Missed the Event? Get the Notes

Women's Odyssey, Toronto, October 10-12, 2001

Presented by the Canadian Association of Women Executives & Entrepreneurs in conjunction with Canadian Women in Communications, this annual conference of The International Alliance (TIA) held in Toronto in October featured a powerful roster of corporate, government and entrepreneurial women whose experiences and journeys have made a difference in the business world.

Here are some of the highlights:

• There are all sorts of reasons for people to reinvent themselves, such as job loss, economic change, divorce, to name a few, the Hon. Kim Campbell, who was Canada's first woman Prime Minister, said at the gala dinner, in sharing her personal journey of reinventing herself after having "political retirement thrust upon me in 1993." Subsequently serving as Canada's Consul General in Los Angeles, she is now teaching at Harvard and serves as President of the Center for Public Leadership there. "One of the challenges in reinventing yourself is knowing when to turn the page," she said. "Do the best you can and move on. Sometimes what you've done will not be properly interpreted for a long time. Always assume that the best is ahead of you and give yourself permission to be yourself."
• "You don't have to be big; you just have to be brave." With these words, Margot Franssen, President of The Body Shop Canada, urged delegates to speak out for what they believe in. "Be prepared to stand up to the bullies, even if you love them." Margot, who opened the socially responsible Body Shop in Canada 21 years ago with no experience or money ("just a supportive husband and a sister who fuelled my dreams"), believes in profits with principles. Although The Body Shop trades in 47 countries around the world, she warned that globalization can easily become "commerce without conscience"and advocated creatively finding ways to bring ethics into your products or services.
• There are five characteristics necessary for good leadership and success in business, according to Mary Donato, VP of Global TeleWeb for Xerox Corp, Rochester, NY:
  
  
  1. Be a visionary and put it on paper. This will make a difference in the lives of people around you.
  2. Don't be afraid to take a risk but take the right risk. Do your research.
  3. Challenge the status quo. Always ask why something has to be done the way it is, especially if it is not bringing results.
  4. Speak your mind, especially with difficult challenges, but do your homework and get the facts.
  5. Teamwork is good but avoid a culture of 'groupthink' where employees are afraid to be contrary to your view.

In the post-September 11 era, she challenged women business owners to probe for new opportunities and ways to help others do business that are unique and dynamic. She also said it's more important than ever before to participate in networking events, seek out the camaraderie of other businesswomen and ask how we can make a difference. "The events of September 11 have made us reflect on the priorities of life and that's a positive thing."

• Canada's longest-serving Mayor, the feisty Hazel McCallion of Mississauga, also urged women to take risks, project confidence, admit when you don't know all the answers, and support other women getting into decision-making roles in all levels of government. The biggest takeaway? Women should work together through their networks to protect each other. "I'm not sure this is happening - because when a woman makes a mistake, it's so often highlighted by other women, whereas when a man makes a mistake, it's covered up by the boys."

Other tips from more of the women powerhouses at the conference:

• Be patient when you take on a new challenge. "Women sometimes expect they should know everything right away; men know it takes 6 to 12 months." Shauneen Bruder, President, RBC Centura Banks Inc., Rocky Mount, N.C.
• Consider how the Internet, as a gender neutral tool, can help you be creative and connect. "Think differently because the 'same old, same old' can be clicked off." Susan Baldwin, Chief Operating Officer, CANARIE Inc., Ottawa
• Develop more cultural intelligence. "The changing demographics in Canada mean there is a more diverse population." Cynthia Reyes, President, ProMedia International Inc., Toronto
• Make branding the cornerstone of your marketing strategy. "Align your brand with the strategic vision of your company and make sure you deliver on its promise. And remember that consumers are concerned about social responsibility, so incorporate social values into your brand. Women are good at this." Lili Campbell, VP Brand Strategy, CREDO Communications, Toronto
• Become a mentor. "Being a mentor and role model to other women is very important. And we all have a responsibility to mentor young women." Lynda Bowles, Partner, Deloitte & Touche, Toronto
• Live your own version of success. "Have faith in yourself and do the work you want to do, rather than focusing on external stamps of approval." Nancy Smith, President, NextMedia Company, Toronto

For more tips from other event speakers, go to Building Your Business: Exporting and discover how to grow your business through international trade and improve your exporting success. And find out how to shatter the last glass ceiling and get yourself on corporate boards in Sharing Biz Strategies.