 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE COLUMN Micallef

Doing challenging deals requires courage and looking at things from the perspective ‘‘of the other person. Empathy necessitates good listening skills to understand the true message.

the possibility that we may never actually complete a single acquisition of a radio station, nor achieve the valuations we were contemplating.’’ We of course had no such fear.We unequivocally believed we would succeed however and stubbornly soldiered on. Our passion led a handful

iStockphoto of investors, led by Ron Joyce (co-founder of Tim Hortons), to The WIC deal transformed Shaw A small group of us realized there believe in us despite being told by by moving Shaw into content, was an opportunity to consolidate another prospective investor that dramatically expanded Shaw’s size independent radio stations. The “the numbers didn’t work.” Ron and scope, and put us on the national challenge was we had neither radio and our other investors understood stage as a major contender.The stations to buy nor enough money the big picture and believed in WIC deal ultimately gave birth with which to buy them. Nonetheless, the people behind the deal. They to Shaw’s sister company Corus we ventured forth simultaneously, provided the capital to help us buy Entertainment. negotiating with the owners of radio initially one radio station, then Years later, after I established stations and prospective investors. ultimately 18 more. Within nine Oliver Capital Partners, I was again We initially approached private months Vista Radio was born. involved in a deal that showed equity firms who liked our business Since then, we’ve grown to 25 me that with faith and courage plan but who could not overcome stations in Western Canada, with anything is possible. the “execution risk” associated with above average EBITDA margins

63 COLUMN Micallef

and a culture that enables us to their ego and self esteem built into that others don’t believe are do-able, attract the best employees in the their business that selling their not only because I’m stubborn, but broadcast industry. business is like a death sentence. also because it usually allows me So why is it that we succeeded In this case, it’s important to find to buy well. If the deal is easy, when others thought we would an ongoing, albeit unobtrusive, role everyone is eager to buy and that fail? And why did some investors for the seller to play. demand increases the price. embrace us when others did not? Likewise, in financing it’s important Doing challenging deals requires We succeeded primarily because to appreciate that banks don’t lend courage and looking at things from we and they understood that the art to companies and investors don’t the perspective of the other person. of the deal is all about the people. invest in deals. Rather, both lend Empathy necessitates good listening This is where reputation and integrity or invest in people. As one investor skills to understand the true message. matters. Often investment bankers once told me, “the numbers always Empathy allows you to craft the and accountants focus too much on look good; the people make the deal and to use your creativity to the numbers, and lawyers too much difference.” move from conception to closing. on the words. Of course, these When we were building Vista In between, you need a healthy aspects are important but until you Radio we were successful in dose of tenacity to keep you on build trust with the person on the acquiring a group of radio stations track. These are skills that are often other side of the table, these aspects from a woman who had been pursued second nature to women. In are unimportant. by prospective buyers for over ten making courageous decisions to I recall when I was a young years. Many of these buyers had venture forth where others fear lawyer, a seasoned deal-maker said deeper pockets than we did and all to tread, I am guided by my belief to me that the biggest mistake people were astonished when we came out in the reasonableness of people, make in deals is that they spend, as the successful buyers. in the value of long-term thinking, “too much time looking at the The difference between us and and in knowing that this is not my paper and not enough time looking these other bidders is that we took last deal. into the eyes of the person on the the time to get to know the seller. other side of the table.” I spent many visits just talking with Margot M. Micallef, Q.C. is the Building trust means listening her about her radio stations, about founder and President of Oliver and understanding what the other what it was like for her after her Capital Partners Inc., an M&A person needs. We often think that husband died and what she would Advisory and Private Equity Boutique all that matters in a deal are the do after she sold. which since inception in 2003 has financial terms. That is rarely the After each visit she became more invested in radio broadcasting, case. Most entrepreneurs who have and more comfortable with me. I publishing, fast food and food spent years building their business knew we had made progress when manufacturing. Margot sits on are reluctant to sell it to a buyer she offered me homemade wine a number of public and private who will disregard the whole for from the mini fridge in her office. company boards and is an adjunct the sake of the parts: even if it Finally, several visits later over jug professor in the MBA Program means eliciting a higher price than wine from the local liquor store, at the University of Alberta. Margot would be the case from someone we clinked our plastic wine glasses lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her who intends to keep the business and had a deal. 19 year old son, Christopher, of whom intact. Others have so much of I like the challenge of doing deals she is especially proud.

64 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

TO INSPIREBY ISABEL & BASSETT Can role models help you succeed? We asked:Who influenced our women of influence?

growing number of prominent Canadian women HAD ROLE MODELS: are on the top rung of the ladder across the 90 % Say role models were pivotal to success Aspectrum of business, government, education, 75 % Had more than one role model healthcare and not-for-profit organizations. 10 % Had no role model, broke new ground They serve as role models in an ever-more competitive world. Success for most of them has been hard won, Common Theme so we asked as many as we could if they had help from • Having a role model is beneficial, if not essential role models themselves — and what advice they might • Cast a wider net, draw from many sources pass down. • Don’t be shy, reach out to those you admire Our initial doubts — that perhaps the concept of a • Have confidence, set high goals for yourself role model was outdated — were wrong. We reached out • Role models aren’t a panacea, you have to work hard to past Women Influence award winners and luncheon • Women should help more women, like the speakers for their feedback, and the response was large. well-established “boys networks” The replies we received were deeply personal, generous, and diverse. WHO THEY IDENTIFIED AS ROLE MODELS: This unique collection of advice will give you insight 19 % Both parents into how choosing a role model or a mentor can be pivotal 31 % Maternal only to your own success. We couldn’t print everything, 9 % Paternal only but we’ve pulled together the common threads, some 59 % Female, career related cautions and a few surprises. Answers fall into two 47 % Male, career related categories: Influences, and Advice Surprise /Caution ROLE MODEL VS. MENTOR • Not all role models have your best interests A Mentor is someone who helps you with the how-to, at heart but a Role Model is something distinct — “We look to • Be selective, avoid negativity role models as a source of inspiration, as examples, and • Relationship with a role model is two-way as people from whom we can learn. However a mentor • Have humility, there’s always more to learn is a different, more interactive role.” • It’s essential to balance work and life — ANDREA FUENEKES,CO-FOUNDER & CO-CEO, REMSOFT • We are all a role model for somebody

