How Can Embracing Your Global Voice Benefit Canadian Leadership?
- Lavina Gomes
- Mar 1
- 4 min read
Are you ready to showcase your full potential as a leader in Canada? It's time to stop hiding your unique perspective and leverage it as your greatest asset.
Let's dive into why your global voice is the secret ingredient Canadian businesses have been craving.
The Power of Diversity in Canadian Corporate Leadership
Remember when you thought your accent or cultural background might hold you back? Think again. Your diverse experience is precisely what sets you apart in the boardroom.
From Outsider to Innovator: Your Journey to the Top
Picture this: You're no longer the person trying to blend in. Instead, you're the visionary leader everyone turns to for fresh ideas and global insights. Sounds good, doesn't it?
Let's talk about Indra Nooyi for a moment.
When she became PepsiCo's CEO, skeptics wondered if her "different" leadership style would work. The result? Under her guidance, PepsiCo's revenue skyrocketed by 80%, growing from $35 billion to a whopping $63.5 billion. That's the power of embracing your unique perspective.
Why Your Global Mindset is Canada's Next Big Thing
In today's interconnected world, your international experience isn't just valuable—it's essential.
Here's why:
Turning Cultural Nuances into Business Advantages
- Your careful word choice? That's not overthinking—it's diplomatic precision.
- Those unique expressions you use. They're not quirks—they're fresh perspectives that can
spark innovation.
- Your ability to think in multiple languages? That's not confusion—cognitive flexibility can
solve complex problems.
The Numbers Don't Lie: Diversity Drives Profitability
Let's get down to brass tacks. According to McKinsey, companies with ethnically diverse executive teams are 33% more likely to outperform in terms of profitability. That's not just good for business—it's a game-changer.
Decision-Making Superpowers: The Multicultural Edge
Your multicultural lens isn't just an interesting background—it's a superpower in the boardroom.
From Apology to Authority: Owning Your Distinctive Voice
It's time to stop apologizing for being different and start celebrating it.
Here's your action plan:
1. Embrace your unique perspective
2. Leverage your global mindset in every meeting
3. Let your accent be a badge of honor, not a source of shame
4. Transform your "differences" into your leadership trademark
Pioneering Diversity and Inclusion in Canadian Corporations by Embracing Your Global Voice
Let's spotlight some real changemakers who are reshaping the landscape of diversity and inclusion in major Canadian companies:
Christianna Scott is making waves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Air Canada, a role she's held since May 2022. She's not just talking about change—she's actively implementing it:
Established a diversity, equity, and inclusion champions program, engaging Air Canada's 36,000 employees
Involved in the 50 – 30 Challenge, aiming for gender parity and diverse representation in senior management
Emphasizes the importance of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in fostering an inclusive workplace culture
Siobhan Calderbank, as the Managing Director of Talent at Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), is indeed redefining inclusive talent management:
Focuses on recruitment, talent management, learning, and change management with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
Co-chairs the Black Employees & Allies Network at AIMCo.
Developed and launched five new organizational core competencies integrated into AIMCo's leadership programs and talent processes.
Ali Najafi, serving as the Director of Global Diversity & Inclusion at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), is proving that diversity is indeed a crucial business strategy:
Co-created impactful video series like "Speak Up for Inclusion" and "That Little Voice" to spark dialogue on diversity and inclusion
Contributed to RBC being recognized as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for ten consecutive years
Collaborates with experts and accesses new ideas from academic institutions and non- profits to drive RBC's strategic priorities in diversity and economic inclusion
Your Call to Action: Be the Leader Canada Needs
Here's a mind-blowing stat: Companies in the top quartile for ethnic diversity on executive teams are 33% more likely to outperform their peers in terms of profitability. That could be you leading the charge.
So, the next time you're about to downplay your international experience or apologize for your accent, stop. Take a deep breath. And remember this:
You're not just filling a leadership position. You're bringing global excellence to Canadian business.
It's time to ask yourself: What if my 'different' approach is precisely what Canadian companies need to thrive in the global market?
Don't just fit in. Stand out. Lead. Your global voice isn't just an asset—it's the future of Canadian leadership.
Are you ready to transform Canadian leadership with your distinctive global voice? The boardroom is waiting, and your seat at the table is prepared. It's time to show the world what true diversity in leadership looks like.
Don't let your sparkle fade - keep believing, move forward, and embrace your global voice.
Join me on April 6th for this free event!
Comments