ELYSE ALLAN

President & CEO

GE CANADA

A passionate champion for Canada’s competitiveness, Elyse Allan is responsible for growing GE’s business in Canada and advancing the company’s leadership in advanced technology, services and finance.

“I am inspired by many leaders: historical, current and fictional! Working at GE, I have learned more about our founder, Thomas Edison, and am amazed by his drive for technology innovation — similar to another remarkable creative genius, Leonardo da Vinci. Most importantly for me, the leaders I have worked for and with at GE over the years are a great source of motivation and inspiration. I have learned that a good leader makes the difference in achieving success, leadership can be learned, your style can and should evolve, there are core beliefs that matter, and that leadership can translate across sectors and geographies.”

“I am intrigued by McKinsey and Company’s recent work that speaks to the lack of confidence women have relative to men in their ability to achieve their desired goals — in part because of company culture. I think we may need to spend more time with male leaders to help them better appreciate the culture they create and the positive impact their behaviours can have on a woman’s ability to succeed — whether that woman is a friend, work colleague and peer or direct report.”

“One of the biggest projects in my career has been the build-out and launch of Videotron’s advanced wireless services network. It was an amazing albeit high-risk adventure and a terrific learning experience for me.”

“No matter what your skills and experience may be, some people still look at you as a ‘female executive,’ not simply a leader. I had the good fortune to join an organization, Quebecor, that recognizes female leadership and talent, and where I had the opportunity to get to know a number of women in executive positions.”

“Committed. Professionally, personally, socially. You have to find meaning in what you do. I never got up in the morning and said to myself, I want to become the president of a company. That was never my career goal. What I wanted was to make a difference at a company by meeting challenges and solving problems, while realizing myself in all my other roles — as wife, mother, colleague and friend.”

“I’m most proud of the work I did with CIBC’s corporate credit team, growing our bank’s corporate loan portfolio and strengthening our client relationships in the process.”

“I think we still have to tackle biases (for instance, hiring in your own image) in the workplace. To overcome those, we need to hold management accountable and be persistent in creating the culture and environment that supports diversity. And you absolutely need leadership from the top.”

“We still need more leaders — both men and women— to take on a sponsorship role. I think we’re making progress, but it needs to become the norm.”

“You need to be accountable for your own career and be willing to take real risks.”