66 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE FEATURE role models

INFLUENCE

I WAS INFLUENCED... “I have had the benefit of role models and mentors throughout my life, starting with my parents and teachers … IN MY YOUTH who steered me into leadership roles and encouraged me “I had one prominent role model: My aunt, Helene to seek out opportunities that would expand my horizons.” Smagala is a person of grace, tact, and success. She — DEBORAH GILLIS,VICE PRESIDENT,NORTH AMERICA, started her business about 25 years ago, Mokuba, an CATALYST CANADA importer of Japanese ribbons and as a child I had a sense that she and my uncle, Bob, were excellent “In Grade 7 I had a wonderful teacher who instilled business people. My mom is a meticulous organizer, a lifelong love of learning. She challenged her students and she showed me how to manage my finances. My to think outside the box and inspired us to believe father is an excellent communicator and he showed we could succeed at anything we aspired to. It did not me how to negotiate.” occur to me that I could or would be limited. As an — JULIE BOND,PRESIDENT & FOUNDER,BOND CONSULTING intern my mentor was Dr Sidney Feldman. He instilled GROUP the basis for balance and laughter in my life. Also Gwen Vineberg, who is a friend and mentor.They taught me “I’ve had role models since I was a child. My to be a lifelong learner, to be open and curious, to ‘womenfolk’ have had a huge impact. I am fortunate laugh and make time for myself, to always open doors to still have my strong and intelligent grandmother, and forge ahead with integrity.” who is 94 years old. I feel like all of my role models — DR.MARLA SHAPIRO,MD,MEDICAL CONTRIBUTOR,CTV were able to inspire me through not only what they AND THE GLOBE & MAIL achieved, but what they did to achieve it — including working hard. All had similar attitudes — they are “One was a primary school math teacher who positive go-getters.” contradicted the commonly-held notion at that time — JULIE COLE,CO-FOUNDER,MABEL’S LABELS that ‘girls weren’t good at math’. My mother (and father) drilled in to me the need for higher education, even “I did not have any role models in my business career though they knew they could never pay for it. As a result, because I chose a field where there were so few women I always expected I would go to university and ended up leaders. But, as a child, I looked up to my Aunt Jean. financing myself through a BA Honours and an MA. She certainly taught me to believe my lofty goals were If they hadn’t built up that expectation in me, I doubt possible. I knew that if Aunt Jean could do it, with only I would ever have pursued any post-secondary education.” a high school education, I could do it too.” — CATHERINE SWIFT,PRESIDENT & CEO, CANADIAN FEDERATION — SHERRY COOPER,CHIEF ECONOMIST, BMO CAPITAL MARKETS OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS

67 FEATURE role models

… BY MY PARENTS “My mother was my role model, a nurse. She worked “A lot of what I am is because of my father. I wanted at first because she had to — my parents were new to make him proud of me. He is a very smart self-made immigrants and money was tight. Later she worked man with no formal education, but two honorary because she wanted to. I saw how she juggled home doctorates and he became VP of Research and and career, aware it was not always easy, but convinced Development for 3M Canada. What a role model.” it could be done and done well.” — LINDA DUXBURY,PROFESSOR,SPROTT SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, — SANDIE RINALDO,JOURNALIST,NEWS ANCHOR, CTV CARLETON UNIVERSITY “My mother and grandmother had careers, which was “My biggest role models have been women who have very unusual for my generation. My father was what people giant vision and passion. From a business standpoint, today would call “gender blind”. He believed that girls my Dad, who, as CEO of his own company, taught me could do anything that boys could. I grew up in a family the importance of strategic thinking, patience and that encouraged me to be the best at whatever I chose.” perseverance, ethics and integrity in business and — CAROL STEPHENSON,DEAN,RICHARD IVEY SCHOOL perhaps most important of all, the value that your OF BUSINESS employees can bring to your business.” — ANDREA FEUNEKES,CO-FOUNDER & CO-CEO, REMSOFT “My mom did not have the easiest life and yet always seemed to find the positive side of all situations. “My mom has been one of the greatest role models She has always encouraged me with my personal and in my life — she has never been afraid to take a risk business goals. My business coach showed me the and to voice her opinion. She was one of the first 1,000 practical side of running a business.” Peace Corps volunteers in the early 1960’s. My first — SHERRI STEVENS,FOUNDER & PRESIDENT,STEVENS female boss showed me that a woman can lead in a RESOURCE GROUP relatively male-dominated business world while still being true to who she is as a woman. They taught me “It has always been my parents. My father taught me to dream big, and always have confidence in my own to indulge my curiosity but always do my homework. abilities.” And mom encouraged me to speak my mind but only — ERIN GANJU,CO-FOUNDER & CEO, ROOM TO READ once that mind was informed. Only later in life do you realize they were your first mentors and teachers - and “My success is 100% attributable to the skills and what you learn early on shapes you for life.” knowledge I am still learning from my father, who — PAMELA WALLIN,CANADIAN SENATOR pushed me to achieve higher goals, not to get defeated and keep on trying through adverse conditions.” … AT WORK — NINA GUPTA,PRESIDENT,GREENLITE LIGHTING CORPORATION “My mother’s influence was to work hard, persevere and set high personal standards for myself. My bosses “My mother, and my first boss in nursing. They challenged me intellectually.Their problem-solving challenged me to develop leadership, to stay grounded capability caused me to look at issues from the broadest in core values, to use my voice effectively, to work hard possible context. I learned that the first solution was and to find my passion. “ not always the best solution.” — MARY JO HADDAD,PRESIDENT & CEO, THE HOSPITAL — SYLVIA CHROMINSKA,HEAD OF GLOBAL HR & FOR SICK KIDS COMMUNICATIONS,SCOTIABANK

68 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE “As an avid reader: Margaret Mead and Ayn Rand. “I tend to look to people who try to be the best they At Starbucks (where, prior to joining Lululemon she can be, whether it is a great mom, hairdressor, or spent 20 years learning the intricacies of high growth executive. I don’t try to search out people who are business development in a strong cultural company), headine news — I can find great role models in Howard Schultz taught me about the value of a brand everyday walks of life. I tend to gravitate toward people and a vision. Orin Smith was an incredible strategic who demonstrate authenticity.” thinker. Howard Behar, how to lead through people. — PATRICIA LOVETT-REID,SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,TD I was also fortunate enough to work with and for strong WATERHOUSE CANADA women leaders like Deidra Wager — who taught me to be an operator. A woman named Rhoda Pitcher “So many of my early role models were men because gave me a resiliency and an ability to step back from there were hardly any female reporters. The best were situations, asking what else I could do to create a different the ones that didn’t see me as a man or a woman, outcome.” but rather as a reporter. Another important influence — CHRISTINE DAY, CEO, LULULEMON ATHLETICA INC. has been my girlfriends who reached senior positions. When I confided about some workplace problems, “From my mother I inherited a passion for social one such friend said, ‘Don’t let anyone stand in the justice. From my father, a willingness to take on way of the job you love.’ — great advice that I repeat leadership responsibilities in the community. From like a mantra regularly.” David Crombie, ‘You can go up against City Hall,’ and — JACQUIE MCNISH,AUTHOR, SENIOR WRITER FOR win. From Stuart Smith: Is the job worth doing? Are THE GLOBE & MAIL the people worth doing it with? From Gordon Cressy: take the time to get to know people. I had a tendency “Dian Cohen, there were so few senior business to be focused more on the task than the person. women in the 1980s, and I was able to observe and see Relationships matter.” her operate and manage in the world of men. My VP — ANNE GOLDEN,PRESIDENT & CEO, THE CONFERENCE BOARD two levels ahead of me was very supportive of young OF CANADA talented people. My direct boss who taught me how to invest… and to develop friendships with people “From James Cracchiolo, CEO of Ameriprise, building older than myself, which is very important in the effective and cohesive teams who could have fun while business world. “ creating value for customers and shareholders. From — KIM SHANNON,PRESIDENT & CIO, SIONNA INVESTMENT Jerry Welsh, former EVP at American Express, the MANAGERS importance of creativity and risk-taking in life and in your career. From Martha Redfield Wallace, a pioneer “Libby Ridgely was a therapist who taught me about woman on boards of directors in the 1970’s, how to the art of re-framing your life, or re-writing your create value by connecting people to achieve goals narrative. So much of what you do is about whether or solve problems, how to develop a commanding you see the glass as half full or half empty. And by but not threatening presence as a woman, and the giving me that training, she allowed me to weave a importance of mentoring those who can benefit from narrative for people in business, in leading teams that your experience.” create hope and optimism, and desire to make — BETH HOROWITZ,DIRECTOR, HSBC BANK CANADA, FORMER changes.” CEO OF AMEX BANK OF CANADA — EDIE WEISS,PARTNER & PRESIDENT,RADKE FILM GROUP

