Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1120507
36 In her dual roles as Executive Vice-President & Chief Actuary Canada, and as President, Quebec Affairs, for Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life), Monique Maynard plays a vital role in the insurer's success, standing alongside the most senior executives in providing strategic insights to the company's President and Chief Operating Officer. Monique first joined Great-West Life in 1987 as a Bachelor of Commerce graduate with a major in actuarial mathematics (Honours) from the University of Manitoba, where she learned to apply leadership, management and mathematical disciplines to real life financial problems involving future uncertainty. achieving success BY FOSTERING PASSION MONIQUE MAYNARD, CANADA LIFE PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY Her role today is to ensure independent oversight of all actuarial activities, establishing and monitoring sound actuarial processes, practices and the application of sound professional judgment across the Canadian business – a perfect fit for this forward-looking leader, who enjoys challenges, analysis and problem-solving. "I love my work, but what excites me is working in a company whose mission matches my values. I like knowing that together, our contributions improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of our clients, which is why being part of our organization's move from three separate brands – Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life – to a single new Canada Life brand was so rewarding. Now we can deliver an even better experience for customers and advisors. We're also now able to move faster in bringing new and innovative products to market and provide better clarity about who we are and what we do." Part of Monique's success is due to her ability to envision emerging trends in the industry. She was seeking an opportunity to influence the direction of the insurance industry when she was appointed to the MIB Group Inc. (formerly the Medical Information Bureau) board of directors in 2012, for a three- year term. She was recognized for her accomplishments in short order by the Insurance Journal as a Woman of Influence in 2014. As Canada Life's first President, Quebec Affairs, Monique also oversees all interactions with the community, industry and government, provides strategic direction to all major initiatives affecting Canada Life's business and customers in Quebec, and Quebec perspectives to national initiatives. "French is my mother language," Monique proudly shares. "I grew up on a farm in a family of seven, where we spoke only French, as did most of our community of Saint- Malo, a francophone village south of Winnipeg. So, I've really been enjoying deepening my knowledge of the Quebec market and culture." Taking on dual President and Executive level roles requires enormous energy and commitment, but Monique relishes the opportunity to provide strong leadership to her teams in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. "I aspire to be an inspirational leader, with a focus on people," she declares. "That is where my passion is. Leadership is not about a title, it is a way of being — being visible, present, caring and respectful. My golden rule is: 'Treat others as you would like them to treat you.' Leadership is also about who you are as an individual, so be authentic. The Monique at work is the same Monique as at home. I speak with my heart. Finally, be transparent. Share the vision and direction of the organization and help employees recognize how important they are to the success and future of our company." ❚ Monique Maynard, FCIA, FSA, is President, Quebec Affairs and Executive Vice- President, Chief Actuary Canada, for Canada Life. She is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. She sits on the Warren Chair Committee at the University of Manitoba and is a member of the board for L'Arche Winnipeg, and until May 2018, was on the board of directors of MIB Group Inc. Follow Monique Maynard on LinkedIn.