Big thanks to Stephanie Garisto, MBA 2015 and Co-President of the Ivey Women in Management Club, for writing this week’s blog post!
On February 26th the Ivey MBA Women in Management Club hosted a wonderful panel and reception event at the Ivey Tangerine Leadership Centre in Toronto.
Over sixty current, incoming, and prospective MBA students gathered to attend the panel discussion and network. The purpose of the event was threefold. First, we gathered to celebrate the achievements and successes of our female alumni. Second, we engaged in a fun and open discussion around the topic of decision-making and the tough choices that are often made alongside changing career and personal priorities. Finally, we hoped that attendees could individually glean lessons to apply in their careers as Ivey MBA graduates. I’m very happy to say that the event was successful on all fronts!
We were extremely fortunate to have a group of amazing panelists participate, each of whom has achieved impressive success within her respective career and industry. Our panelists included Nancy Bertrand (Director at Citi Private Bank), Louisa Greco (President and CEO, Johnson & Johnson Canada), Beth Shaw (Head of Equity Capital Markets Desjardins Group), and Tineke Keesmaat (Principal at TiltCo Consulting Group). Each shared her own personal and career anecdotes about the challenges, motivations, and outcomes of making tough decisions. All of these anecdotes offered valuable insights, of which the following are just a few:
Don’t be afraid to take the job that doesn’t necessarily have a clear path to success, but which offers you the opportunity to make an impact or grow.
Look for mentors but, more importantly, look for sponsors throughout your career. Mentors will advise you, while sponsors will help you determine your strengths and champion you on your behalf.
Tough career decisions might include resigning, making a lateral organizational move, or transitioning into a new industry. No matter the circumstance, make honest decisions that will make you happy and align with your real priorities.
It’s important to realize that at some points in your life, you can’t do it all! There’s not one person who always has it figured out.
Utilize your ‘Ivey Ladies’ network!
During the panel, Q&A session, and cocktail reception that followed, I personally took away a great deal. Above all, I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support of all in attendance. The overwhelming turnout and participation of such distinguished alumni is a real testament to the strength of the Ivey Community. Thank you to everyone who helped to make that evening such a great success!