69 FEATURE role models

… FROM NEAR AND AFAR … BY MANY, OR NONE “It was rare for women my generation to have role “I have met many self-proclaimed leaders over the models. We were upsetting the status quo… Although years but only a few are/were role models for me. They we didn’t have a slew of women acting as role models are the ones that remain true to their spirit and their there were those who made it clear that the road ahead values.” was not entirely blocked. As an adult woman I was — CONNIE CLERICI,PRESIDENT & CEO, CLOSING THE GAP blessed with two role models: Doris Anderson and HEALTHCARE GROUP June Callwood.” — SALLY ARMSTRONG,HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST,FILMMAKER “My role models over the years have been business & AUTHOR people or clients who I have watched and admired. The main impact they had was providing a sounding Dr. Huguette Labelle, Margaret Thatcher, Doris board to me, allowing me to learn through their Anderson, and Barbara Frum.These high-achieving examples, being a “go to” on any matter where they had women cleared the path for my generation and experience that I valued and respected. I sought them demonstrated that there were tremendous opportunities out. Over time we built a relationship of sharing, trust open to me. Learn from their experiences. Take risks. and mutual respect.” — MOYA GREENE,PRESIDENT & CEO, CANADA POST — NANCY CROITORU,PRESIDENT & CEO, FOOD & CONSUMER PRODUCTS OF CANADA “Women today should seek mentors and sponsors, but their role models can be very special people that they “I have been inspired by so many individuals, my see from afar.” parents, and colleagues. I don’t believe one person — SHERRY COOPER,CHIEF ECONOMIST, BMO CAPITAL MARKETS or one role model can encompass all the attributes you need to help you grow and develop.” “A woman for whom I have a lot of respect is Louise — ARLENE DICKINSON,PRESIDENT,VENTURE COMMUNICATIONS Arbour. She was the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, a justice of the Supreme Court of Canada “In my personal life and as a ballet dancer I had and a Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal multiple role models. However, as an Artistic Director, Tribunals for Yugoslavia and Rwanda. She has always I find myself in the unlikely position of not having been a source of inspiration for me but not a role people to imitate or emulate. I feel more like I am model per se. My real role model sits in all the women forging new territory. I am in the lucky but challenging who are trying to build a work-life balance between position of trying to find my own way in a manner their professional and personal life.” that best serves my dancers, my company, and — JOHANNE GÉLINAS,PARTNER,CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY myself.” & SUSTAINABILITY,DELOITTE — KAREN KAIN,ARTISTIC DIRECTOR,NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA “I most admire Nelson Mandela who has suffered extreme and hideous adversity, stuck to his values and “Unfortunately in the Energy Sector there were no beliefs in spite of profound and tortuous opposition women or men to mentor me so I had to learn the hard and has come through it with a tremendous sense way and do it all alone.” of optimism and hope.” — REBECCA MACDONALD,EXECUTIVE CHAIR,JUST ENERGY — Ruth Ramsden-Wood, President, United Way of Calgary & Area INCOME FUND

70 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE ADVICE “I think to actually go out to find a role model is not an easy, realistic feat. The person who you look up to PICK THOSE WHO CHALLENGE YOU is a likely candidate. Digging deeper will reveal their “Seek those who remain true to their spirit and values. way of living, or something you would like to emulate Surround yourself with people who can challenge your — and voila, you have a role model.” decisions and directions. Search for role models who — NINA GUPTA,PRESIDENT,GREENLITE LIGHTING CORPORATION share your passion — versus the people who have achieved popularity.” “My advice to young women coming into the workforce — CONNIE CLERICI,PRESIDENT & CEO, CLOSING THE GAP is that they are the lucky ones. They have flourished HEALTHCARE GROUP as equals in schools and universities. Many of the strongest leaders in companies are not necessarily the “Pick someone who is supportive of you, but who will people on top. There are layers of female executives tell you the truth, who will push you — not just flatter who play essential roles in middle management. Young you. Do not take someone too similar to yourself.” females coming into the workforce should pay close — LINDA DUXBURY,PROFESSOR,SPROTT SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, attention to which executives are the best at executing CARLETON UNIVERSITY their mandates.” — JACQUIE MCNISH,AUTHOR, SENIOR WRITER FOR “Seek to find a role model who you admire, and who THE GLOBE & MAIL will challenge you. Find a mentor who will be honest in their feedback and offer you the benefit of their wisdom.” “Find strong mentors who teach you about the — Mary Jo Haddad, President & CEO,The Hospital for Sick Kids possibility that anything that is a limitation can represent growth or change.” “A role model should support you, challenge you and — EDIE WEISS,PARTNER & PRESIDENT,RADKE FILM GROUP have all the questions. It is your job to find the answers.” — DR.MARLA SHAPIRO,MD,MEDICAL CONTRIBUTOR, CTV DON’T BE SHY, BE PROACTIVE AND THE GLOBE & MAIL “It is impossible to move forward in life if you don’t look to others for inspiration. We look to role models as FIND CORE VALUES a source of inspiration, as examples, and as people from “You really need not only a mentor who will talk the whom we can learn. However a mentor is a different, talk, but a person who has already walked the walk… more interactive role. Reach out to them, they just To this day when faced with a dilemma I find myself might also have something to share.” saying, ‘How would Doris Anderson handle this?’ or, — ANDREA FEUNEKES,CO-FOUNDER & CO-CEO, REMSOFT ‘What would June Callwood have done about this.’ ” — SALLY ARMSTRONG,HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST,FILMMAKER & “My advice for women is to never forget that you are in AUTHOR charge of your own career. Don’t wait for opportunities to fall into your lap, or for someone to tap you on the “Surround yourself with positive, optimistic people — shoulder.Actively build your network, ask for opportunities, people with curiosity and integrity — good people, fun and seek out role models and mentors that you admire people.” and can learn from.” — ANNE GOLDEN,PRESIDENT & CEO, THE CONFERENCE BOARD — DEBORAH GILLIS,VICE PRESIDENT,NORTH AMERICA,CATALYST OF CANADA CANADA

