the opinion - summer 2016

Health | SUMMER 2016WXN

FEMALE DEMAND F O R I N T E R N A T I O N A L MOB I L I T Y ON THE R I SE

HAVE LEADERSHIP SKILLS,

WILL TRAVEL: FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT

TAKES THE STAGE AT TOP 25 AWARDS

HEALTHY HABITS7

ROSE REISMANS

5 WAYSTO BOOST THE HEALTHOF YOUR TEAM

MONEY STRESS

SHRINK YOUR

Mary Fitzgerald

1 CANADA | WXNETWORK.COM

WWW.WXNETWORK.COM

Neil is the New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Equation and The Books of Awesome. His books have published in over a dozen languages, spent seven years and counting on

bestseller lists, and sold millions of copies.

September 16, 2016 7:15am Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

THIS FALL WXN SPEAKER SERIES BRINGS

NEIL PASRICHA TO THE PODIUM

NEIL PASRICHA

HEALTH - SUMMER 2016 - THE OPINION 2

ContentsHEALTH / SUMER 2016

5 Reverse mentoring: How to make it work for your organization

6 Balancing achievement and enjoyment

7 5 essentials for a healthy team

8 The cure: Personalized wellness

9 Taking care of business through innovation

10 Get back on track with personal health

11 The recruiters guide to staying motivated

12 Mind over matter

13 Health check-up with Rose Reisman

15 The sandwich generation

18 Recipe for a healthy board

CANADA: ENGLISH

22 Lettre de WXN

23 Au service des voyageurs daffaires

26 Balance is the key to corporate health

27 Irelands Most Powerful Women: Top 25 Leadership Summit & Awards Gala

29 Have leadership skills, will travel

CANADA: FRANAIS

IRELAND

UK

31 Speaker Series: Autumn sneak peek

3 A Letter from our CEO

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Im sitting outside my hotel in the early morning on a patio that overlooks the beautiful Victoria, B.C. harbour. The sun is shining brightly, sailboats are making their way to the open ocean and people are enjoying the day, like they have no particular destination in mindrunning, riding bikes, walking with their children or dogs. It makes me think about the word health, which has been a recent focus for us at WXN, especially with this issue of The Opinion. However, Im not necessarily thinking about the noun but about Health personified.

Health is an elusive creature. Shes come a long way since the days of our ancestors, when it was more about surviving than thriving. She is now a core part of our lives and our psyches. She is always watching and waiting to see if we will make the right steps down our paths. For me, she constantly demands thoughtful and balanced choices around fitness, nutrition and stress management, so I can be a better daughter, aunt, sister, friend and leader. This has become particularly evident to me since assuming the leadership role for WXN and CBDC in January. The challenge to find my groove has been difficult. She pushes me to my limits most days, and I know my willpower is compromised. I feel her tug to get me back on track.

I heed her call because I know she only wants the best from me. Like any goal-obsessed entrepreneur, I am determined to succeed. I search my computer archives and find an action plan I created for my 2012 New Years resolution labelled Having It All. My healthy action plan is based on five pillars: relationships, fitness, nutrition, spirituality and business.

I quickly relabel them 2016 and wondercan I really have it all? We are fickle beings, but Health sees our inner

resolve and gives us the opportunity to improve every day.These are my commitments to her: I commit to make more memories with my family and friends and tell them how

much I appreciate and love them. I commit to drink more water and to exercise more often, get a solid 68 hours of sleep, eat a well-balanced diet and take my vitamins. I commit to quiet time for reflection, to do things that make me happy, savour every experience, understand the difference between progress and perfection, be thankful and pray more. I commit to share my lessons learned with my teams, to create a culture of trust, collaboration and learning, and to have fun and laugh while doing it!

I sign a binding agreement with me, myself and I, promising to be a healthier, more well-balanced person.

The sun is setting. The day is spent. I ate a nutritious breakfast, walked along the harbour, relaxed with a facial and reflected on life in my daily journal. Its my last evening in Victoria, which I enjoy at dinner with my mom, brother and sister-in-law. We linger over a nice bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, laughing and making priceless memories. For dessert, I opt for ice cream, savouring every bite with an impish grin. I sit back and take in this momentous occasionan opportunity to see the broader picture of Health. Its about the small choices that add up to a big difference. Its just one day. But, by the end of it, I feel the promise of tomorrow because I know that today I made a healthy choice.

A LETTER FROM OUR CEO

Sherri StevensCEO, WXN


WHAT IS REVERSE MENTORING?Reverse mentoring is when a younger worker is paired with an executive so the younger person can offer perspectives based on their experiences in the modern workplace. Although more mature workers have much wisdom to offer younger workers in a traditional mentoring role, its often the younger employees who are better versed in high-tech subjects, social media and current trends.

Reverse mentoring transfers this knowledge and experience to the mature worker so it can be combined with his or her wisdom to create a powerful employee relationship that bridges the generations.

As the Founder of Red Dot Digital, my experiences have shown me that reverse mentoring is more than just the flavour of the month. Digital marketing is an important component in the modern business plan, and its through the process of reverse mentoring that knowledge of these strategies can spread throughout an organization.

HOW DOES IT WORK?In an interview with CPA magazine last year, I discussed how reverse mentoring is like teaching someone to ride a bike. The keys for success in this area involve many traditional mentoring practices, just in the reverse direction. Younger workers walk beside executives as they develop their new skills. Over time, the training wheels are taken off when the mature workers are ready to take on modern digital challenges.

WHY USE REVERSE MENTORING?As the leaders of an organization reach their 40s and 50s, something begins to change. The initial vision they had for the company or their career starts to fade. It isnt because these leaders are losing their passion for the business. Its because the new generations that come on board bring new perspectives and this forces a change in practices. This is the perfect scenario for reverse mentoring.

I recommend reverse mentoring as a type of mutually beneficial relationship between two professionals of different generations as a way to bridge the information gap that may lie between them.

Much of the work I do with my boutique digital marketing firm revolves around showing business leaders the full benefits of using social media and how to implement strategies for success. Most recently, I worked with Alan MacGibbon, CEO of Deloitte Canada, ahead of his first online live chat, to bring reverse mentoring into the conversation. Companies like Deloitte Canada are often already using this process successfully but dont realize it. By creating a formal process with meaningful metrics and analytics, you can see what youre already doing right and how you can enhance that process, just as I have with many others in your current situation.

HOW DO YOU GET REVERSE MENTORSHIP GOING?First, explain the business case. For executives with established habits, the added value of new approaches is not

always clear. Share positive examples of social media to get people excited about the idea. From there, you can get the buy-in to move forwardyoull need someone at the top to champion the idea of reverse mentorships and give you access to financial resources.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL REVERSE MENTORING?The key to successful reverse mentoring is finding a good fit. The best reverse mentoring relationships develop naturally, but all require trust for success. You dont need a complicated systemeven Google Docs can help staff find each other. People can sign up and list their areas of expertise.

When a good match is established, each person can positively benefit from the knowledge and support being offered. A good match increases confidence on both sides as well, showing both workers that they can be successful mentors as they engage in mutually beneficial endeavours.

In a world where younger workers can provide an immediate impact, and mature workers can continue to pursue the vision of the future, reverse mentorship can create an exciting foundation for success. Thats why it is needed today. Nothing beats the combination of wisdom, energy and digital experience which comes from reverse mentoring relationships. Everyone wins!

KARIMA-CATHERINE GOUNDIAM is the Co-Founder and Partner of Red Dot Digital.

BY KARIMA-CATHERINE GOUNDIAM

REVERSE MENTORING: HOW TO MAKE IT WORK

FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION

THE BEST REVERSE MENTORING

RELATIONSHIPS DEVELOP

NATURALLY, BUT ALL REQUIRE TRUST FOR

SUCCESS.


Balancing ACHIEVEMENT & ENJOYMENT

Work-life balance is a term that we hear often and a state of being that we all strive to achieve.

Yet the word balance can be misleading. When we use this term, we are not suggesting that you need to strive for everything to be equal in your lives. Trying to schedule an equal number of hours for each of your various work and personal activities is usually unrealistic. Life is and should be more fluid than that.

Instead, we are referring to how best to integrate or harmonize all aspects of your life in a manner that is comfortable (and not overwhelming) for you.

Work-life balance will vary over time, often on a daily basis. The right balance for you today will probably be different for you tomorrow. The right balance for you when you are single will be different when youre married, or if you have children; when you start a new career versus nearing retirement.

There is no perfect, one-size-fits-all balance you should be striving for. The best work-life balance is different

for each of us because we all have different priorities and different lives.

Think about all of the hats that we wear at any given time: son/daughter, friend, employee, spouse/partner, parent/grandparent, care-giver, volunteer, leader and so on. Within each of those roles comes responsibilities and demands on our time and attention.

Our ability to juggle these changing (and often competing) priorities determines how we interpret work-life balance or life happiness. When considering life happiness, consider two key everyday concepts: daily achievement and enjoyment.

