Who's Who Women in Business

6 who's who women in business Helen Halliday, General Manager of Delta Winnipeg W hen you run a hotel, it's more than just a career — it's a lifestyle. Helen Halliday, general manager of Delta Winnipeg, has embraced hotel life for three decades, creating a welcoming home for guests while opening doors for other women in the hospitality industry. "Like any home, you're operating in a community and you work with your neighbours. I just love doing that," she says. "I have a great hotel to run and the variety is certainly endless." A University of Guelph graduate, Halliday began her career at the renowned Chateau Lake Louise, followed by the Palliser Hotel and then the Delta Bow Valley in Calgary, where she rose to become director of operations. She also served as director of operations for the Delta Ottawa Hotel & Suites, and earned awards for her achievements as general manager of Delta Brunswick in Saint John. When she became general manager of Delta Winnipeg in June 2000, she had the opportunity to oversee a complete renovation of the 393-room hotel, while rebranding it from the former Crowne Plaza. Today, she's nearing the end of another $20-million renovation. Throughout the different stages of her career, Halliday has appreciated the ongoing support she received from Delta leaders. When she started with the company 30 years ago, she was able to connect with successful women in the company since Delta employed an abundance of female leaders. "I remain a proud representative of Delta and I am encouraged in my work," she says. "I believe that I need to be a spokesperson and a role model for women in our organization and in the industry. It helps to have sightlines of individuals who have blazed their own trail." To ensure that other female leaders have the tools they need for success, Halliday takes time to guide their professional development. "I like to offer myself as a mentor whenever I can," she says. She also applauds the efforts of other women in the community. When the SHEday women's leadership event was mounted in January, she attended with nine female leaders from her hotel. "I was so honoured to be there with the women on my team and spend the day with them," she says. For other aspiring businesswomen, Halliday offers words of encouragement. "It's important for women to know that it is possible to be a successful business leader, as well as a wife and mother. It takes focus, good planning and a great partnership in a marriage," says the mother of two. "Having role models who have balanced life's blessings, while also managing successful professional careers serve as great counsel and can inspire each other," she adds. "If I was to do it all over again, I would do it exactly the same way." • Room to Grow { hotel gM has no reserVations about career choices } By Jennifer McFee Halliday and nine female leaders from her hotel attended SHEday together. Front, from left: Gurmeet Gill, Joan Enns, Crystal Seman, Margaret Logan. Middle, from left: Helen Halliday, Melanie Weir, Debbie Anderson. Back, from left: Tracy Dandeneau, Oksana Ilchenko, Tracy Zdrill PHOTO By DARCy FINLEy PHOTO By CORy ARONEC PHOTOGRAPHy

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