Whether it was lessons on leadership style or the importance of dressing for the role you want, two Ivey students learned about the mindset, values, and approaches of top Canadian executives through this year’s Odgers Berndtson CEOx1Day Program.
Felix Chan, an HBA ’22 candidate, and Iman Berry, an HBA ’23 candidate, were among 50 finalists who participated in the virtual CEOx1Day Future Leaders Summit on February 25 where they gained insights from five CEOs:
- Mike DeGagné, President and CEO, Indspire;
- Judy Goldring, President & Head of Global Distribution, AGF;
- Nizar Ladak, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Research Alliance of Canada;
- Carolyn Spriet, President, Hallmark Canada; and,
- Andrew Waitman, CEO, Assent Compliance Inc.
Typically a chance to job-shadow an executive for a day, the pivot to virtual format had some advantages, including access to a broad range of perspectives.
“Meeting with all of these individuals opened my eyes not only to their different paths, but also to their different perspectives on how to advance in your career,” said Berry. “I was interested in the program because I think that when you become a CEO, you are able to touch and have an impact on every area of a business. There is a lot of learning to be had by someone who has seen all of the moving pieces of a business come together.”
For Chan, who is currently on exchange at the National University of Singapore, the virtual format allowed him to participate and provided a full learning experience. Hoping to one day be a CEO, he said he enjoyed the chance to meet multiple executives and student leaders, as well as have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Mike DeGagné of Indispire.
“Not only was there greater access to CEOs, but having the opportunity to hear the thoughts of other like-minded individuals helped me discover perspectives I’ve never thought of and to further the discussion on our own after the event,” he said. “The program acted as a catalyst to reach my future aspirations. I’m so glad I took the risk and saw through the process until the end.”
Here are some highlights from the day.
Lessons on leadership
Berry: I was paired with Carolyn Spriet from Hallmark. We discussed situational leadership and how to make the best of a difficult situation. From our discussions, my favourite takeaway was that while personal branding is important early on in your career, it is also crucial to absorb, listen, and learn simultaneously in the early years of your career.
Chan: There were countless words of wisdom, but several stood out to me:
- Dress for the role you want, not the role you have – Act in the same manner of your future dream position to develop the core skills and confidence to eventually hold that position;
- Put yourself in situations where you can enhance core skills – Andrew Waitman from Assent put in long hours volunteering with the company. He was eventually asked to run it since no one knew it as well as he did;
- Focus on values – How you treat others is the most important determinant for long-term success;
- Count yourself in – Have confidence that your voice and contributions matter and can make a difference; and,
- Commit to lifelong learning – The need to learn new things never stops.
Memorable moments
Berry: As a part of the application process, we completed a Hogan assessment, which told us about our leadership style and identified our strengths and weaknesses in leadership situations. The entire day, I learned about leadership, resiliency, tact, and culture but the Hogan assessment showed me how these lessons apply to my development as a leader. Leaving the summit, I had a much better understanding of what my areas of improvement are and where I can begin!
Chan: The most memorable part was the CEO panel that kick-started the event. Hearing the CEOs’ unique stories helped put into perspective that there is truly not a singular path to reach the CEO level. Their diverse backgrounds were incredibly inspirational. The hardships they faced came in various shapes and sizes, but the underlying character to overcome them time and time again is truly what is important. I was able to reflect on their viewpoints and use their ideas to formulate best practices of my own.
Inspiration for the future
Berry: This experience opened my eyes to the many career possibilities as well as the non-linear nature of what a career can look like. I am much more open to the idea of pivoting or looking for experience in unconventional areas now that I have seen these methods in action!
Chan: I’m more inspired than ever to find ways to tactically apply the advice I received from the CEOs and fellow attendees. I now better understand what areas are important to focus on and the skills I need to be successful. I left the event with a starting point for introspection as well as many new friends and mentors to help me with the journey ahead!
“If you’re able to conduct your entire day through the lens of a CEO, make decisions and lead others with heart, the only difference is an opportunity.” – Felix Chan