Achievement refers to things done successfully through effort, courage or skill. Enjoyment, on the other hand, represents feelings of pride, fulfilment, satisfaction, happiness, celebration, love, a sense

of well-being. When we feel in balance, we tend to experience a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment at the end of the day.

Yet, when we struggle to cope, or feel out of balance for extended periods of time, our mental health can sufferwe lose our ability to achieve and enjoy. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has some good resources that offer tools and tips to help you regain balance for optimal mental health at home and in the workplace.

Remember to keep in mind: What do you want to achieve today and what do you want to enjoy today?

LINDA LEWIS-DALY is a workplace wellness program consultant with GoodLife Fitness and owner of Lewis-Daly & Associates, Workplace Wellness Solutions. She works tirelessly to try to improve peoples

lives through promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Linda helps organizations support the physical and mental health and well-being of their employees through workplace wellness programs.

BY LINDA LEWIS-DALY


A WELL-DEFINED CORPORATE CULTURE LEADS TO ENGAGED EMPLOYEES.

Corporate culture is more than just a mission statement or a tag lineits an integral part of a well-managed, compliant organization and serves as a compass for employee conduct. It must be supported each and every day, starting with the tone from the top of the organization and extending to each employee. A clearly stated, regularly communicated and reinforced corporate culture bridges the distance between teams and employees who work collectively towards common goals. Knowing what your organization stands for and its expectations helps create an environment of engaged, productive, loyal and ethical employees who become your front-line ambassadors to the world.

OPEN LINES OF COMMUNICATION AND INCLUSIVITY IMPROVE PERFORMANCE.

Fostering an environment that welcomes the feedback and opinions of all team members encourages diversity of thought which can result in new and better ways of conducting business or solving a problem. It also creates a stronger relationship between colleagues who know that their insights are valued, regardless of their place within the team or organization. Employees who feel respected and engaged are more likely to put up their hands to lead projects and go the extra mile. The best way to encourage employees to speak up is to ask for their ongoing feedback, whether it is suggestions, concerns or opposing views. Routinely asking for their views as part of regularly scheduled meetings or touchpoints ensures they feel like they have a safe forum in which to raise matters. Having their managers support often gives the employee the confidence to speak their mind, request additional responsibilities and show what they can achieve.

ITS ALL ABOUT THE CLIENT. The business worlds increasing reliance on cognitive and predictive technology can help us increase our understanding of our clients. However, it has the potential to put distances between us and the clients we support. Big Data is useful when it helps us gain a better appreciation of our clients businesses, operations and objectives, and enables us to be a better partner to them. However, never underestimate the impact of maintaining regular and open

communication with clientsthe client should see you as an extension of their team, willing to go above and beyond to ensure that their needs are met. Regular contact points can help address any client issues or concerns at an early stage. Client centricity means putting yourself in your clients shoes to imagine how they can be served better or what issues are on their radar. Proactive client management strengthens your business by enabling you to do a better job.

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY.

Most companies have a Corporate Social Responsibility program in one form or another. While financial support is commendable, we can demonstrate our commitment in more meaningful ways. Many employees seek the opportunity to roll up their sleeves for charities and organizations that interest them. Offering employees the time and opportunity to volunteer and support local initiatives provides them with a powerful platform for making a positive impact in their local towns and cities, while enhancing your organizations reputation and brand. Each employee serving their community becomes an ambassador of the organization. The benefits go beyond simply giving back. Coming together as a team to collectively support those in need is also a tremendous morale and camaraderie builder.

EVERYONE NEEDS TO DETERMINE THEIR OWN WORK-LIFE BALANCE.

Taking time for yourself is important. Ive often found that a solution to a nagging problem or issue can be discovered while taking a walk, working out at the gym or reading something not work-related, whether its a magazine or a literary masterpiece. Thanks to our laptops and mobile devices, disconnecting from the office can be tough, but striking the right balance can give you a new perspective and ensure youre ready to tackle your work responsibilities. We all have different thresholds and personal needs. I recognize that my team members each have individual commitments and priorities and encourage them to take time to discover how to make balance work for them.

ANDREA HORTON is Managing Director and Global Head of Governance & Regulatory Solutions at RBC Investor & Treasury Services.

FOR A HEALTHY TEAM

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5 Essentials

Although I have spent the majority of my career practicing law, its the experiences gained as a business leader that have taught me how to support a healthy and high performing team. With teams spread across cities, countries and continents, its more important than ever to ensure regular communication and a healthy working environment to enable your team to achieve success. Here are some key learnings Ive identified during my career that I put into practice with my global team.

BY ANDREA HORTON


We are privileged to live in Canada; we have fresh water, clean air and access to nutritious food. Yet Canada, along with many developing nations, is struggling to provide quality healthcare services throughout our nation and meet the escalating demands of some troubling disease trends. The epidemic rise of obesity, diabetes and dementia to name a few, are escalating rates of chronic illness.

As well, our rapidly aging populations are accessing the healthcare system like never before. These trends are juxtaposed against a backdrop of limited funding and resources to a point that we are finally having a conversation about the sustainability of our public health systems. It must be a continuing priority for civic leaders, medical communities and businesses alike to strive for a healthier Canada and, in turn, maintain a full-access, high-quality health system. We must make a healthier nation our competitive advantage.

We are familiar with our fast food culture: speedy service, instant gratification and, occasionally, good value. More than ever today, health consumers are expecting the same. There is a proliferation of walk-in clinics and an increasing use of emergency departments for non-urgent problems. Many people expect to consume medical services in the same way they consume fast food. Direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising feeds a health culture of symptom relief rather than getting to the root cause of the problem, potentially camouflaging a more serious underlying situation. This allows disease processes to persist, with potentially disastrous long-term outcomes.

Preventative medicine should be considered a solution for reducing chronic disease trends. We must encourage all Canadians to take action and reduce their disease risks by embracing habits to improve their health and wellness. Businessesboth for their employees and their clientsmust step up to support the healthcare system with innovative, technology-driven solutions.

For example, TELUS is committed to being part of the healthcare solution and is now the largest health IT Company in Canada. To this day, TELUS has invested more than $1.6 billion dollars in patient-centric information technology innovations; hired more than 1,700 health innovators, including more than 100 physicians, nurses

and other medical professionals; and pursued strategic partnerships and acquisitions of healthcare IT companies to create a new health ecosystem. As the President and CEO of TELUS, Darren Entwistle has said, Our world-leading capabilities, coupled with the TELUS teams courage to innovate, are helping us tackle the number one social challenge of our lifetime: healthcare efficiency and effectiveness.

At TELUS, we have leveraged our existing Patient Health Record (PHR) platform to create a workplace wellness program called Self-Health. While it focuses on disease

risk awareness through the tracking of activity, sleep, diet and biometrics, its also a behavioural change solution. Working with health coaches, our team members are able to set goals for sustainable micro-behaviours to reduce the risk of developing illness, improve their well-being and performance. In as little as 12 weeks, we were able to see a reduced number of people who were at diabetic and at cardio-metabolic risk. These results were achieved thanks to increased activities, such as eating healthier and sleeping morekey variables that reduce the risk of chronic disease.

We are at a crossroad of how to view the management of chronic illness. More than ever, researchers acknowledge that while there may be genetic predispositions to our risk for developing disease, it is not our fate. At least 50 per cent (and some argue

as high as 80 per cent) of chronic diseases are determined by our environment. Dr. Dean Ornish, physician to President Clinton, says, I think it is a very empowering message to say that our genes are not our fate. If youre genetically unlucky, it probably means that you need to make bigger changes than someone else, but if youre willing to do that then it can make a really big difference.

Its time to build a healthcare system that places patients at the centre of the ecosystem by democratizing their health information. This means enabling the health consumer to access all their health and medical data anytime, anywhere and be able to share it with anyone they wish. All organizations have an important role to play in supporting technology-driven wellness programs, both for their employees and clients. This will empower Canadians to be self-aware and begin taking steps toward wellness through the prevention of disease and not just its remediation.

DR. ELAINE CHIN is the Chief Wellness Officer at TELUS.

PERSONALIZED WELLNESS

WE MUST ENCOURAGE ALL CANADIANS TO

TAKE ACTION AND REDUCE THEIR DISEASE RISKS

BY EMBRACING HABITS TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH AND

WELLNESS.

THE CURE: DR. ELAINE CHIN


In order to truly innovate, leaders must think about the long-term vision and strategy for the corporation, what are the obstacles (short-term and long-term) in realizing that vision and finally how do we get everyone in the organization to focus on the goal and execute it in their areas.

With globalization, expanding trade zones and lengthening supply chains, success in business depends even more on maintaining personal connections across long distances. As a result, the demand for business travel continues to grow and the needs of business travellers continue to evolve.