71 FEATURE role models

“It never hurts to ask those you know and admire for a SURPRISES AND CAUTIONS few minutes of advice and counsel. They may not always “I believe an important leadership trait is humility. say yes, and some conversations may indeed be brief, but Don’t assume because you have achieved some measure one or more of those encounters may turn into lasting, of success that you have nothing left to learn.” valuable role model or mentoring relationships.” — SYLVIA CHROMINSKA,HEAD OF GLOBAL HR & — BETH HOROWITZ,DIRECTOR, HSBC BANK CANADA, FORMER COMMUNICATIONS,SCOTIABANK CEO OF AMEX BANK OF CANADA “My mentors were all men, they saw my capabilities and “My husband Jim said to me, ‘Pattie the sky is the limit worked me very hard, but they still believed it was too — the only person holding you back is you, so get off much for me to have a family and a very demanding your own coattails.’ Most successful people have had other career. In that regard, they actually held me back.” people help them along the way and are happy to pay — SHERRY COOPER,CHIEF ECONOMIST, BMO CAPITAL MARKETS it forward. I didn’t always want to hear what they had to say but I listened — and trust me I learned. This is not “I wouldn’t necessarily look for role models as I don’t a time to be shy, seek out who you want to connect with.” believe there is any one person who can give you every- — PATRICIA LOVETT-REID,SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, thing you need. I would encourage women/business TD WATERHOUSE CANADA people in general to realize early on, there is a lot you don’t know. Never be afraid to ask for advice, seek “Mentors should be close at hand; engage them. But it counsel and learn to listen.” is a two-way street. If a mentor suggests that you read — NANCY CROITORU,PRESIDENT & CEO, FOOD & CONSUMER a book or article - do it! Let them know you took their PRODUCTS OF CANADA advice, and express what you learned. It’s a mutual relationship, so give back.” “You have to be willing to put in the hard work your- — KIM SHANNON,PRESIDENT & CIO, SIONNA INVESTMENT self. A mentor might open a door, but if they prop you MANAGERS up on a foundation that is unsustainable, it can lead to all the bad management behaviors we call politics. BE YOURSELF Networking is great when it leads to skill development “While we can and should absolutely learn from others, and coaching and introductions — it is done poorly you must be true to yourself and be your own role when it leads to elitism, favoritism, and inside tracks model. Be prepared to take risks and make mistakes that exclude others or a meritocracy.” and like who you are at the end of the day.” — CHRISTINE DAY, CEO, LULULEMON ATHLETICA — ARLENE DICKINSON,PRESIDENT,VENTURE COMMUNICATIONS “I think we are always a role model for someone.” “People often think a role model needs to be someone — JOHANNE GÉLINAS,PARTNER,CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY & in a senior position. I have found that is not the case. SUSTAINABILITY,DELOITTE I have had excellent mentoring and advice from peers, family, and friends. I think a role model is definitely “Select someone who is going to look out for your best someone you admire and whose qualities you may interests and isn’t afraid of conflict with you! You aspire to possess, but it is important not to lose sight of definitely do not want a ‘yes’ man or woman.” who you are.” — SHERRI STEVENS,FOUNDER & PRESIDENT,STEVENS RESOURCE — CAROL STEPHENSON,DEAN,RICHARD IVEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS GROUP

72 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE “Try not to do everything for everyone. Draw on your “I think the concept of women having role models is support systems and networks to help balance your fairly recent, although men seem to have always had family, work and leisure. Choices need to be carefully role models.” made to ensure life balance and perspective.” — CATHERINE SWIFT,PRESIDENT & CEO, CANADIAN FEDERATION — RUTH RAMSDEN-WOOD,PRESIDENT,UNITED WAY OF CALGARY OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS

PAY IT FORWARD CAN HAVING A ROLE MODEL HELP YOU GET “Look around and see what other women you can TO THE TOP? mentor.There is still an active boys network out there “I believe our lives are filled with interactions with that helps many men succeed in their careers, but role models. They could be the person sitting right women have not yet succeeded in building as strong next to you. If you listen and observe, you can learn of a network. Women helping women is one of the from everyone. As a mentor to many women myself, most powerful forces for change in the world.” what I find women are looking for most is someone — ERIN GANJU,CO-FOUNDER & CEO, ROOM TO READ to speak to, someone who they can trust. Ultimately, they know what they need to do, they just need some “I think it is the responsibility of successful women to encouragement.” try and mentor younger women and I feel that women — ARLENE DICKINSON,PRESIDENT,VENTURE COMMUNICATIONS should be way more generous with their time towards the younger generation.” “Without them, you have to learn every lesson the hard — REBECCA MACDONALD,EXECUTIVE CHAIR,JUST ENERGY way.” INCOME FUND — JULIE BOND,PRESIDENT & FOUNDER,BOND CONSULTING GROUP

73 HIGH WIRE ACTBY HIMANI EDIRIWEERA

The number of women entreprenuers is growing rapidly.As more women find ways to balance business and family life, look for those numbers to expand even more

epresenting a growing economic force, According to the report: “Note that it also shows the enterprising women are narrowing the gender fastest pace of growth in women who are self-employed Rgap and playing a pivotal role in the nation’s is among older Canadians. The fastest pace of small economic recovery with their entrepreneurial efforts. business growth among women who are self-employed With the number of self-employed women surging is in the over 55 age group, with an annual growth rate 50 per cent in Canada since the early 1990s, women of around 4% since 1989, double the pace seen among with a vision for high-growth companies are knocking self-employed men in the same age group. Given these down barriers and debunking the arbitrary positioning findings, it is no surprise that in the past 15 years, the that once kept them from being entrepreneurial leaders. number of women entrepreneurs in Canada has grown According to RBC, Canadian firms run by women by 50%.” create new jobs at four times the rate of the national And, according to the World Bank, women own or average, collectively providing more jobs than the operate 25% to 33% of all private businesses worldwide Canadian Top 100 companies combined, with 821,000 and women-owned enterprises grow faster than those self-employed women, contributing $18 billion to the owned by men. Canadian economy. An Ernst & Young report shows: “Women have The 2004 CIBC Small Business Outlook Poll shows yet to attain equality with men on such measures as the average age of a self-employed woman is 41, roughly educational attainment, wages, political empowerment in line with the average self-employed man. In the past and economic participation. Many are turning to 15 years, there has been a 50% increase in the number entrepreneurship as a more viable route to income of self-employed women in Canada, and one million parity.This, in the long run, leads to economic growth.” Canadian women are expected to own a small business But women still face some gender-specific obstacles by the end of 2010 — the number of women-owned when it comes to doing business. businesses is growing 60 percent faster than those run “In many countries they still grapple with discriminatory by men. laws and economic, legal and cultural obstacles can stand

74 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE FEATURE Entrepreneurship

