Executive Leaders Awards

Recognizing women, aged 40 plus, who not only exemplify what it means to be a great leader, but also build confidence and champion others

RUPA BAHRI

BS Eng, MS, MBA Business Unit General Manager, Canada, HALEON

BIO: Rupa is the Canadian Business Unit General Manager of Haleon, a leading global consumer healthcare company. She leads one of Haleon's top five global markets, overseeing 1,200 people who are working to deliver better everyday health with humanity. Rupa is a highly accomplished executive with expertise in driving business growth, leading organizational change, and building high-performing teams. With over two decades' experience in health care, she has worked in strategic and operational roles spanning local and global scale.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: It means being mindful of the legacy you want to leave behind and the impact you want to have. Once you have figured out your personal purpose, what you uniquely can do, the rest falls into place.

LISA LARONDE

CPA, CMA

President,

RSG INTERNATIONAL; President, CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION (CAWIC)

BIO: Lisa Laronde is a powerful advocate for women in leadership. Through her influential speaking engagements and podcast appearances, her aim is to inspire women in all industries, particularly construction. Lisa is passionate about building psychologically safe work environments, where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of her organization. Her business acumen and demonstrated success in growing market share make Lisa a unique and inspirational leader.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: To be yourself and work with a company that aligns with your core values.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and impact future generations.

POWER SONG: Woman, Kesha

DANIELLE BARRAN

CPA, MBA, ICD.D President, North American Potato Division & Canada, MCCAIN FOODS LTD.; Board Member, PET VALU

BIO: Danielle Barran brings over 25 years of experience in the North American food and beverage industry. She is responsible for the company's largest business unit, and its nine manufacturing plants across Canada and the U.S. Danielle is a results-driven executive known for her authentic leadership, business transformation and DE&I advocacy. Danielle holds a Master of Business Administration from Ivey Business School at Western University, and an ICD.D designation.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Working to make the road behind me, for others, smoother than the one in front.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Acting with meaning and purpose and having a positive impact on those around me.

POWER SONG: Run the World (Girls), Beyoncé

DR. ATTY MASHATAN

CISSP

Canada Research Chair and Associate Professor, TORONTO METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY; Director, CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH LAB

BIO: Dr. Atty Mashatan's expertise at the frontlines of the global cybersecurity field was recognized by SC Magazine in 2019, when she was named one of the top five Women of Influence in Security. Most recently, she received the recognition of Top 20 Women in Cybersecurity in Canada for her efforts in advancing cybersecurity research and training highly qualified personnel in the field.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Continuous learning and growth is the number one key to success. Flexibility and the ability to adapt is the next. Having a positive attitude always helps no matter the circumstance.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Having the power to shape ideas and influence actions leaving lasting and impactful results.

POWER SONG: Eye Of The Tiger, Survivor

RENÉE LAFLAMME

FCPA, FCA, CFA Executive Vice-president, Individual Insurance, Savings and Retirement, ia FINANCIAL GROUP

BIO: Renée Laflamme is Executive Vice-president, Individual Insurance, Savings and Retirement at ia Financial Group in Canada. Ms. Laflamme has a Bachelor of Administration from Laval University and is a chartered accountant and chartered financial analyst. In 2017, she was awarded the title of Fellow CPA. She joined ia Financial Group in 1998. Renée Laflamme's strategic vision and business sense, combined with her energy and experience, contribute to the growth of ia Financial Group and its positive impact on the community.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: The importance of being willing to step out of your comfort zone. Never hesitate to take on new challenges, experience new ways of working, innovate, and always learn.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: It is, to me, working harder today to prepare the success of tomorrow, knowing how to orchestrate the work of multi-disciplinary teams and transmit our enthusiasm and energy.

KIMBERLEY MASON

Hons BA, MBA, ICD.D Executive Vice President and Head, RBC PRIVATE BANKING, CANADA, RBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT

BIO: As the head of RBC Private Banking Canada, a business serving high-net-worth individuals and their families, Kim is responsible for shaping business strategy and driving growth. A dedicated community advocate, Kim has held director and chair roles on boards for the past two decades and currently serves on the board of University Health Network Foundation and Canada's Walk of Fame.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Listening is one of the most important skills. Understanding your business at the most fundamental level - including what motivates employees and clients alike is critical to your success. A listening tour at the start of any role is one of the best investments a leader can make.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: I think longevity stems from gratefulness. You can persevere through any downturn in your life or career if you can find a reason to be grateful — and bring that forward every day. That makes every day, every moment, legendary.

MONIQUE MAYNARD

FCIA, FSA Executive Vice-president, Chief Actuary Canada & President, Quebec Affairs, CANADA LIFE

BIO: Since joining Canada Life in 1986, Monique has dedicated herself to helping customers to propel the business to success. In both of her roles, she shapes strategy and brings a critical eye to all decisions. Her visionary leadership means putting people first, embracing empowerment on her teams. She is a trailblazer for women and relentlessly advocates for progress on DEI. Beyond her career, she is an active community contributor, leaving a lasting impact through her commitments.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: While preparation and relying on others are key, always remember to trust your gut.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Each day presents a new opportunity to be my best self, to live my values, to make a mark, to lead by example, to help the next generation, with the end goal of betterment – of self, the community I live in, the world.