Last spring, a study by the Global Business Travel Association found $23.5 billionor 1.5 per cent of the countrys GDPwas spent on all types of business travel in Canada in 2013. It also showed that spending has since grown, with projections that it will rise 5.3 per cent in 2015. This makes business travel an extremely important and growing market segment for

Canada in general and for Air Canada in particular.

As a result, Air Canada has made serving business travellers a core objective. We are putting our money (and energy) where our mouth is through various initiatives, including the following: the highly interconnected global network and the powerful hubs that we are building for more efficient travel to get you to your destination; Air Canadas state-of-the-art International Business Class lie-flat seats to arrive at a destination rested and ready to make decisions and our new Maple Leaf Lounges in airports to use that time in the airports to recharge or catch-up on work; our partnership with renowned chef David Hawksworth to develop unique meals for our lounges and International Business Class; the installation of inflight Wi-Fi and leading inflight entertainment content; and countless details, such as on-board espresso machines and apps for smart watches.

Guiding our efforts are the twin demands of saving time and increasing convenience. This is reflected with our key international routes such as Toronto-Tokyo-Haneda and Vancouver-Delhi. Our route between Toronto and Tokyo-Haneda is the shortest route connecting customers from Tokyo to the north eastern region of North America, while our soon to be launched Vancouver-Delhi non-stop service will

offer the fastest elapsed flying time from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles to Delhi. The customer experience is also enhanced in our ever-growing suite of mobile and online tools, so customers can manage their travel on the go and also in our work with regulators to streamline security, customs and immigration formalities in airports for our frequent travellers.

With scheduled passenger service directly to 64 airports in Canada, 55 in the United States and 87 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America and streamlining the connection process at our Canadian hubs, frequent business travellers can find more time on the ground to build business relationships, in-person to engage, rather than merely digitally connect.

The annual Ipsos Reid Canadian business travel study rated Air Canada the preferred carrier of 86 per cent of Canadian frequent business travellers, which is up significantly over the last five years. However, we know that we mustand willcontinue to innovate to remain a global leader among airlines focusing on business traffic.

Excerpt from CALIN ROVINESCU, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

TAKING CAREOF BUSINESS

BY CALIN ROVINESCU


Finding a work-life balance is critical for long-term success in both areas. When we become very busy, taking care of ourselves takes a backseat to timelines, schedules and meetings. Then we wonder how we got sick or out of shape, when our diets arent that bad.

The glorification of a busy status gives us excuses to eat whatever meal option is available, forgetting the balanced life choices that we made in the past when we had more time.

Finding the time to include heathy choices into your daily life is as easy as PDGS: preparation and pre-planning, determination, goals and self-love.

PREPARATION AND PRE-PLANNINGPre-planning your weeks ahead of time to incorporate small daily changes and gradually increasing those changes over time, is the biggest indicator for long-term success. Here is an idea of how planning ahead of time can change up your week:

1. Make meal plans and stick to them. When you buy your groceries, buy only what can be made ahead of time and pre-package your lunches a week or night ahead.

2. Making a few large meals at a time can cut down on the daily meal prep.

3. Consider healthy meal delivery. Some organic food delivery services such as Fresh City Farms in Toronto and Nourish in Vancouver provide ready-made meals delivered right to your front door.

4. When eating out or on business lunches, look at the menu ahead of time to decide which meal option is healthiest. This prepares your brain for a healthier meal than if you were to order in a rush.

DETERMINATIONWith determination, you can succeed at achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. After the first ten times of turning down those tempting offers of sweet treats, runs to McDonalds or the office snack free-for-all, you will find it so much easier to say no after that. After a little while, your body gets used to less sugar, preservatives and junk in general and starts developing a distaste for those unhealthy choices. Be proud of what you are doing and tell as many people as you can. The more people that know your goals and see that you are determined and proud of what you are doing, the more support you will have.

GOALSWhen we accomplish a goal, theres a rush of endorphins. Every time a goal is achieved, we crave the next rush. Humans are naturally competitive and goal-driven; all it takes is the initial act of setting the goals for yourself. Start with simple goals, such as switching to several herbal teas a day instead

of coffee. Then ramp up the goals to something like buying a step-tracking device and committing to 10,000 steps a day. Create a chart that sets a new goal each week and check them off once accomplished. Instead of rewarding yourself with treats or cheat days, try ones that will satisfy your soul:

Try a new class for something youve always wanted to learn.

Treat yourself to a facial or mani/pedi. Buy that recipe book youve been eyeing for ages. Save up and book a trip. Set a healthy lunch date with a friend or family member

(people with healthy social lives live the longest).

SELF-LOVESelf-love is often overlooked because many see it as a given, something that naturally comes along with eating healthier and working out. But I would consider it the most important step to keeping on track. The truth is, real self-love takes hard work. It means at least a few things:

Putting an end to negative self-talk. Embracing your body and everything you love about it. Ignoring the ideal bodies and lives that traditional and

social have laid out as the normwere all so different and that is whats beautiful.

Finding your own true happiness, whatever that may be.

Sound easy? Its absolutely not. It will take constant effort, your entire life, but I can promise you its absolutely worth it.

MARIEKE NASSARA is a certified nutritional practitioner (CNP) and owner of Green Bean Wellness and Tusk & Fin.

Back on Track W I T H Y O U R Health

H O W T O F I N D T H E T I M E T O G E T

BY MARIEKE NASSARA


Recruiters are undoubtedly some of the most resilient and motivated people in the working world. Their job, in simple terms, is to help companies source and hire the most qualified candidatesa never ending rollercoaster of wins, losses, and setbacks.

As I write comfortably from my two-screen desktop surrounded by the larger-than-life world of PageGroup recruiters, their plot twist becomes clear: their selling product (people) are unpredictable. While some days end with happily hired candidates, thank you letters, champagne bottles and exceeded monthly targets, others bring month-one resignations, unhappy clients and unfilled job slots. In spite of these setbacks, the recruiters stay hyper-focused and even grow into influential positions as business leaders.

After reaching out to hundreds of recruiters across my business, here is what they shared on how they stay motivatedand how you can too.

KEEP A FOLDER OF ALL YOUR WINSCreate your own personal portfolio of success that you update throughout your career. Refer to it whenever you want an energy or confidence boostyouve accomplished more than you often recall. Remember why you started in the first place and know that your company hired you because they believed in you and still do. This folder is your proof that you are completely capable of success; you wouldnt be where you are today if you werent. Keep the momentum going!

REMEMBER WHAT YOU WONT HAVE IF YOU DONT TRYWhat is the goal you are moving toward? Closing a big business deal? Getting a promotion? Finding more interesting work? Imagining how gratified youll feel is in itself very motivating. But if you dont take the necessary steps toward your goal, then what will you be left with? What will you be lacking? Explore this in depth and use it to inspire your progress. You dont want to stay in the same placeor, even worseregress. The only cure for inaction is action.

BREAK DOWN YOUR BIG GOALS INTO SMALL STEPSOnce you identify your long-term goal, the next step is to zoom in and write down the specific actions you must take to get there. Having realistic goals that you can commit

yourself to will make the bigger picture seem less daunting and help you keep track of where you are in the process. Small wins add up to big ones!

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE, ENCOURAGING PEOPLE AND CONTENTNeuroplasticity proves that your mind is extremely malleable, reorganizing itself by forming new neural pathways to adapt as needed. In other words, you can teach your old brain new tricks. As you receive messages on a daily basis, your mind begins to own the same mode of thinking. So skip the fear-inducing news and negative people and subscribe to more uplifting channels. Sign up for a daily email that sends you motivational material first thing in the morning. Work with people who are on the same mission as you. Your environment is a huge part of setting yourself up for success, so create one that inspires you.

EMPOWER YOURSELF BY MAKING EXERCISE A TOP PRIORITYMental and physical fitness go hand-in-hand. Part of motivation is endurance, which you develop as your body experiences stamina breakthroughs at the gym, dancing or whatever medium works for you. If you work with people, then you have to deal with a great deal of emotions (that arent necessarily your own). Allowing yourself an outlet to release those will help you stay sane.

UNDERSTAND WHAT IS AND IS NOT IN YOUR CONTROLAll you can do is whats within your power. When faced with a problem or difficult situation, ask yourself: Have I done everything I possibly can to make this work? What external factors have shaped this outcome and what is within my locus

of control to make it better? In the professional world and the world-at-large, you should always be adding value in some form. You are uniquely talented, uniquely persuasive and uniquely able to provide something important. If you are truly doing your best, then the rest will unfold naturally.

VICTORIA SPADACCINI is the Content and Communication Executive for Michael Page in North America. When shes not immersed in creating inspirational content, she is singing silly love songs at open mics, performing bad improv comedy, travelling the world and talking to amazing people about how they find true meaning in their lives. Email her at [email protected] or find her on LinkedIn!