in the way of significant progress. Women entrepreneurs in 1983, wrote in RBC’s Champions, Breakthroughs and have distinctive needs. More access to both capital and Resources in the summer of 2000. “Yes, your business business networks can make the difference they need is ‘your baby,’ too. You brought it into the world and to really scale up and drive economic revival,” the Ernst helped it grow. But, like sending a child off to school, and Young study says. there’s a time to let others take over certain responsibilities Also, for women entrepreneurs, finding a balance and tasks. (Entertain the possibility that they might even between work and family life is a critical motivator do some things better!) As your business grows, you in achieving success. need to delegate more.” According to CIBC, 79% of women small business McDonald, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the owners overwhelmingly say that being an entrepreneur Year nominee in 2008, won RBC’s Canadian Women gives them the flexibility to take care of their family Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. commitments. More than 7,000 women have been nominated for “More than 70% of Canadian women who run a the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards — business are married and nearly one-third of them have that provide national recognition to Canada’s women children under the age of 12. Add to this the growing entrepreneurs — and 92 awards have been presented need for the ‘sandwich generation’ to care for their for outstanding entrepreneurial achievement in the aging parents, and time becomes a woman entrepreneur’s areas of Start-up, Momentum, Trailblazer, Impact on greatest challenge. To illustrate this point, note that the Local Economy, Sustainability, and Excellence. between 2001 and 2004, revenue growth for firms run This year’s Awards Gala will be held November 29 by single self-employed women rose by a cumulative at the Fairmont Royal York. 70% — three times faster than revenue growth among Having won RBC’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship firms run by married women.” in 2008, Christina Jennings, the CEO and founder of The study also shows more than 60% of self-employed Toronto’s Shaftesbury Films, says her biggest challenge women can be described as “lifestylers” — that is, as a woman entrepreneur is controlling the balance business owners who are not actively looking for growth between her work and family life. Delegating responsibility opportunities, but rather choose self-employment as at work was something she had to do. a way to balance work and family demands. “People would say, ‘I wonder if Christina will ever Lee McDonald, president and CEO of Southmedic learn to delegate.’ But I think I have done a pretty good Inc., an Ontario-based medical device manufacturer job with it — because I can’t do it all, it’s not possible,” and distributor of specialty surgical products, is a mother Jennings said. of three and saw her company grow to annual revenues What sets her apart from the highly male-dominated of more than $18 million last year. industry, individuals who run the same kinds of film and “You can’t force your life and career to be at the same television companies in the country, is that someone stage at the same time. For example, if your kids are calls her, “Mommy.” little and need you, save your involvement in that board With an 11-year-old daughter, Jennings, who has meeting for a later time. The tendency is to pick the successfully found a way to juggle work and family life, best of everyone’s life and say, ‘I should do it all.’ But says this is the only thing she finds that sets women be careful not to compare yourself with others who may apart from male entrepreneurs. be at a very different point in their cycle. We all have “I grew up as a teen feeling I was no different than differing needs, challenges and support systems,” the any man with my aspirations and I never, ever saw former critical care nurse, who founded Southmedic any difference between myself and a guy,” says the self-

75 FEATURE Entrepreneurship

proclaimed, A-type personality workaholic. “That is the difficult juggle … I love my work, but suddenly you have a child and now you are running a company, (and your child) expects mommy home at a certain time, to be up in the mornings, whatever those things are. “Women are also running a family somewhere. She has that list somewhere to keep the household and the family running.” And even when she was a teenager, she had the drive to keep her family running. Her father, who she said is the biggest influence in her life, was a dreamer, but terrible with money management. He showed her any dream is possible, but is also a constant reminder that she needs a, “safety net.” She started working at a young age to help support her family and her entrepreneurial spirit surfaced at about 15-years-old when she started a landscaping business with a friend. The CIBC report shows 82% of women small business owners say “yes,” that if they had it to do it over again, they would definitely open their own businesses. nimble. You have to look into the future,” Jennings says. Nominated for an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of A mentor to the staff she refers to as “family,” the Year, Media and Entertainment in 2009, Jennings Jennings said it’s important for entrepreneurs to have also saw her company receive the Lionsgate/Maple role models, her father having been one of hers. Pictures Innovative Producer Award at the Banff World “Role models are incredibly valuable, like Dragon’s Den Television Festival the same year. She was named that did so well on CBC. We love to hear those stories Playback’s Person of the Year in 2007, honoured by about someone who did not come with a silver spoon Women in Film & Television — Toronto in 2006 with in their mouth. (People) who had a dream, and guess a Crystal Award for Outstanding Achievement and what? It worked. They are very valuable,” Jennings says. is one of Canada’s most accomplished producers. And the secret to success? If you ask her, it is around that time she will say, albeit “Clarity of vision starts with you. It starts with your very humbled by the accolades, she reached a paramount vision — you have to be clear and you have to be level of success as an entrepreneur. passionate. It is very hard to start something from But seeking new ventures, instead of conceding to nothing, as you have to know what it is you want, you praise in a volatile climate, is what kept Shaftesbury have to see it and you have to want it and you have competitive. to be prepared to work hard for it,” she says. “You have “I really don’t take anything for granted, so I might to be prepared to look and find others who are willing have basked in it for a few days, but was then back to to join you on your journey … ultimately you cannot let’s keep going, how do we make other challenges. Who do it alone … you are not everything.” would have predicted the recession that hit ad revenues? Words to live by, for the rising number of women You have to stay on your toes and you have to stay entrepreneurs who are joining her.

Photo: Christina Jennings and actor Gordon Pinsent. 76 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

GENDERPHOTOGRAPHY BY ERINGAP RILEY, STORY BY CAROLE PARK A Women of Influence panel examining women on boards:The Catalyst Report and opportunities in the new economy

omen have come a long way, but a gender sector, which appointed the fewest women directors gap still exists in the corporate world. An at 10.3 percent in 2009. W even greater gender divide is evident when At the same time, the largest rates of growth came from it comes to women on boards. both private companies and cooperatives at 4 percent In early March, as part of the Deloitte Women of and 4.1 percent (respectively) in between 2007 and 2009. Influence Luncheon Series, an Advancement Summit: A greater issue arises when considering the “Women on Boards” took place at the Fairmount Royal disproportionate representation of women on boards York in Toronto. versus the women within the workforce of a company. At the luncheon, Deborah Gillis, Vice President Despite a substantial number of female employees, of Catalyst North America, unveiled the findings of the companies continue to have few women in top board Catalyst Census: Financial Post 500 Women Board or CEO positions.This is particularly noticeable in public Directors report. companies where, at best, women’s share of board The report found that there was no significant change leadership positions in public companies is still under from the rate of growth of women on boards from 2007 10 percent. to 2009. The data stated that both in 2007 and 2009 less The Catalyst Census is equally alarming as the than one-fifth of companies had three or more women statistics of women in senior positions in business. on their boards while 40 percent had no women directors. The World Economic Forum’s Corporate Gender Gap Although the percentage of companies with three or Report 2010 unfortunately reflected similar patterns more women directors increased to 17.6 percent in 2009 of the Catalyst Census. With a broader scope of 20 from 14.1 percent in 2007 and the percentage of companies different countries for the World Economic Forum’s with zero women directors dropped from 42.2 percent report, it found that women still struggle to break into in 2007 to 41.9 percent in 2009, the change is surprisingly senior level management or board positions. slow at a time when the World Economic Forum is In the case of the United Kingdom, over 50 percent seeing a shift in an increasingly more female workforce. of women are university graduates, but only one in The Catalyst report also reveals that crown companies every ten Financial Times Stock Exchange company continue to have the highest representation of women board directors is a woman. A significant number are at 29.1 percent in 2009 in comparison to the public trapped in entry- or mid-level positions.

78 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE FEATURE Women on Boards

In contrast, Catalyst also found that on average, Fortune out advice and personal experience, Women of Influence 500 companies with a higher representation of female is taking it upon itself to eliminate such an excuse. directors performed better financially in comparison “It’s a combination of just an unbelievably talented to those with the lowest representation. group of individuals that are passionate and want to make The companies with the highest female representation a difference in their organizations and are actively doing showed a return on equity at 53 percent higher, return so on a North American-wide basis. We are dedicated on sales 42 percent higher and a return on invested to changing the statistics, because we know that with capital 66 percent higher.With the belief that this is more the diversity of boards, it is simply smart business and than just a coincidence, this data presents a compelling we will do whatever we can to facilitate that further,” argument that female board directors do shore up strong says Lisa Heidman, a member of Women of Influence’s financial performance. Despite this, women still remain board of directors. under-represented on corporate boards in Canada. Says Stephenson: “First of all, I am on several boards Recognizing both the positive influence of women and as a senior leader I think it’s important that we on corporate boards and the dire under-representation go out and mentor, inspiring women who also want of women on boards in comparison to the female work- to go on boards. The second thing I think is important force, Women on Boards brought Gillis to moderate the is to make sure this issue is well understood. I’ve been panel that included Beth Horowitz, Independent Director, working at it for probably fifteen years, on how we HSBC Bank Canada; Carol Stephenson, Dean, Richard get more women, both at senior and executive levels Ivey School of Business; and Beverly Topping, President of business, on boards, and I think the more that we and CEO, Institute of Corporate Directors to discuss understand it, the more that we talk about it. The more the Catalyst findings and to speak of how women in it becomes a public issue, the more likely you are to senior level positions can align themselves for these see change.” coveted seats on boards. Some may also question if women are ambitious The World Economic Forum’s report cited women enough to seek out these board positions, but Stephenson mentioning a “lack of role models” when it came to believes, “It’s really more a question of exposure and progressing in business, but by bringing together this leadership and a system that allows you to take on esteemed panel for the large luncheon audience to dish opportunities. I think sometimes there are preconceived

