Debra Kerby, President & CEO, Canadian Feed The Children
I've learned that facing your fears and embracing joy every day is what creates an amazing career and life. It's critical to learn how to tell the difference between what's important and what's a distraction. Embrace the tough lessons and then let them go – don't stay stuck in what didn't work. Know that no one really has it all figured out. While it's important to seek out different voices and opinions, trust your own. Cultivate the courage to use it. Pay attention to what inspires you. Explore your own gifts and talents and the vast possibility of your "what ifs"!
Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO, Vancity
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes we think it's a sign of weakness to admit we don't know everything, but it's really a sign of confidence to know that we can benefit from the wisdom of others. Had I asked for more help when I was younger, it would have enhanced my learning and accelerated my progress – and ultimately it would have made many of my decisions that much easier. With the pace of change today, mobilizing the opinion and talent of others is more important than ever. Perfection doesn't exist – no one can do everything without help.
Melanie Dunn, Global President & CEO, Cossette
Build and nurture your networks from a young age. I was very active in student associations at my university and always sought out internships. This gave me access early in my career to many different people and companies and it was really the beginning of my business network. In fact, many of the people I met in school are still in that network today. Overall, it's important to stay flexible. Today, it's less about having all the answers and more about your ability to adapt. Success comes from being able to constantly assess and reassess situations and adjust as needed.
Elana Rosenfeld, Co-Founder & CEO, Kicking Horse Coffee
Determine and then follow your core values, because while lifestyle and desires may change over the years, core values should not. Regardless of what's happening around you, your internal compass is genuine – and following it is imperative to help create the career, and the world you want to experience. This self-awareness is a key piece for those who want to be leaders. While careers begin as personal journeys, they evolve into creating opportunities for others. No matter how smart you are or how much experience you have, emotional intelligence is imperative to successfully help others achieve their full potential.
Leah Lawrence, President & CEO, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
This is an era where technology is enabling rapid change, and we need to consider how to approach issues differently. That will happen with a more diverse workforce: young people bring a whole new approach and open-mindedness to tackling sustainability issues. I also think any career path you choose will be better if you have an understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Regardless of your chosen career path, it's important to surround yourself with positive people who energize you and encourage you to be your best self. There will always be difficult times, and what will carry you through are those who tell you confidently: "It's going to be okay."
Jayne Stoyles, Executive Director, Amnesty International Canada
Leadership is a balance between being bold, careful, decisive, consultative – many things. When you're young, it's easy to become impatient to climb the "career ladder." Yet gaining the skills required to lead requires a variety of experiences – and those take time to acquire. It's also important to be authentic: to genuinely care about your work, your company and the people that sustain it. A leader's job is to create the right environment, and to strive to make a true impact. While balance is essential, you need to work hard, because meaningful change rarely happens when you're watching the clock.
Laura Kilcrease, CEO, Alberta Innovates
Living in three different countries has been tremendously helpful for my career. It's not easy to leave familiarity, but if you can succeed in doing so, you'll be empowered to embrace change – a key leadership quality. Abroad or at home, be eager to experiment, to make meaningful connections that build trust and respect, and to follow your passion and excitement. There are no limits for young women today – but there are also few guidelines. Finding mentors who are frank, honest and willing to share their knowledge and experience will be more important than ever for our next generation of leaders.
Lisa Kimmel, President & CEO, Edelman Canada
When I was just starting out in my career, I had a point of view, but I wasn't always comfortable sharing it. Now that I'm a leader and a mother, I feel strongly that it's my responsibility to champion the confidence of girls and women. I'm a big believer that every conversation is power – and I've seen the positive impact of proactively talking about the importance of speaking up, even with my own 11-year-old daughter. It's up to leaders to promote a more inclusive and empowering culture – both inside and outside the workplace – to help women be and feel successful.
Carol Stewart, President & CEO, Kellogg Canada Inc.
It's important to realize that career paths aren't usually linear, so don't be concerned if you don't have your entire journey mapped out from the start. Where you begin likely won't be where you end up. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself as a CEO when I was 21 – but opening myself up to new experiences led me in a direction I hadn't initially considered. I always tell my daughter, who's 23: Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Anything is achievable if you're empowered to learn new things, if you advocate for yourself, and if you're passionate about what you do.