BY VICTORIA SPADACCINI

THE RECRUITERS GUIDE TO STAYING MOTIVATED IN YOUR CAREER


Mental health is a critical component of overall wellness. As a clinical psychologist with an interest in individual and organizational psychology, I often help people and teams work on their communication and relationship building skills in this area.

In Canada, over 50 per cent of employee absences are due to a depression, anxiety and/or the health impact of workplace stress. Every day, 500,000 Canadians will miss work because of a mental health related issue. The economic burden of mental illness is a staggering $51-billion. Much of this cost can be avoided by ensuring a psychologically-healthy workplace. So what can employers, managers and leaders do? Here are a few guidelines.

KNOW THE EARLY SIGNSLearn how to detect the early warning signs of workplace stress, which can include an increase in casual or unexplained absences, arriving to work late or leaving early, interpersonal difficulties with co-workers, poor quality work, more accident prone, decreased productivity, unusual displays of emotion, overreactions or mood swings, and withdrawing from others.

DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROCEDURESPromote existing sources of support within your organization that employees may not be aware of. If an employee is exhibiting signs of anxiety, depression or burnout, choose a supportive person who is comfortable initiating a conversation in the right context, from a place of concern. The Canadian Mental Health Association recommends using the free resources available at WorkplaceStrategiesforMentalHealth.com.

EDUCATE EMPLOYEES TO ADDRESS STRESSORSThese can be new offerings such as workshops or information sessions, or can be embedded within existing educational training programs. Raising awareness of workplace stress also fosters a sense of organizational care and acceptance, a proactive stress reduction strategy.

PRACTICE TWO-WAY COMMUNICATIONA 2008 Canadian Medical Association study found that only 23 per cent of Canadians would feel comfortable talking to their employer about a mental health related issue. Two-way communication fosters a culture of openness so that employees feel comfortable speaking to their leaders and are not afraid of being judged, damaging their reputation or jeopardizing their chances for future career advancement. Managers and leaders can receive coaching on communication strategies to help build more effective relationships.

REWARD GOOD PERFORMANCE AND ENCOURAGE RESILIENCYWorkplace stress can be needlessly created when employees dont feel like their work is

valuable or valued by the employer. Find ways of explicitly recognizing the value of employees contributions to your organization. Learn effective team techniques to manage, build and recognize resiliency.

RELATIONSHIPS THRIVE WITH CLEAR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIESEncourage active participation and decision making, clearly define employees roles and responsibilities and ensure that their workload is congruent with their capabilities and resources.

RESOURCES FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS CHAMPIONSTwo excellent sources of information are the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Mental Health Commission of Canada, which created the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.

PREVENTIVE HEALTH PROGRAMMING IS A WISE BUSINESS STRATEGYEmployers and their leaders play a critical role in enhancing the quality of employees working life, their health and well-being. Preventive health programs can help prevent absenteeism, increase productivity, reduce costs and increase employee satisfaction and engagement across all levels of the organization.

GINA DI GIULIO, PhD, C. Psych, LLM, is the Clinical Psychologist and Director of Psychology at Medcan. In her clinical practice, she sees clients for a wide range of conditions. She is frequently consulted on corporate wellness programs.

Mind over matter HOW EMPLOYERS CAN CREATE A

PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY WORKPLACE

BY DR. GINA DI GIULIO

Photo Credit: Mental Health Commission of Canada

In our daily lives, there are many ways we evaluate how well things are goingfrom performance reviews at work, our childrens report cards or the number on the bathroom scale. But how often do we step back to check in on how were really doing, both physically and emotionally?

Many of us take our health for granted until a problem arises. My philosophy is to always try to prevent disease rather than just treat it. Good daily habits help keep us in touch with any changes in our health that we have to pay attention to. Our well-being deserves the same amount of attention and dedication that we put towards work and family. After all, without our health, these parts of our lives will suffer.

So, its time for a check-up: Are you in a rut or do you have a healthy routine? Check out these areas to see how youre measuring up.

1. DONT SKIP MEALSWith busy lives, meal time can easily escape us. If youre skipping breakfast or lunch because of a jam-packed schedule, dont expect to drop pounds or have the energy and focus you need to successfully fulfill your day. Studies have found that cutting breakfast increases your likelihood of obesity by four and a half times. When you skip meals, you slow down your metabolism, and your body starts to store fat. Also, when youre starving and you finally go to eat, youre more likely to eat excessively.

Eating healthy is not a lot of work. Plan simple meals in advance, which should include a lean protein, whole grains, fruits or vegetables and lower-fat dairy. Snacking is key to keep your blood sugar levels and energy high. Keep snacks on hand for a quick refuelnuts and seeds, yogurt and berries, even cheese and whole wheat crackers.

2. SLOW DOWN WHEN YOU CHOW DOWNIf you do manage to grab a meal, are you eating it as quickly as possible? Not a good solution. Weve heard it since we were kids: it takes time for our brain to register that our stomach is full. In fact, it takes about 20 minutes, meaning you can cram in a lot of extra food before you realize that youre stuffed. Mindless eating, such as eating in front of the television, is also an issue when it comes to gaining weight. Slow down and be mindful of what and where youre eating. Eating should be your focus at meal time.

3. PETITE PLATE SIZEMany of us dont actually know what a proper portion size is, making it easy to overeat. If your go-to serving size is a full plate, you could be packing on unnecessary pounds. It sounds too simple, but by picking a smaller plate, we eat

less. The perfect plate will have 50 per cent vegetables, 25 per cent whole grains and 25 per cent lean protein.

4. TAKE TAKEOUT OUT OF YOUR DIETIf late hours at the office and constant car pools have you reaching for takeout several nights a week, youre most likely adding pounds to yourself and your family. Restaurant and fast food establishments can vary in the quality of food, not to mention excess fat, salt and sugar for taste.

Also, its important to get kids eating healthy at a young ageobese children turn into obese adults. Get the whole family involved in meal planning and prep for the week so you have pre-made, homemade meals on hand that you can easily reheat during the week.

5. DONT DRINK YOUR CALORIESPut aside those fresh fruit juices, coffee concoctions and smoothies, which are often nothing more than liquid calories. Stick to eating your fruits and veggies for the most nutrients. Go for H20 as a daily rule. Drinking water helps to maintain weight and aid in proper kidney function.

6. CATCHING ZSHave you gotten used to burning the midnight oil during the week or sleeping until noon on the weekends? Neither do you any favours! Getting the right amount of sleep is important for brain function, maintaining weight and preventing disease. An ongoing lack of sleep is linked to an increased risk of many diseases and issues, including high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and heart disease. Both lack of sleep (less than five hours) and oversleeping (more than eight hours) can lead to weight gain. In fact, if youre getting less than five hours of sleep, youre putting on two and a half times more belly fat.

7. UNPLUGWhether its from our work email or always checking Twitter, we cant constantly be connected. Too much screen time affects our sleep. Set boundaries around work. Some jobs do require constant availability, but make sure you have set time for yourself. Sometimes we create more work for ourselves. When responding after hours, always ask, Is this important? Time away is not only good for your mental health but will recharge you physically, mentally and creativelyyour friends and family will thank you. Being present is important.

ROSE REISMAN is the President of The Art of Living Well and a 2010 Top 100 Award Winner.

C

HICKEN

WITH AVOCADO, TOMATO AND LEMON SALSA

7 Healthy HabitsTIME FOR A CHECK-UP:

BY ROSE REISMAN



MAKES 4 SERVINGS

Source: The Best of Rose Reisman (Whitecap Books) by Rose Reisman / Photo: Mike McColl, from The Best of Rose Reisman (Whitecap Books)

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)3 Tbsp all-purpose flour2 tsp vegetable oilSalsa1 cup chopped plum tomatoes cup diced avocado3 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro1 Tbsp olive oil2 tsp fresh lemon juice1 tsp minced garlic tsp liquid honey tsp hot saucepinch of salt and pepper

1. Between two sheets of waxed paper, pound the chicken breasts to an even -inch (1 cm) thickness. Dust the chicken with flour. In a non-stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 8 minutes, turning once, or until cooked through. Place on a serving dish.

2. To make the salsa: In a bowl, stir together the tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, hot sauce and salt and pepper.

3. Spoon the salsa over the chicken before serving.

Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 5 to 8 minutes Make ahead: Prepare the salsa a few hours in advance. Cook the chicken right before serving.

C

HICKEN

WITH AVOCADO, TOMATO AND LEMON SALSA

Nutritional Information per Serving Calories 317 Carbohydrates 12.5 g Fibre 2.7 g Protein 40.

4 g Total fa

t 11.3 g

Satura

ted fat

1.9 g

Sodiu

m 13

3mg


We often hear that the key to being emotionally and physically healthy, is to achieve a work/life balance.

As a full-time working mother of two, who feels being physically active is an important factor of overall happiness, I roll my eyes at the term work/life balance. I dont believe there is such a thing as an even balance. My goal is to get as much of the important stuff done as possible without snapping.

