Who's Who Women in Business

10 who's who women in business Carol-Ann Borody-Siemens, CEO of GBL Solutions c arol-Ann Borody-Siemens is one of those high achieving, high performing women who broke through the glass ceiling of the insurance industry to make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of Manitoba companies, families and communities. Carol-Ann was first attracted to the insurance and benefits industry by her father, the late Walter Borody, owner of C.W. Pooles and Company. She had been working in corrections as a parole officer and trainer when he asked her to make a mid-career switch and become a partner in the family business. "It was not as big a leap for me as people think," says Carol-Ann. "Joining the business gave me the opportunity to do two things I love – work more closely with my own family and give other families peace of mind by helping them plan for their future." She also confessed that having thick skin made it easier to overcome the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry. Carol-Ann built a solid reputation as a creative and hardworking advisor to Manitoba families and businesses. Following her father's death in 1991, Carol-Ann continued to own and operate the family business until 2006, when she sold a portion of it to focus on the benefits and insurance division. As President and CEO of GBL Solutions, she is focused on providing effective and affordable quality group benefits and life insurance solutions to small and mid-sized businesses. "My vision was to move our business forward by helping Manitoba businesses provide the best possible benefits to their employees," says Carol-Ann. "By helping them meet their employees' needs, our clients become stronger and more competitive, and Manitoba families and communities become stronger and healthier too." Like a lot of successful women, Carol-Ann used her talents and business prowess to give back to her community through a number of voluntary and philanthropic activities. She served as chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, as president of the Women's Business Owners of Manitoba, and worked on various committees for St. Mary's Academy and the University of Winnipeg, both her alma maters. Her current passion is raising money for a Victoria General Hospital Foundation project focused on preventing heart disease in women. For Her Heart's Sake is a unique and innovative inter-disciplinary project designed to reduce heart disease by transforming the way it is diagnosed and treated, and by empowering women to live healthier and longer. "I can't imagine a project that could be closer to my heart," says Carol-Ann. "Heart disease is the number one killer of women in our communities. It's costly for employers, for insurance companies, for governments and especially for women and families. Raising money for this project is not only smart business, it's the right thing to do." Carol-Ann is careful to follow her own advice, making time for her own health and well-being. She is an avid golfer and bookworm, who enjoys downhill skiing with her husband, Peter, and spending time with their family, including their three granddaughters, at their cottage at Whiteshell Provincial Park. • Using her Talents to Give Back { inVesting in a healthier and stronger Manitoba } By Karen Taraska-Alcock For Her Heart's Sake, a women's health project, is one of Borody-Siemens' current passions. PHOTO By DARCy FINLEy

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