SONA MEHTA

B.arts.sci, M.B.A. Senior Vice President, Everyday Banking, Saving and Investing, TD BANK

BIO: Sona Mehta leads TD'S Canadian Personal Banking deposits products and services businesses. She also passionately leads TD'S focus on the newcomer-to-canada and student segments. Sona's career has spanned roles in analytics, retail branch banking, technology, credit risk and insurance. Sona believes in leaning in to deepen inclusion and diversity for all. Sona and her husband have two young kids who keep life fun, busy and grounded.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Believe that you can stretch to take on challenges even if you can't quite see your way to the finish line at the onset. And then keep it real on the way - be yourself!

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Power starts with wanting to be a positive force in the world, and nourishing this intent with humility and quiet willpower to get there.

POWER SONG: Brave, Sara Bareilles

JANA MOSLEY

P.eng, PMP, ICD.D President, ENMAX POWER CORPORATION

BIO: Jana leads ENMAX'S transmission and distribution electricity business in Calgary. Jana has served in various energy and utility companies and founded Similan Consulting Inc. which advised companies and governments across North America on electricity policy, electric grid development, power generation, ESG and operations. Jana serves on the board of the Western Energy Institute, is Chair of the Women + Power board, and is a 2022 Influential Women in Business award winner. She is an active mentor and advocate for women and leaders, focused on helping them achieve their full potential.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Your first team is the team you are on, not the team you lead. This can be difficult at times, but a major difference maker.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Prepare. Show up. Fight the good fight. Be courageous. Hold your head up high. Keep getting up. Sleep well, knowing your efforts made a difference and things will live on without you.

TANYA POSTLEWAITE

LLB

VP Trust and Credit Union Services, EQUITABLE BANK

BIO: Tanya Postlewaite is known for strategic, personable leadership. Her career spanned several countries and two industries: law and finance. Tanya is the Head of Concentra Trust and VP of Credit Union Services at Equitable Bank. Prior to that she was Chief Compliance Officer and a member of the Executive Leadership Team at Concentra Bank. She's been called to the bar in Ontario, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Saskatchewan, and practiced law with BLG LLP and Appleby Global before entering financial services.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: The key to a rewarding and successful career is fostering positive and meaningful relationships.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Hard work, perseverance, gratitude and positivity are more powerful than power itself.

POWER SONG: Defying Gravity from the musical Wicked

DR. JACKIE SCALES

PHD

Director, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, TECK RESOURCES

BIO: Jackie Scales is a recognized leader in implementing inclusive workplace strategies and business planning to foster innovation and diversity. A soughtafter advisor, Jackie has held multiple board positions with community not-for-profit organizations that focus on Inclusion. Jackie is the recipient of the 2011 Lynda Bowles Spirit Award, which honours inspirational female professionals, and a recipient of the Royal Roads University Alumni Excellence award, which honours individuals who have shown dedication and commitment to advancing their field of expertise.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: I do try my best to live authentically. My greatest success in life and in career came when I stopped hiding who I was and instead embraced it.

POWER SONG: Raise Your Glass, P!nk

SHAZIA SOBANI Vice President, Customer Network Planning, TELUS COMMUNICATIONS INC.

BIO: Shazia is a multilingual, results-oriented and people-centric executive with International transformative tech experience. As VP Customer Network Planning at TELUS, she advances technology and partnerships for an enhanced customer and community experience. She also leads TELUS'S Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan, leveraging connectivity and technology to boost economic and social outcomes. Shazia is a board member of Women in Communication & Technology (Alberta), member of TELUS Diversity and Inclusion Council and mentors at Calgary Immigrant Women's Association and University of Calgary.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Be bold and never shy away from taking risks; while doing that, ensure you have a good support network to seek guidance and help from.

POWER SONG: We Will Rock You, Queen

NATASHA WALJI

BSC, MBA, MST Managing Director, Google Customer Solutions, GOOGLE

BIO: Natasha Walji is the Managing Director for Google Customer Solutions Canada, focused on helping SMBS grow and thrive using AI. Previously, she was a Mckinsey consultant and software developer. Natasha has served the community for 20-plus years focused on disaster relief, poverty alleviation and public health, and she co-founded an organization for children with disabilities. Natasha is an angel investor and Investment Committee member at Blue Ivy Ventures. She holds a BSC., Computer Science (Uvic), MBA (Yale) and MST. Sustainability Leadership (Cambridge).

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: 'Why' is the essence of everything, and gratitude and optimism are contagious.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: To have unwavering strength within.

POWER SONG: Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys

TSERING YANGKI

Executive Vice-president, Development and Real Estate Finance, DREAM UNLIMITED CORP.; Board member, CIVIC ACTION; Advisory Board member, REIMAGINING DOEGULING TIBETAN SETTLEMENT

BIO: Tsering Yangki has over 19 years of experience in real estate development, finance and private-public partnerships. She holds a MA with a focus on International Finance and Economics from Fletcher School, Tufts University, and Mphil in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India. In 2022 she was recognized by Globe & Mail's Report on Business's Best Executive award, and in 2021 was recognized as WLI Champion, Toronto.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Ground yourself in values and lived experience while being openminded in listening and learning about others' values and experiences.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Living like a legend means being a good ancestor.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: It means you have an open heart and open mind.

Prepare. Show up. Fight the good fight. Be courageous. Hold your head up high ~ Jana Mosley

'Why' is the essence of everything, and gratitude and optimism are contagious ~ Natasha Walji

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