However, I am a firm believer that minimizing stress will help you feel in a more balanced state. We all experience stress. If you have no way to reduce that stress, you better be able to navigate through it effectively.

We all know that money is at the top of most peoples list for what causes them stress. Unlike work and life, money and portfolios can be balanced.

Here are some tips from Raymond James Financial Advisors on how to reduce some of the money stresses in your life:

SHED YOUR DEBTIn working as a financial advisor with successful women for more than 20 years, Ive found that excess debt can be the number one stressor. In a poll of people going through divorce, 97 per cent of the respondents said that money was the primary issue.* If debt servicing is taking much of your disposable income, it can leave you financially vulnerable to life transitionsexpecting a child, job loss, separation or health issues. The only reasonable personal debt is a mortgage or car loan. If you are carrying a line of credit or credit card debt used for personal consumption, then you have spent tomorrows income. Focus on paying these down as soon as possible, then transition to paying the balance off every monthdo not carry a balance forward. Getting debt under control and aggressively paying it down better positions you with more disposable income to provide an education for your children, have an emergency fund or to build a comfortable retirement nest egg.

Jackie RamlerPortfolio Manager, Barrie Office

RAMP UP YOUR TRAININGWork with a financial advisor to develop your financial plan. This is like hiring a personal trainer for your finances. You will be put through your paces, gathering up all your financial documents and getting them organizeda brilliant starting point to understanding your financial big picture. From there, your situation can be assessed. At the end of the process, you will have a roadmap to follow and clarity around the actions you need to take to achieve your goals. So many people leave

this to chance and the unknown is a big part of stress.

Bernardine PerreiraFinancial Advisor, Front Street

Toronto office

PREPARE FOR FUTURE CHANGESWe spend weeks and months, even years fussing about investment returns on our portfolios. They are important; its the gas in your car. But you dont start the trip without knowing where youre going. Its important to talk about the impact planning can have on your financial future and how to help those plans survive the inevitable transitions that occur in our lives.

I do a lot of work with women whose lives are at a transition point. A lot of the time, there is no roadmap, so during transition times, we flail about and are likely to make mistakes. If youve read my ebook, youll know avoiding mistakes is one of the keys to financial success.

How do you avoid mistakes? You need a financial advisor that gets you and where youre going. When transitions occur, they are well equipped to guide you. Get a plan, get it down on paper and talk about it at least once a year with your advisor.

Judy PooleFinancial Advisor, Penticton office

*Divorce Choices Inc. poll, from 20092014, with over 1600 respondents.

ADRIENNE GLIGORIC is Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Head of the Network for Women Advisors at Raymond James Ltd.

BY ADRIENNE GLIGORIC

HOW TO SHRINK MONEY STRESS


According to Statistics Canada, one in three Canadians between the ages of 45 and 64 has children under 25 living with them. Of these, about 27 per cent also provide some form of elderly care for their parents. These Canadians are sandwiched between generations, giving them the title the Sandwich Generation.

When her 80-year-old Dad was released from the hospital after a severe bout of pneumonia and couldnt remember who she was, Barbara knew he was no longer safe living on his own. He needed care, and she needed answers:

I think my dad should move into a retirement residence. What do I do next and who should I ask?

What will the government pay for and will my dad qualify?

Can we afford the type of housing and care that I want my dad to have?

Whats the difference between independent retirement living and other types of senior housing options?

What can I do now so I can maintain control and independence when I reach his age?

Barbara found herself sandwiched between coordinating care solutions for her aging father and financially assisting her adult children, while contemplating her own longevity and retirement plan.

In my practice as a Portfolio Manager and Financial Advisor to both women and men who find themselves in this Sandwich Generation, I make it part of my process to proactively ask questions to get them thinking about this next stage of life so that together, we can help build a roadmap that incorporates both a financial plan and suitable investment plan to help them prepare for, and maintain, a high quality of life.

Oftentimes, as it was for Barbara, the main purpose of this process and building these plans is to give clients peace of mind and confidence that they will maximize control over their choices.

While juggling priorities in the Sandwich Generation can be challenging, consider meaty solutions now instead of leaving holes in your situation, like Swiss cheese. I often recommend taking the following proactive steps:

1. BUILD A CIRCLE OF TRUST AROUND YOU EARLY ON. Identify and approach people you know and trust to have your best interests in mind, so they become part of your Jedi Council to advise and support you when making difficult decisions. These people should not be afraid to disagree with you, as diversity of thought supports a constant state of evolution and will help you achieve more resilient solutions.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the average Canadian spends the last decade of his or her life suffering from some form of chronic disease. Ensuring your Circle of Trust is in place now will give you peace of mind that you will be taken care of, should you be in a situation where you are no longer capable of making these choices for yourself (i.e. mental or cognitive decline).

2. CREATE FINANCIAL SAFETY NETS. Consider living benefits insurance, like critical illness insurance, that pay you a cash lump sum, tax-free, if you suffer from a covered illness (i.e. heart attack, cancer or stroke). Long-term care insurance can also provide an important safety net by providing regular cash flow to pay for assistance with essential activities and can reduce anxiety about outliving your capital. This type of coverage can act like a forced savings plan.

3. PREPARE A WELLNESS AND FINANCIAL CARE BINDER. Where do you keep your important records like information on Powers of Attorney, will, life insurance contracts, medication and emergency contact information? Is it easily accessible should you or your loved ones need it? Chances are youre like many Canadians and you have itsomewhere. Consider preparing a wellness and financial care binder that simply holds your important personal information and contacts in one place. This can prove ideal for those in your circle of trust who need to step in and help when you need it most.

I discuss each of these ideas more fully in my new bestselling book, Smart Risk: Invest Like the Wealthy to Achieve a Work-Optional Life, available on Amazon.ca, at Costco and local bookstores throughout B.C. Learn more at www.smartriskinvesting.com.

MAILI WONG, CFA, is a #1 bestselling author, a leading Canadian investment advisor and licensed portfolio manager whose fresh, modern approach to investing for her high-net-worth clients sets her apart from others in her field. Her first book, Smart Risk, shares her personal story of resilience as well as lessons learned and secrets gleaned in her 15 years of international investing experience.

This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. CIBC and CIBC World Markets Inc., their affiliates, directors, officers and employees may buy, sell, or hold a position in securities of a company mentioned herein, its affiliates or subsidiaries, and may also perform financial advisory services, investment banking or other services for, or have lending or other credit relationships with the same.

CIBC World Markets Inc. and its representatives will receive sales commissions and/or a spread between bid and ask prices if you purchase, sell or hold the securities referred to above. CIBC World Markets Inc. 2016. If you are currently a CIBC Wood Gundy client, please contact your Investment Advisor.

Clients are advised to seek advice regarding their particular circumstances from their personal tax and legal advisors.

THE Sandwich GENERATIONHow do you make financial plans when you find

yourself between taking care of elderly parents and children who havent flown the nest?BY MAILI WONG


Co-Presenting partnersLevel I

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GOVERNANCE EDUCATION PROGRAMGOVERNANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM

CHARLES BOISPar tnerMILLER THOMSON

BELLE KAURAVice-President Legal and Chief Compliance OfficerTHIRD EYE CAPITOL

FARAH MOHAMEDCEOG(irls)20

HELEN RICECouncillor City of Grande PrairieALBERTA URBAN MUNICIPALITIES ASOCIATION

JEANNETTE BRIGGSDirector, Settlements - Corporate Services INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR

PETRA KURETManaging Director ACCENTURE

DR. JANET MORISSIONVice-Provost, StudentsYORK UNIVERSITY

DAVE RICHARDSONVice President, Integrated Solutions DeliveryTELUS COMMUNICATIONS

ROSE M. CAMPBELLLabour Relations Advisor CANADA REVENUE AGENCY

ANGELA LOUIEDirector, Accounting & AdministrationVANCOUVER FRASER PORT AUTHORITY

DR. LOIS NAHIRNEYPresident and CEODNA POWER INC, AND SKINDNA CANADA INC.

JANE SHACKELLPar tnerMILLER THOMSON LLP

VERED KAMINKERManaging Director ACCENTURE

CAROLE MALOPrincipalSTRATFORD VENTURES

CHARLENE PRESSGlobal Program Director, Hire to RetireNESTL, S.A. VEVEY, SWITZERLAND

LORI SPADORCIAVice-President, Communications and Par tnershipsCENTRE FOR ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH (CAMH)

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WANT YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE?

The Get on Board Governance Education Program prepares you for the boardrooms of tomorrow. Offered in two levels, our programs are tailored to your leadership and board experience.

To learn more, including upcoming fall dates, visit boarddiversity.ca or contact [email protected].


W hen I was elected to the Board of Directors for a small charitable organization, I was elated. The organization was focused on social services with a particular emphasis on youth and education. Given my involvement as a volunteer, I looked forward to being involved in an advisory capacity and shaping our direction for the future.

