Who's Who Women in Business

19 Young Canadians are entering the world of work at a time of great uncertainty. It is being disrupted by technology, diversity, trade, and aging demographics. From longer life spans to the impact of rapidly evolving technology to greater career mobility, the degree of change we're experiencing in our lifetimes today is almost unprecedented. Automation is revolutionizing or reimagining nearly every job description touching the lives of so many of us in different ways – as a business community which cares about our clients and their evolving needs; as corporate citizens committed to helping our communities thrive and prosper; as employers and educators who deeply care about the needs, capabilities, and future of our country's talent; as parents and caregivers or as those of us who identify as youth. It is because of this that RBC introduced RBC Future Launch - a half billion dollar, 10-year commitment to the belief that if we collectively invest in young Canadians and prepare them for the future of work, they will thrive and drive the Canadian economy for the benefit of all. RBC Future Launch identifies work integrated learning, 21st century skill development, and access to knowledge networks or mentors as being foundational to addressing this issue. And here's why this matters to the women in our community. While the impact of automation and disruption may seem non-prejudicial to gender, in fact women are at greater risk as they traditionally hold over half of the 35% of Canadian jobs that face an elevated risk of digital disruption and automation. This translates into over 3.4 million jobs. While women are at a greater risk, women are also well positioned for the future. It is through a particular adeptness with 21st century skills that we find our true power. 21st century skills include communication, resilience, empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking - key skills aligned to those careers statistically proven to be held by more women than men. As Manitoba's premiere women's leadership conference, SHEday showcases through both their mission and vibrant audience, that there is an incredible appetite among women to come together as a collective to share, hear, and empower. It is why RBC has proudly stepped up as presenting sponsor each year since the event's inception and it is why we contribute to this publication year after year. Women: Who's Who has a tremendous commitment to showcasing and elevating the stories of women in business in Manitoba. This is why each year since 2015, we have provided different perspectives from women at RBC addressing and overcoming barriers. In the 2015 publication, RBC Regional President Kim Ulmer challenged us to be the best version of ourselves versus a second rate version of someone else. Kim shared her passion for mentorship and for paying it forward on to the next generation the gifts of knowledge passed along to her. In 2016, the women of RBC's Commercial Financial Services reminded us to be fully present in our communities while standing shoulder to shoulder supporting one another. In 2017, RBC Regional Vice President Annette Sabourin set out a call to action for us to be the architect of our lives by creating a brand authentic to us, to live boldly and bravely ensuring our inner critic never casts doubt on our worthiness, and to create a vibrant community all around us giving back by embracing our authenticity, humility, and transparency. And in 2018, the next generation of RBC women leaders shared with us that they are indeed the now generation, ready to unlock their potential. Eager to seek out truth tellers, sponsorship, and mentors, they are poised to contribute to a culture of belonging. The thread that connects each of these perspectives is the importance of the collective we. We as women are approaching the future from a place of strength. When we walk through the door, we must leave it open behind us so that others may walk through. When we remember to reach back and help others step forward, there is nothing we can't achieve together. What we know to be true is this: When you change a young woman's life, you change not only their trajectory, you change their family and you change a community. When you change a community, you change the world… and that is where we will find a community of empowered, enabled, and engaged women ready to run it. ❚ Dedicated to the empowered, enabled, and engaged women of our community and those women and men who continue to reach back to help others step forward. WHO RUNS THE WORLD? RBC

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