Photos: Beth Horowitz, left, Independent Director, HSBC Bank Canada Jane Kinney, middle, Partner, Deloitte Deborah Gillis, right, Vice President, North America, Catalyst 79 FEATURE Women on Boards

ideas that need to be changed, but I don’t think it’s The recent economic downturn has left many a lack of ambition on the part of women.” wondering if the U.S. financial crisis would have been When it comes to challenges of changing the board so bad if women were in the top positions leading mentality, Heidman states, “I think there is still much the companies. When posed with the question if the of the same old, same old in terms of the ways Board recent recession was a blessing in disguise to provide members get appointed.There is tremendous opportunity opportunities that support women and diversity, for change but the model has been entrenched for many Heidman responds, “With pain comes change and I years in both the U.S. and Canada, and it takes time to always welcome that. I think it is a fantastic opportunity make those changes. When companies, their CEO’s and to evaluate if there is a better way to do business.” boards understand and begin to realize that it’s in their “The recession has definitely done a shake-up. business’ best interest from a financial, governance and Those people there that thought they knew what they risk management standpoint to do so, they soon will. were doing, learned that they didn’t. There’s a marketing And that’s the opportunity, as there is untold evidence opportunity for women to say, or for anyone new to that diverse views, functional backgrounds, experience a board, to say, ‘I wasn’t there during the recession. and perspectives get to the best decisions at both the I wasn’t part of this failed experience with this company. board and executive tables.” I can bring some new insight.” states Catherine Pivotal to these changes are people and organizations Jackson, Former Manager, Corporate Governance and such as Women of Influence and Catalyst to get people Proxy Voting for the Ontario Teachers’ Pension. to start talking, discussing and clearly articulating to For those looking to take key steps in seeking out corporations the positive impact for businesses in having these board positions, Beverly Topping suggests, “You women sit on boards. really have to work at getting to know the people who Despite the number of challenges that seem to exist are going to make the decisions on who goes on the for women, there are windows of opportunity to seek board. The really sad thing is most boards won’t bring and obtain a spot on the board. “There are more boards somebody on who is new.” now with mandatory retirement ages and by in large Topping has had the fortune to get on boards where it’s the men who seem to be retiring, so I think those she may not have been particularly well-known, but will create openings for potentially more women,” states found those boards to be a little ahead of their time Stephenson. and looking for a specific skill set.

Left Photo: Beth Horowitz, left, Deborah Gillis, middle, Beverly Topping, 80 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE right, President & CEO, Institute of Corporate Directors “Women need to know who they are, what skills they Horowitz took the Institute of Corporate Director’s course. bring to the table and they need to focus on that. Every- “Even though I sat for five years in a bank board room, body has something that’s special but you need to focus I realized that as I was looking at board opportunities on what that is and need to exhibit it,” she adds. and as I was going through the course, there were a When on a board Topping places importance on, whole bunch of circumstances and situations that my “Having the courage to speak up and be objective. Being board experience had not adequately prepared me for. a director you have to have courage, there’s no question So as you go through a search, you also have to think about that, and that’s whether you’re a man or a woman.” of the gaps you have to fill in your own background.” Beth Horowitz, also a former President and CEO Some countries, such as Finland and Norway, have more of AMEX Bank of Canada, and former President and women in top positions due to legislation that makes it General Manager of AMEX Inc., shared her experience mandatory for public companies to have 40 percent of in search of a board seat. their boards be comprised of women. A general survey “Due to my involvement with Catalyst, I’d say there of the room at the luncheon showed opposition for was not a lot that surprised me,” she says. “I knew the such compulsory legislation in Canada. Topping agrees. statistics. I knew that it wasn’t going to be a slam dunk, “I don’t believe in legislation,” she says. “I think we even though I was told constantly that I had all the have to do this ourselves and there are steps we can qualifications required. When I did begin my search, take in presenting the business case for having diversity I realized that finding a corporate board seat was not on a board.” going to be that difficult, but finding the right fit was Despite an uphill battle for women gaining represen- going to be.” tation on board level positions, there still was a cautious There was an importance on meeting criteria that optimism amongst the group that gathered in Toronto, was important to Horowitz when selecting her first when analyzing changing trends and windows of board seat, as she was advised that this would set the opportunity. tone for what followed. The challenges that face women do not restrict what “The opportunities that were coming to me, however, they can do. As leaders come forward to mentor another were not meeting those criteria. The right fit wasn’t group of professionals and open up dialogue on the happening that quickly,” she says. While on her search, issue, it is only a matter of time before changes occur.

Photo: Beth Horowitz, left, Carol Stephenson, middle, Dean, Richard Ivey School of Business, Beverley Topping, right 81 INSIDE

SCOOPPHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN COULTER STORY BY CAROLYN LAWRENCE,

82 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Bonnie Fuller fashion by Lord and Taylor FEATURE Bonnie Fuller

We headed to New York city to sit down with Canadian-born media executive Bonnie Fuller and asked her to open up about her work and new challenges

hat I had read about the Midtown Manhattan So who is Bonnie? To start, she lives a full life, has office space for Bonnie Fuller’s new online a big passion for her 24/7 career, and has a supportive, Wmedia venture turned out to be accurate. loving husband, and four beautiful kids. She thinks you No sign on the door, no reception to greet us, but a can have that life as well. flurry of activity on the inside. This was a team making CL: In your book, The Joys of Much Too Much, you talk it happen. In today’s world the news never sleeps, and about having a “fuller” life and how women have in this case you could see that no time was being devoted to be balanced and lead their careers and family lives to anything other than connecting and engaging their with the same intensity.You’ve certainly been a great readers, and it is paying off in spades. inspiration to a lot of women in that respect. Can you Bonnie was named President and Editor-in-Chief of share more about that? HollywoodLife.com in July of 2009, launching the site BF: Well, first of all, I don’t know if I said it was in time to catch the post-recession advertising spend. balanced. I think it seems impossible to balance and The company has seen progress in that area, achieving you shouldn’t bother trying because you’re just going double their targets in dollars and readers after six to make yourself crazy. At different times in your life, months of operations. Bonnie has been good for the you’re going to have different things that are your bottom line. priorities or more demanding and besides, it’s just She made the jump to online media after making so hard. I don’t really think you can balance things. a mark as editor at some of the industry’s most noted Basically, I believe you have to squeeze them all in. publications: Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Glamour. She CL: What are you aspiring to do? invented celebrity journalism as we know it, and how BF: I’m aspiring to make hollywoodlife.com a very the public consumes it, in large part as Editor-in-Chief big, vital and dynamic business, as well as a great of US Weekly, and as Vice President and Chief Editorial destination, a real online community for women. Director at American Media (Star, Shape, Men’s Fitness, CL: And what are you hoping that adds to their lives? Natural Health, among other titles). What are your goals for hollywoodlife.com? I have admired Bonnie’s career and resulting influence BF: I’m hoping that it informs them, entertains them on North American women since I picked up my first and makes them feel better about their own lives. copy of YM in 1994, and looked forward to going Ultimately, it relates to them, because I really believe beyond the biographies, and sitting down to ask her that women look at celebrities as mirrors of their own what it took for her to get to where she is. lives. When they see a celebrity, they’re often using