But then I realized there was so much to learn. Boardroom dynamics are crucial, having a direct impact on how boards can effectively meet the needs of its membership and shareholders.

My first experience as a board director positively contributed to my personal and professional growth. And now, as part of my role with the Canadian Board Diversity Council (CBDC), I can use this experience to help develop prospective directors through governance education. This education goes beyond the traditional governance education syllabus to include topics on boardroom culture.

Here are the top three learnings you need to get board-ready.

COURAGE TO ASK TOUGH QUESTIONSAn effective director needs to be able to tackle complex issues and work with fellow directors in order to make decisions. Sometimes this means going against the status quo and having the willingness to ask tough questions and dig into challenging conversations. According to a recent article in Strategy + Business magazine called The Mindful Board, this is known as fearless engagement. Its the ability for directors to articulate their perspectives with honesty and deliberation, even when it may be unpopular. Great ideas can emerge when you are willing to disrupt the status quo.

HEALTHY DEBATE Having the courage to ask tough questions will ultimately lead to some form of debate. A distinguishing feature of a good governance approach is fostering an environment where constructive debate can occur. Healthy debate is about being an active listener and understanding the goal is to find the best solution to meet the needs of an organization. As a director, it means valuing the opinions and input of every contributor and recognizing that you will not always agree. In her seminal book, Culture of Inquiry: Healthy Debate in the Boardroom, Nancy Axelrod probes deeply into the issue of what healthy debate is and its impact in the boardroom. At its core, healthy debate allows a group of directors to make collective decisions for the good of an organization and, once these decisions

are made, ensures they are supported by the whole board.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY Diversity in the boardroom stimulates enriching dialogue. Directors with diverse experiences and backgrounds will look at the same idea in different ways. A critical examination of ideas is necessary in order to counter groupthink. Diversity ensures that new and different ideas are brought to the table and that organizations are more adaptable to an ever-changing landscape. The work of the CBDC has been critical in advancing the dialogue surrounding boardroom diversity.

One way to build board diversity and enhance good governance practices is to educate more professionals across all fields on board governance. Director development training programs, such as Get on Board, provide affordable governance education, that include practical tools to create healthy boards. Whether an aspiring or experienced director, the training provides participants with a foundation in good governance.

Participants complete the program with practical strategies on how to identify and introduce healthy boardroom dynamics. Directors will be prepared for the boardrooms of tomorrowbefore they take that seat at the table.

LORI BROTHERTON is the Manager of Governance Education at the Canadian Board Diversity Council (CBDC).

BY LORI BROTHERTON

THE RECIPE FOR A HEALTHY BOARD


STILL MINE by Amy StuartWhats a summer reading list without a little fiction? In this psychological thriller, Clare is on the runfrom her past, her husband and her secrets. She ends up in Blackmore, a remote mining town, asking questions about a local girl, Shayna, who disappeared. But, as it turns out, Clare isnt the only one hiding something in this small town. To solve the mystery of Shaynas vanishing, Clare has to stop running and confront the truth of what she left behind. From

first-time Canadian novelist Amy Stuart, Still Mine is an instant bestseller that promises to keep you turning the page.

BET ON ME by Annette VerschurenFrom Top 100 Award Winner and recent Speaker Series keynote, Bet on Me follows Annette Verschurens journey from Cape Breton farm girl to leading Home Depot Canada. Verschuren punctuates vivid stories with her philosophy of how to lead and succeed in todays economy: tenacity, the willingness to embrace risk and an unwavering commitment to remain true to yourself. Through challenges and triumphs, Verschuren

draws a clear connection between the early lessons she learned on the farm and the business leader she became. For her, success was never about becoming a leader but about trusting her instincts to step into who she already was.

THE IDEA OF CANADA by David JohnsonGovernor General David Johnston explores the moments, virtues, habits and decisions that make Canada unique on the world stage. Johnston writes his thoughts on the formation and growth of our nation through a series of letters written to characters both living and dead, such as astronaut Chris Hadfield, Olympian Clara Hughes and a 10-year-old Inuit boy who asked him once, Who are you, anyway? Covering many different topics, Johnston pulls from his five-decade experience of

writing several letters each morning before going about the day. From a man who dedicated his life to the service of his country, this book dives into the complex, profound and delicate identity of Canada.

LAB GIRL BY HOPE JAHRENA debut memoir from acclaimed scientist Hope Jahren, Lab Girl is a book about work, love, and the mountains that can be moved when those two things come together. Jahren was recently named one of TIME magazines 100 Most Influential People for being a leader in her field, as well as outspoken about the need to protect plant life and gender dynamics in academic sciences. Simultaneously writing about botany and her life as a

scientist, she weaves together stories of her childhood in rural Minnesota, her journey into science as both a passion and a career, and the lessons plant life revealed about her own life.

STARTLE & ILLUMINATE: CAROL SHIELDS ON WRITING by Carol Shields (Author), Anne Giardini & Nicholas Giardini (Editors)Throughout her career, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Carol Shields (The Stone Diaries, The Republic of Love) encouraged friends, family and students to hone their writing craft. Her legacy touched many people, including her daughter Anne GiardiniTop 100 Award Winner and Chancellor of Simon Fraser University. A writer herself, Giardini

weaves together her mothers poetic and practical advice with the help of her son, Nicholas Giardini, to answer questions about why we read and why we write. Whether youre a writer, aspiring writer or a fan of great Canadian authors like Carol Shields, this book promises to both startle and illuminate with an inside look at a master of her craft.

MARROW by Elizabeth LesserI wanted to explore why we forget who we are, and how we can remember, writes Elizabeth Lesser in the memoirs introduction. Her sister, Maggie, needs a bone marrow transplant. Elizabeth happens to be a perfect match. But the journey to save Maggies life goes beyond the biology, as both sisters decide to undergo a soul marrow transplantdigging through family history, deconstructing

old assumptions and laying bare their true selves. An incredible look at how differently siblings experience childhoods that happen with the same parents, under the same roof, this book shows how these differences can drive us from one another but also pull us back together.

Read and relax this summer! Whether you want to pick up some tips from successful women in their fields or escape into a gripping fictional world, weve collected some of our favourite new releases that

should be on your list for the warmer days ahead.

Summer R&R


FOSTERING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE THROUGH MEASUREMENT

BY CLAUDIA THOMPSON

W hen it comes to fostering a culture of diversity, its key to build trust with stakeholders by demonstrating transparency on where you are and where you want to go next. For the first time, Accenture publicly reported our Canadian statistics on workforce demographics. Its our goal to improve these numbers with each passing year and create the most diverse workforce in Canada, which is currently at 4,000 employees from coast to coast.

Accentures growth depends on having the best people in the industry with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time to solve some of our clients most complex challenges. To do this, we need different skills, viewpoints and experiencesin short, we need diversity to deliver on our business objectives. We know that transparency builds trust, and the richness of diversity in our people makes for a stronger companyand one that is ever more innovative as a result.

Our commitment to diversityin terms of gender, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples and the LGBTQ communitymust be reinforced far beyond our walls. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits that diversity has to offer is learning and growing from each others knowledge and experience, so Im happy to share some of the ways we are working to meet our diversity goals:1. DIVERSITY MUST COME FROM THE TOP DOWN.

Its critical that diversity initiatives are led from the very top, and that the leadership team itself is diverse. As of December 2015, 30.1 per cent of Canadian Accenture Leadership were women. Accentures framework to foster diversity includes performance objectives for the Canada Leadership Council related to inclusion and diversity. This year, together with our Canadian President Bill Morris, I started Accentures Canadian Diversity Council to engage all leadership on our diversity goals. In this way, we know we can make a meaningful difference to our clients, employees and communities in which we live

and work. For example, our Womens Steering Group provides proactive leadership and sponsorship, and our Office Diversity Advocates are a resource and liaison for program sponsorship, awareness and training in each of our locations across Canada.

2. DIVERSITY AS PART OF THE BUSINESS STRATEGY. Diversity must be on the leadership team agenda in a meaningful way and help drive the business strategy. Our clients rely on us to provide diverse teams, to deliver the most innovative solutions to their most complex challengeswhich is only possible if we have many different views and backgrounds upon which to draw. We offer training to executives to ensure that all decisions are free of unconscious bias, including staffing and recruitment. To ensure we are attracting top talent, our business strategy includes the objective to Be Compelling to Senior Women. A steering committee ensures the retention, integration, branding and support for our future and current women leaders at Accenture. Is it paying off? Absolutely. Of our new Managing Directors this year in Canada, 62 per cent were women.

