Who's Who Women in Business

who's who women in business 5 Marina James, Brenda LaRose and Mary Jane Loustel about juggling family and workplace commitments, struggles with personal insecurities and crises of confidence. One woman talked about how she'd quit a high-level job after her boss told her she had to put work ahead of her kids. "She had no idea what was going to happen, but she made the decision: 'I can't do that,'" LaRose says. "Her career still moved forward and blossomed even more because she opened herself up for other opportunities that fit her values." At the end of the day, one woman told LaRose that hearing these stories from well-established women in leadership roles had changed her life and her view of her own capabilities. "That's what was special about this day. Everybody was there and they spoke the truth." Loustel says many women spoke about the imposter syndrome — that nagging feeling that you're not as smart, accomplished or competent as people believe. "I've actually heard men express those same points of view, but I think more predominantly we see it with women because they're often the first — either the first in their family to be doing this or the first in their community. They may be the first female in a profession," she says. "So encouraging women to be confident in these areas and also to rise to the opportunities to build their confidence is really important." Loustel says there was also a lot of talk about personal brand, a concept with which she struggled until she realized that making decisions based on her values and priorities allows her to be more focused and confident in her choices. Her career and volunteer decisions are based on whether or not there's an element that allows her to change the experience of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. And leading the SHEday 2015 effort was a good fit. "Our city is on the front pages of national papers because of the risks that are posed to women, and in particular dealing with missing and murdered women and indigenous women. And I just felt that there wasn't enough thought being given by women in our own city about what role we might play to help support indigenous women and advocate for more attention to bring closure to this," she says. "I also felt the solution to getting young girls off the streets and into safer environments has a lot to do with socio-economic opportunities, so having a social setting where they feel included and having economic opportunities where women who are parenting can actually provide for their children." Women play a significant role in building a healthy and productive society, and it's important that we work toward a better community, encourage one another and build strength, she says. "When we start to realize that we as a group of 600 women have a lot in common, then that circle can grow and grow and grow." Loustel, LaRose and James planned SHEday 2015 as a one-time event. However, they may seek strategic partners who specialize in women's development to carry the concept forward, and James says they'd like to continue as mentors. She cites Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In philosophy when she says they want more women to have — and expect — a seat at the table. "Let's be the change that we want to see by supporting each other." • Let's be the change that we want to see by supporting each other." From left: Marina James, President & CEO Economic Development Winnipeg, Brenda LaRose, Executive Search Partner, Leaders & Co., Mary Jane Loustel, National Aboriginal Program Executive, IBM Canada PHOTO By DARCy FINLEy

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