Breaking through a glass ceiling of hesitation

It's time for women to embrace their licence to lead, writes Gina Grandy.

In September 2023, I became the first appointed woman dean of the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary.

Does that matter? I believe it does. As we mark International Women's Day today, even more so.

Haskayne, like other business schools, is responsible for shaping the leaders of tomorrow and equipping them with the skills, knowledge and experience to make lasting, progressive change in the workforce. If we hold this expectation of our students as future leaders, we need to hold ourselves accountable for being part of that change.

I consider myself a reluctant leader. What I mean is that I come to leadership roles reluctantly. I am in a leadership role because others saw something in me that I have outright rejected, refused to accept or ignored for many years.

Years ago, when offered one of my first senior leadership roles, I initially declined, expressing gratitude but hesitation. I promised to ponder it but warned them to not hold their breath for a yes. Ultimately, I surprised myself by accepting.

In reaching that decision, I reflected on the irony of teaching women leadership courses and talking about how numbers matter and the need to drive change from within. How could I not try if I expected them to? I would be a walking, talking contradiction.

My reluctance was not a confidence issue. I was already making a positive impact in the classroom, through my research and in the community, and that was fulfilling. My reluctance, and that which many women experience, is reflective of a complexity of factors — fewer role models (we need to see it, to be it), fewer sponsors willing to recommend women for leadership roles, women taking seriously job profiles that list a ridiculous number of qualifications and then not applying as a result, a misalignment between their values and the leader role expectations, or unwelcoming, sometimes even hostile cultures.

Thanks to incredible sponsors, I said yes, and embarked upon a whirlwind of unexpected changes, ultimately becoming dean at Haskayne. I really needed to be nudged — my sponsors may even say shoved — into formal leadership. I am grateful to my advocates, mentors and sponsors for being so persistent in their nudging.

What's most important is that I'm here.

Was it easy? No. Do all women get the opportunities that came my way? No. Are the experiences of women leaders different of men? Usually. Are the expectations higher for women leaders? Definitely yes.

I have come to realize that I can lean into something new without having full certainty. I must try if I want a different future than our present.

A couple of weeks ago at Haskayne's graduate programs open house, a woman introduced herself to me. She told me how she saw a link to a video I was in where I described myself as a work in progress, and that this deeply resonated with her. Those words coming from a woman leader had a big impact. She decided Haskayne was the place for her to stretch and learn among other women leaders. It is a reminder of why I do this, why it is important and why representation matters.

I am proud and privileged to lead at Haskayne. Are we perfect? No. Can we stand to be better? Yes. But we are getting there.

I encourage all women to raise their hands, to put their names forward and to especially apply to programs and jobs that will foster their growth and nurture their potential — even if they are facing an undercurrent of reluctance. And if an opportunity comes your way, let's break the ceiling of hesitation.

But let me be clear. This isn't a women's issue. This responsibility doesn't rest with just women. It's everyone's responsibility.

Gina Grandy is the first appointed woman dean and professor of the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. She began her tenure in September 2023, and this is her second appointment as dean of a business school in Canada.