3. FOSTER, TRAIN AND INGRAIN DIVERSITY ACROSS THE COMPANY. Diversity succeeds in a culture that promotes awareness and celebrates its many benefits. Each year, Accenture releases global research on International Womens Day (IWD) to draw awareness to matters such as pay equity and advancing the roles of women in the workplace. This year, our research found that digital fluencythe extent to which both men and women have embraced digital technologies to become more knowledgeable, connected and effectiveis helping to close the gender gap for women in the workplace. It is always rewarding to see the many new connections made between clients, employees and members of the community in our IWD training and networking events. In fact, training is a highly-effective way to promote inclusion and diversity. We offer our employees customized inclusion and diversity programs, which includes a workshop on Leading a Diverse Workforce for our senior leaders. We also have developed employee resource groups to help employees build their networks and engage within communities including women, aboriginal peoples, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, military and men.

CLAUDIA THOMPSON is the Managing Director of Human Capital & Diversity and Canada Practice Lead for Health & Public Service at Accenture.


THANK YOU TO OUR SPEAKER SERIES,WXNWISDOM AND TOP 1OO PARTNERS

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS

THANK YOU TO OUR WXNWISDOM FACILITATORS


Tt le matin, je suis assise sur la terrasse de mon htel, qui surplombe le magnifique port de Victoria, en Colombie-Britannique. Il fait un soleil radieux, les voiliers se dirigent vers la haute mer et je vois des personnes qui profitent de la journe, comme si elles navaient aucune destination prcise elles courent, font du vlo, marchent avec leurs enfants ou leurs chiens. Cela mamne penser au mot sant, un thme abord rcemment par le Rseau des femmes excutives (WXN), plus particulirement dans ce numro de notre publication The Opinion. Toutefois, je ne pense pas ncessairement au substantif lui-mme, mais plutt la sant en tant qutre.

La sant est un concept insaisissable. Il a beaucoup volu depuis lpoque o nos anctres devaient dabord penser survivre plutt qu bien se porter. La sant fait maintenant partie intgrante de nos vies et de notre psych. Elle est l, surveiller si nous prenons les bonnes dcisions dans les parcours que nous suivons. Pour moi, elle exige constamment que je fasse des choix clairs et quilibrs en matire de conditionnement physique, de nutrition et de gestion du stress, afin que je puisse tre une meilleure fille, une meilleure tante, une meilleure sur, une meilleure amie et une meilleure leader. Cela mest apparu comme plus vident depuis que jai accept un rle de leadership au sein de WXN et du CCDA, en janvier. Il a t difficile pour moi de trouver ma place. La sant me pousse dans mes derniers retranchements presque chaque jour, et je sais que ma volont est mise en pril. Je la sens qui me force me ressaisir.

Je rponds son appel parce que je sais quelle veut uniquement mon bien. Comme tout entrepreneur obsd par latteinte de son but, je suis dtermine russir. Je fouille les archives de mon ordinateur et je retrouve un plan daction que javais tabli pour mes rsolutions du Nouvel An 2012 et que javais intitul Tout avoir . Mon plan daction pour vivre en sant sappuie sur cinq piliers : les relations, la bonne forme physique, la nutrition, la spiritualit et les affaires.

Jai renomm ce plan daction 2016, et je me suis demand puis-je vraiment tout avoir? Nous sommes des tres inconstants, mais la sant peut percevoir nos motivations profondes

et elle nous donne loccasion de nous amliorer tous les jours.

Voici les engagements que jai pris envers elle : Je mengage me crer davantage de

souvenirs avec ma famille et mes amis, et leur dire quel point je les apprcie et je les aime.

Je mengage boire plus deau et faire de lexercice plus souvent, moffrir de 6 8 bonnes heures de sommeil toutes les nuits, manger des repas bien quilibrs et prendre mes vitamines.

Je mengage prendre des temps darrt consacrs la rflexion, faire des choses qui me rendent heureuse, apprcier toutes les expriences, comprendre la diffrence entre la progression et la perfection, tre reconnaissante et prier davantage.

Je mengage partager avec mes quipes les leons que japprends, crer une culture de confiance, de collaboration et dapprentissage, et mamuser et rire en le faisant!

Jai sign un accord ferme avec moi-mme et je me suis promis dtre une personne plus en sant et mieux quilibre.

Le soleil se couche maintenant. La journe tire sa fin. Jai mang un petit-djeuner nutritif, jai fait une promenade sur le port, je me suis accord quelques moments de dtente avec une sance de soins du visage et jai crit mes penses dans mon journal personnel. Cest ma dernire soire Victoria, que je passe avec ma mre, mon frre et ma belle-sur. Nous prenons notre temps en dgustant un Cabernet Sauvignon, en riant et en nous crant de trs prcieux souvenirs. Pour le dessert, jopte pour une glace et jen savoure chaque bouche avec un sourire espigle. Je relaxe et profite de ce moment mmorable cest pour moi loccasion de prendre conscience de limportance de la sant dans son ensemble. Ce sont les petits choix que nous faisons qui sadditionnent pour finir par faire une norme diffrence. Ce ne fut quune journe. Mais tandis quelle sachve, je prends conscience de ce que me rserve lavenir parce que je sais que, aujourdhui, jai fait un choix sant.

A LETTER FROM OUR CEO

Sherri StevensCEO, WXN


Sils veulent vraiment innover, les leaders doivent rflchir la vision et la stratgie long terme de la Socit, aux obstacles (immdiats et futurs) quil faudra surmonter pour mener bien cette vision, et la faon damener tous les membres dans lorganisation se concentrer sur lobjectif et latteindre dans leurs domaines respectifs.

Avec la mondialisation, llargissement des zones commerciales et lallongement des chanes dapprovisionnement, la russite en affaires dpend encore plus dentretenir des contacts personnels sur de longues distances. Cest pourquoi la demande de voyages daffaires ne cesse de crotre et les besoins des voyageurs daffaires continuent dvoluer.

Selon une tude mene le printemps dernier par la Global Business Travel Association, 23,5 G$ 1,5 % du PIB du pays ont t dpenss pour des voyages daffaires de tous genres au Canada en 2013. Ltude a galement montr que les dpenses ont augment depuis et devraient afficher une hausse de 5,3 % en 2015. Voil pourquoi les voyages daffaires reprsentent un segment

de march extrmement important et porteur pour le Canada en gnral et Air Canada en particulier.

La Socit a donc fait du service aux voyageurs daffaires un objectif fondamental. Nous investissons notre argent (et notre nergie) dans notre source de revenus au moyen de diverses initiatives, notamment le rseau mondial hautement interreli et les puissantes plaques tournantes que nous btissons pour vous amener destination plus efficacement; les fauteuils-lits ultramodernes de la Classe affaires internationale permettant darriver destination frais et dispos, et dattaque pour prendre des dcisions ainsi que nos nouveaux salons Feuille drable donnant la possibilit dutiliser le temps pass dans les aroports pour refaire le plein dnergie ou rattraper du travail; notre collaboration avec le clbre chef David Hawksworth pour concevoir des repas uniques pour tous nos salons Feuille drable et la Classe affaires internationale; loffre bord du Wi-Fi et dun contenu de divertissement sans pareil, et une foule de dtails, comme les machines espressos dans les avions et les applications pour montres intelligentes.

Les exigences en matire dconomies de temps et de commodit accrue guident nos efforts. Cela se reflte dans nos principales liaisons internationales comme TorontoTokyo Haneda et VancouverDelhi. Notre vol entre Toronto et Tokyo Haneda est le plus court chemin pour se rendre de Tokyo au nord-est de lAmrique du Nord, et notre service sans escale VancouverDelhi qui

sera lanc bientt offrira les trajets les plus rapides sur Delhi au dpart de Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Portland, Seattle et Los Angeles. Notre gamme grandissante doutils mobiles et en ligne, de mme que le travail que nous accomplissons auprs des organismes de rglementation afin de simplifier les formalits de sret, de douanes et dimmigration auxquelles nos voyageurs assidus sont soumis laroport, contribuent amliorer lexprience des clients, qui peuvent grer leurs voyages o quils soient.

Nous offrons des vols rguliers directs pour 64 destinations au Canada, 55 aux tats-Unis et 87 en Europe, au Moyen-Orient, en Afrique, en Asie, en Australie, dans les Antilles, au Mexique, en Amrique centrale et en Amrique du Sud, en plus de simplifier les correspondances dans nos plaques tournantes canadiennes, ce qui laisse aux voyageurs daffaires assidus plus de temps au sol pour tablir des relations professionnelles en personne, plutt que de simples contacts virtuels.

Selon ltude annuelle dIpsos Reid sur les dplacements daffaires au Canada, nous sommes le transporteur favori de 86 % des voyageurs daffaires canadiens assidus, un rsultat qui sest nettement amlior au cours des cinq dernires annes. Mais nous savons que nous devons et allons continuer dinnover pour demeurer un chef de file mondial parmi les transporteurs qui ciblent les voyageurs daffaires.

Extrait dune allocution de CALIN ROVINESCU, prsident et chef de la direction dAir Canada.

