As Mother’s Day approaches, a collection of Canadian business leaders reflects on the invaluable lessons they learned from their mothers, highlighting the profound influence these women have had on their personal and professional journeys. From resilience and empathy to the importance of community service, these insights offer a glimpse into the qualities that shape effective leaders today.
The Foundation of Entrepreneurship
Michael Katchen, the CEO of Wealthsimple, credits his mother with instilling in him the spirit of entrepreneurship long before he grasped the concept. Growing up, he was encouraged to explore his creativity through stone sculpting, an art form his mother passionately practised. She urged him to showcase his work to galleries, leading him to a series of rejections that ultimately culminated in his first sale. Katchen reflects, “That was my first startup: Make something, hear ‘no’ repeatedly, keep going and eventually make the first sale.” His mother’s tenacity in facing her own health challenges has further inspired him, demonstrating that entrepreneurship requires resilience and adaptability at any age.
The Importance of Integrity and Kindness
Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, recalls his mother’s advice to focus on doing what is right, regardless of external pressures. Growing up in a loving mixed-race family, Cohan learned the values of kindness and empathy through his mother’s steadfast commitment to confronting challenges head-on. “You just do the right thing – don’t worry about anybody else,” she would say, a mantra that has shaped his approach to leadership and community engagement.
Blake Hutcheson, CEO of OMERS, shares a similar sentiment, drawing inspiration from his mother’s long-standing involvement in community theatre. Her theatrical wisdom—“When on stage, stand with confidence”—has guided him throughout his career. He emphasises the need for pride in every role, whether leading a company or supporting a team, underscoring the impact of confidence in effective leadership.
Embracing Challenges and Building Resilience
Janet Bannister, Managing Partner at Staircase Ventures, attributes her strength and self-reliance to her mother’s enduring belief in the power of education. “If you can read, you can do anything,” she recalls, a lesson that has empowered her to embrace new challenges with courage. Similarly, Ryan Beedie, CEO of Beedie, highlights the compassion his mother has shown, not only to him but also to those around him, reinforcing the importance of empathy in leadership.
The late José Boisjoli, former CEO of BRP Inc., often reflects on his mother’s guiding principle: “Do what’s right for the situation.” This philosophy has resonated deeply with him, particularly when making difficult decisions in business. Jérôme Pécresse, who leads Rio Tinto’s global aluminium and lithium business, echoes this sentiment, crediting his mother for teaching him to view challenges as opportunities, a mindset that fosters optimism in leadership.
Cultivating Patience and Understanding
Many leaders, including Jon McKenzie, CEO of Cenovus Energy, attribute their patience and calm demeanour to their mothers. McKenzie recalls his mother’s infinite patience and the lessons he learned from her ability to allow situations to unfold naturally. “Patience would be the thing that I have taken from her,” he states, illustrating how this trait has become integral to his management style.
Megan Leslie, CEO of World Wildlife Fund Canada, shares a poignant story about her mother’s encouragement during a challenging cultural exchange experience in Ghana. Her mother’s letter, which reminded her that “even if you fall flat on your face, you are still falling forward,” reinforced Leslie’s resilience and willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
Why it Matters
The reflections of these leaders highlight the profound impact that maternal guidance can have on shaping the next generation of executives. As they navigate complex business landscapes, the values of empathy, resilience, and integrity instilled by their mothers not only influence their leadership styles but also contribute to more compassionate and effective workplaces. Embracing these lessons can lead to a more thoughtful approach to leadership that prioritises kindness and community impact, ultimately benefiting the broader society.