83 FEATURE Bonnie Fuller

them as a way to reflect upon themselves, so if they are experience. They’re post-women’s liberation and many looking at Jen Aniston being 41 years old and who has of them look down on the idea of women’s liberation, got a marriage behind her that didn’t work out and but I had a mother who that made a giant of a difference can’t find a guy, then it makes them feel better about to. She grew up in a very repressive era and so she was the fact that maybe they haven’t found the right guy very motivating. and they’re in their mid-30s. If Sheryl Crow can decide CL: That’s great. So, what would you say to aspiring to have a baby on her own in her 40s, adopt a baby, well young women either in the media industry or who are then maybe that’s a life choice that they can make too. just breaking into their careers now? What do you On the other hand, if they’re concerned that their think they need to focus on? husband or their boyfriend is cheating on them, well BF: Well, I think they have to be prepared to work very we’ve been covering Tiger (Woods) and Jesse James. hard. I mean right now is a particularly difficult time. We’ve certainly given our audience indicators, posts on I don’t know what it’s like in Canada, but here the how to tell if your guy is cheating. So, it can help too. economy is still very bad. The media industry is in the CL: So, you hope that the website really inspires and midst of great change and there’s no clear path in that celebrities might even act as role models for the the traditional sense. Instead, new kinds of paths are viewers? forging ahead. So, I think first of all they have to be BF: Definitely role models. I mean they are fashion and prepared to work very hard today without reward, beauty style role models. They are diet and fitness role at least financially, for some time to come. With the models and they can be life decision role models too. current level of unemployment, people who are very CL: Leading to our next question then, part of why experienced in their fields are not getting raises and Women of Influence Magazine is interviewing you is to having their own opportunities curtailed. Unfortunately, find out who your role models and mentors are because this makes it even more difficult for people coming we believe that providing access to role models can in. On the other hand, they shouldn’t be discouraged really help a woman further her career and family life, because times change, meaning time passes, and well, by seeing what other people do. So, who did that for you? you know the world is cyclical and I believe the economy BF: Well, my mother was my main role model. My and opportunities will rebound hopefully within a couple mother was fantastic and she was always extremely of years. So, they can’t be discouraged by the fact that encouraging, since I was a little girl, about my ability their opportunities are maybe not incredibly great right to make my dreams happen. She believed that I could now.They should still use this time to learn and get grow up and be what I wanted to be, achieve anything their feet in the door and do whatever they have to that I wanted and also, be able to have a family. She do to get some experience under their belt in whatever was always very supportive and extremely strong and field it is that they’re interested in. But then, I do also outspoken about women’s rights and I think that was think that careers can still be tremendously fulfilling very important. The fact that she lived through a time for women if you find a career that you’re passionate period where women didn’t have a lot of rights and about. was raised to think of herself as a second-class citizen CL: Agreed. Going back to what you said about women made her very concerned about raising all her children, having to be prepared to work hard, we’ve read that including her daughters, to feel as though they were you’ve worked till 4 a.m., and encouraged your staff to always, well that they were absolutely first-class; there do the same when it is required, while balancing your was no difference between men and women. I think four children and a husband you’ve had for many years. that young women today don’t really grow up with that So, what is the definition of “working hard” for you?

84 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE BF: Well, the 4 a.m. stuff was when we were only more of the attitude that you want to have a 9-5 job a weekly magazine. Until we got staffed up and we all and when you leave the office, you don’t think about it, learned what we were doing, yeah we were working you’re not going to have the same kind of fulfilling and some crazy hours, but that fortunately didn’t last too passionate type of career. But you see it’s almost not long and I certainly don’t — we don’t work — till 4 a.m. even a career, I mean this is all part of your life. If you here. But you know, I’m in a different situation than love doing something, it makes your life much more most people and most women in that I’m doing a start-up interesting and it makes your family life more interesting business that’s a news business, and news can be 24/7. and your children’s lives more interesting. If you love So, when I say that you’ve got to work hard, it’s not so leisure pursuits, you love hiking or you love skiing, the much the hours, though yeah there are hours that you goal of your life should be to find a career that allows just have to do, but more so, it has to do with thinking you to do those things, not just after hours but where about what you’re doing all the time, just being. It’s like you can do them all the time. Then your whole life can there’s not really a line, a mental line between, “Well kind of be infused with what you love to do. I’m finished my job for the day, so I’m walking out the CL: Sounds like a great way to live. door and I’m not going to think about it.” I think if you BF: Yeah.Well, that’s what you should try and do are really passionate and deeply involved in something, because I think you’ll be happier that way. I personally you’re thinking creatively about it a lot. Not all the time, don’t think you can be that happy if you don’t love but it’s just a part of you. And so, I just think if you’re something.

Photo:Carolyn Lawrence, left, in conversation with Bonnie Fuller. MAKE-UP/HAIR BY VIKTORIJA BOWERS FOR KATE RYAN INC. RETOUCHING BY CAROLYN WINSLOW FOR PORTUS IMAGING 85 FEATURE Bonnie Fuller