AU SERVICE DES VOYAGEURS DAFFAIRES PAR CALIN ROVINESCU


MERCI NOS PARTENAIRES

MERCI NOS MEMBRES DENTREPRISE

MERCI NOS ANIMATRICES DES PROGRAMMES DE MENTORAT WXNWISOM


The WXNWisdom Top 25 Mentoring programme is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from one of Irelands Most Powerful Women: Top 25 Award Winners. Participants in the programme receive one-on-one mentoring from a Top 25 Award Winner as well as take part in three days of educational sessions focused on professional and personal growth presented by our education partner, the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.

Two informal networking evenings with your fellow mentees to further discuss your career challenges and opportunities.

A complimentary life-time WXN membership (a value of 100).

EDUCATION PARTNER

Visit www.wxnetwork.ie or call 1-800-550-403 ext. 235 for more information.

LOOKING FOR MORE?

TOP 25 WXNWISDOM

MENTORING PROGRAMME

INVEST IN YOU!

2016 MENTORS INCLUDE

BRID HORAN Non Executive Director

ISAX

HELEN DOOLEY Group General Counsel

AIB

JUDY BYRNE HR Director & Co-Founder

Crewlink

LAVERNE MCGUINNESSCEO

Talbot Group


The WXNWisdom Top 25 Mentoring programme is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from one of Irelands Most Powerful Women: Top 25 Award Winners. Participants in the programme receive one-on-one mentoring from a Top 25 Award Winner as well as take part in three days of educational sessions focused on professional and personal growth presented by our education partner, the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.

Two informal networking evenings with your fellow mentees to further discuss your career challenges and opportunities.

A complimentary life-time WXN membership (a value of 100).

EDUCATION PARTNER

Visit www.wxnetwork.ie or call 1-800-550-403 ext. 235 for more information.

LOOKING FOR MORE?

TOP 25 WXNWISDOM

MENTORING PROGRAMME

INVEST IN YOU!

2016 MENTORS INCLUDE

BRID HORAN Non Executive Director

ISAX

HELEN DOOLEY Group General Counsel

AIB

JUDY BYRNE HR Director & Co-Founder

Crewlink

LAVERNE MCGUINNESSCEO

Talbot Group

If an organisation had a stated policy of wilfully ignoring half of the talent, ideas and insights in the world, there would be widespread shock and dismay among shareholders. Yet, for generations, many organisations have been overlooking the benefits of diversity.

By excluding employees from diverse backgroundsincluding womenfrom decision-making roles, they were losing out on a wealth of talent at who knows what long-term cost to the organisation. Study after study has shown that greater diversity and inclusion in organisations leads to better decision making and, ultimately, better performance.

This has long been the view of HSBC: that with an inclusive and diverse workforce, the company makes better decisions, is less prone to groupthink and has access to multiple sources of information and wider industry knowledge.

The benefits are enormous. In addition to helping attract and retain the best talent, it helps us understand our customers, enables better problem-solving and enhances performance, as well as competitiveness. The business case for providing opportunity to all is compellingbesides being the right thing to do, its also about competitive advantage. We feel our approach to diversity and inclusion is aligned to our HSBC Values of being open to different ideas and cultures by listening, treating people fairly and equally, and valuing different perspectives.

But it is more than just about a numbers game. Recruiting equal numbers of women and men into an organisation during the annual graduate intake is not necessarily reflected in balance at the C-suite in later years. In fact, there is still a huge imbalance at this level, even among many organisations that have had the most enlightened recruitment policies for the longest.

There is a cultural issue at play as well. Traditionally, it has been the case in many businesses that success was predicated on the number of hours you spent in the office; taking a break, venturing outside the building or differing from that model wasnt the route to the top. Aside from being a model that automatically made it tough for women who wanted to have children, that was surely a short-sighted viewpoint overall.

Whilst HSBC has made significant strides in enabling employees to achieve a work-life balance, our diversity and inclusion programme also focuses on tackling in-built cultural biases.

Its healthier and more enriching for employeesand for organisationsto take a broader perspective. A company benefits from people with different experiences, who have

worked in other industries, or who have been parents and caregivers. That has big implications for the way we help people plan their careers.

HSBCs Balance Network was set up to address these points, aimed squarely at improving the balance of the company itself. The Balance initiatives mission is to support the recruitment, development, enhancement and engagement of a gender-balanced workforce within HSBC within a merit based environment. As of 2015, the HSBC Balance Network had 2,073 members in the UKmale and femaleand over 23 branches worldwide.

HSBC Ireland launched its first Balance Branch on March 8th this year, coinciding with International Womens Day. The event was a great success with over 30 per cent of colleagues in attendance, representing all levels of the organisation.

But why have a network with both males and females in it to address this problem?

Far better to ask why have a network made up exclusively of women when women arent actually the problem. When

defining and designing Balance to make a difference, we felt strongly that traditional womens networks were not necessarily the right approach to impact gender diversity, and that to make a real difference, both men and women had to be included from the start. Balances pioneering approach set out to impact gender diversity, appealing to and including both men and women equally.

To bring about a change in mind-set regarding gender diversity, we knew certain archaic and embedded stereotypes would be difficult to transform so we werent afraid to call out bad behaviour or communicate any inappropriate conduct to management teams.

A change in the cultural conversation was driven to raise awareness while flexible working was promoted; for example, pregnant colleagues were encouraged and supported in a soft return to work.

We have already seen improvements in terms of the number of women applying for and being promoted to senior positions, as well as a changed attitude to maternity leaveit has become a non-issue among male colleagues.

We are also building a stronger pipeline of female candidates through enhanced succession planning, talent development, expanding mentoring and sponsorship opportunities.

This is just the start in a long-term global journey which will not end until weve achieved a truly inclusive organisation at all levels.

LISA EYRE is the Compliance Manager at HSBC Ireland.

BY LISA EYRE

Balance IS THE KEY TO

CORPORATE HEALTH

A COMPANY BENEFITS FROM

PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT

EXPERIENCES, WHO HAVE WORKED IN

OTHER INDUSTRIES, OR WHO HAVE

BEEN PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS.

27 IRELAND | WXNETWORK.COM

On 16 June, WXN hosted the fifth annual Top 25 Leadership Summit and Awards Gala at the InterContinental, Dublin. The day was an opportunity for Irelands female leaders to take the podium and share their learnings with other high-achieving professionals. It was a chance to celebrate and recognise 25 women from the arts, business and public sector who continue to push the boundaries of whats possible for themselves, their peers and the next generation.

The afternoon Leadership Summit facilitated networking among hundreds of prominent professionals and thought leadership from nine Top 25 Award Winners. A panel discussion opened the event, examining how to create companies able to compete globally and what it takes to attract and retain the best staff along the way.

The professional development continued with a keynote presentation from Rose Hynes, Chair of The Shannon Group & Origin Enterprises. Rose discussed the key traits of leadership: strength, character, judgement, resilience and decisiveness, and whether these qualities can be learned.

A second panel discussion followed, this one on Getting Big, Complex Projects Right, featuring leaders from The Walt Disney Company, Google Ireland, CRH plc and the Department of Finance.

The energy and momentum carried through to the evening Awards Gala, bringing together over 430 industry leaders from across Ireland to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of the 25 Award Winners.

Guests at the Awards Gala heard from Mary Fitzgerald, an award-winning journalist and analyst. In her keynote presentation, Mary spoke on the grit, resilience and determination it takes to be a war correspondent. Sharing the podium next were two leading lights in Irelands fashion industry: Breege ODonoghue, Board Member and Group Director, Business Development & New Markets, Penneys/Primark; and Designer Louise Kennedy.

We were honoured to provide the space for Irelands most powerful leaders to shinethank you to everyone who helped make that possible.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Above: Mary Sheahan, Country Manager, Perrigo Ireland; Marguerite Sayers, Managing Director, ESB Networks; Niamh Townsend, General Manager, Dell Ireland; and moderator Bronwyn Brophy, Vice President Early Technologies, Medtronic EMEA.Right: Johanna ODriscoll, Head of Group Financial Evaluation & Advisory Services, CRH plc; Una Fox, VP, The Walt Disney Company; Anne Nolan, Second Secretary General, Department of Finance. Moderating the discussion was the brilliant Helan Tynan, Director of People Operations, Google Ireland.

RECOGNISING AND CELEBRATING

IRELANDS MOST POWERFUL WOMEN:

TOP 25 AWARD WINNERS


WXN IS THRILLED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING AWARD WINNERS JOIN THE TOP 25 COMMUNITY:

ARTS & CULTUREANNE ENRIGHT, Man Booker Prize Winning Author, Inaugural Laureate for Irish Fiction LOUISE KENNEDY, Fashion Designer, Louise KennedyCAMILLE SOUTER, Artist, Aosdna Member and Saoi

DAVY BUSINESS LEADERSUNA FOX, Vice President, The Walt Disney CompanyROSE HYNES, Chairman, Origin Enterprises plc and Shannon Group plcBREEGE ODONOHUE, Board Member and Group Director, Business

the opinion - summer 2016

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