CL: Okay, so let’s switch gears, what is the Bonnie CL: And what we’ve read is that in those leadership Fuller brand? roles you are a tough manager.Would you say that BF: Well, I think right now it’s my hollywoodlife.com by they’ve misunderstood you, or that you’re driving the Bonnie Fuller. I’m infused in the brand and so, what most successful results? does that mean? It means that I feel like hollywoodlife BF: Actually I think I’m a very good boss and you know is very lively, positive, entertaining, and opinionated. It why? Because look at the number of magazines that welcomes opinion and interactions with its audience. are headed today by my former employees. I’ve really I would say that the Bonnie Fuller Brand is very friendly populated quite an enormous number of the magazines and warm to other women and yet, we’re informative. here. The best thing for your employees is to help Come on in and get your news here and give us your them realize their dreams. opinion and we’ll talk back to you and give you our CL: So, what was your dream that you were trying opinion and our take on celebrity news or on fashion to fulfill when you started your career? and beauty. BF: Well, my dream was just to be a newspaper reporter CL: Talking about you and your team, you understand at the Toronto Star. that employees generally want to do what’s right and CL: How long did it take you to get that role? work hard, but they often need leadership to push BF: I really started thinking about that when I was a them to work harder and I’m curious to know what teenager.When I was in college, at University of Toronto, you’ve had to do to assert your leadership in this office, I started working for the Varsity newspaper, but not until with your team here. How do you get the best out my third year did I really love it, but I was too scared to of them? try-out for it. I was able to get a summer job at a weekly BF: First of all, you do have to provide leadership and paper and later, in the fall, I went to law school for a direction. You have to know what you want and you year.Then I started working for the Toronto Star North have to be able to give direction. If you don’t know, or York bureau and that ultimately led the following if you can’t make up your mind about what you want, September to a full-time job. So, I guess a few years. it’s very hard on your team. I think people want to know CL: Do you ever sit down and write your goals or plan what they’re working for and how they can contribute, out what the next step is? Or do you continue to so it’s important not to be shifting direction all the time. build on the success that you already have, and take I think that you provide leadership by example and also opportunities where they come? by giving a lot of feedback and instruction. I mean, BF: I’ve never sat down and wrote down on a piece of we’ve got great people here and they get a lot of really paper. But along the way, I’ve thought about it, wherever positive feedback. They write a great post, they break a I’ve been. I’ve always been focused on that particular place, great story. I tell them. If they’re off and having trouble how to build and overall, excited about how much we communicating an idea, then I talk to them and explain can do with that particular publication. Sometimes what I think they need to do to improve that particular opportunities came along that just seemed like great piece of work. opportunities to take. And then other times, it felt like CL: How many magazine titles have you played a it was time to make a change and grow into something leadership role in? else. I felt that when I was at American Media and when BF: Well, I’ve been Editor-in-Chief of, I have to count I was at Star. Once we began the Star Magazine website, them: Flare, YM, Marie Claire, Glamour, Cosmo, Us I felt that it was very important to develop in the online Weekly. Then I over-saw Star and Shape, Men’s Health, world. My audience of young women was moving there Country Weekly and Natural Health. So that’s 11. and I wanted to move with them, to move online.

86 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE CL: So, what’s the biggest difference then, between the BF: Well, I guess primarily. I think that my husband print titles and digital? What’s the biggest difference in is also a Breadwinner, but he’s been able to be more the culture or your role specifically? flexible in terms of his schedule and has been able BF: Different magazines have different cultures, but to work out of home at different points of his career, I really like the culture of the online world because it’s which is wonderful for us for raising kids. I’ve been just less formal. It’s really fun, it’s very of the moment, very fortunate to be married to the man I’m married it’s very news driven, which I really enjoy and it’s very to because he’s a wonderful husband and father. He immediate. really helps to cement our family. CL: So, how does hollywoodlife.com break through with CL: Do you feel that the role as Breadwinner is more so many other online news sites and be the one that’s challenging or presents different challenges for women the most successful? than it does for men? BF: Well, I think it’s already broken through. BF: Yeah, I do. I think in most cases it’s harder for CL: And how do you do that? What’s the recipe? women still. BF: First of all, you have to think about your audience, CL: How have you ever overcome those challenges? that’s always the most important thing no matter what Do you have a mantra or something you do to get through? you do. Either you’re thinking about your customer or BF: No. You just have to do it. I mean I still think in you’re thinking about your audience. So, I think about general, it’s harder for women in the work world. There my audience and what it is that they need and what is still a boys club mentality in many fields and women will make them excited and what will relate to them have to work harder to achieve the same amount as men. and what will work for them. I felt it was very important I think there is pay differentials in many fields still and to have a much more personalized website so that our there’s a lot of preconceptions about how women audience could relate to us, so that they could see me should be in the office, in the work forces and how they and talk to my staffers and me. If you look at the site, should be as bosses that make it harder for women to a lot of posts have people’s names and they present succeed and cope with everything. It’s certainly going their own points of view because the audience likes to to be easier in the coming generations. Every generation relate, not to some corporate entity, but to other people. gets easier because you have women breaking ground They want to relate to other women and I think that’s ahead of you. a real point of differentiation, the fact that we relate our CL: But you think it’s 100% worth it? news to our audience’s lives. You can’t do it with every BF: I think it’s 100% worth it to follow your dreams, single post that you’re doing, but we talk to them every I really do. You’ve got to try.You only have one life and day.We relate a lot of news to them and we also ask nothing’s ever going to happen if you sit at home on their opinion all the time. We have a ton of vote boxes your couch. I do think that a lot of women could have and we often do post the feedback and respond. the happiest life by being able to pursue passions, CL: So, what do you think is happening with the print dreams and also a partner and family.To me, that’s the industry, given that they can’t keep up with the level best. Not for everybody, but I would recommend it to a of interaction the digital world has? great deal of women. BF: I think it’s challenging. But I don’t think magazines are going away. I think there will always be magazines. Bonnie Fuller will speak at the Deloitte Women Just as many forms of media can co-exist. of Influence Luncheon Series June 9 in Toronto. CL: I have a personal question. Would you say that you Go to www.womenofinfluenceluncheon.ca are the “Breadwinner” of your family? for more details.

87 BACK PAGE WOI Q+A

Subject:Erin Davis, co-host of 98.1 CHFI’s morning show,Women of Influence emcee and supporter:

WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE BUSINESS PEOPLE? The ones who make their mark not only in business but within the community. Having power is one thing; using it for the betterment of people without it is what really matters. WHO WERE YOUR ROLE MODELS? As a teen, I’d listen to CBC’s As It Happens on my transistor radio at night. I’d hear Barbara Frum and Mary Lou Findlay asking tough process, I wanted to move on to WHAT IS THE MOST questions of prominent people — banana splits. Then to the grill. I INCREDIBLE JOURNEY usually men — and it truly excited me. have always had my eye on the next YOU’VE EXPERIENCED? WHO WAS YOUR FAVOURITE challenge. From being fired in 2003 from a job WOMAN OF INFLUENCE THIS WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU I loved, to returning to it two years PAST YEAR? LEAST FAVOUR IN OTHER later. Public response (including That’s tough — each has been so PROFESSIONAL WOMEN? the 4,000 emails that I received and informative and inspirational in her In women (and men), the trait I responded to during my first summer own right. The panels “Women on cannot stand is a lack of authenticity off the air) brought me back to the Boards” and “Women in Finance” and an inability or refusal to be morning show at CHFI but with a new both offered cornucopias of wisdom, truthful. position of strength and confidence perspective and advice. WHAT IS YOUR MOST that I’d never enjoyed before. WHEN ARE YOU MOST HAPPY? MARKED CHARACTERISTIC? WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE When I’m standing at a podium, Sense of humour. And I’m never WHEN YOU WERE 5 YEARS OLD? sitting in front of a microphone afraid to laugh at myself before A professional show-off. And I am! or at the keyboard and I know that anyone else does! WHAT IS YOUR HAPPIEST I’ve made people laugh or think WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU WORK-RELATED MOMENT? about something in a way they KNEW 15 YEARS AGO? It was 2005 and I had just finished hadn’t necessarily considered before. The 6/49 numbers for one major my first few months back at CHFI, WHAT IS YOUR STRENGTH? draw. Seriously? The words of Don after having been gone for two An ability to think on my feet. Miguel Ruiz in The Four Agreements: years. When I returned CHFI’s WHAT SKILL OR TRAIT ARE “Don’t Take It Personally.” ratings were sitting at about 4.8. YOU STILL WORKING ON? HOW DO YOU GET INSPIRED? That December day, our boss, Julie Patience, patience, patience! Even I feed on the heartfelt e-mails and Adam, e-mailed “We’re a freaking as a teen working at Dairy Queen, comments I receive from listeners NINE!” I screamed, called her, and once I thought I’d mastered the cone and those whose opinions I value. we screamed together.

88 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE