As Mother’s Day approaches, a group of prominent Canadian business leaders reflect on the invaluable lessons imparted by their mothers. From resilience in the face of adversity to the importance of compassion and empathy, these leaders credit their mothers with shaping their careers and leadership styles. Here, we delve into the insights shared by 14 CEOs, exploring how maternal guidance has influenced their professional journeys.
The Foundations of Entrepreneurship
Michael Katchen, the CEO of Wealthsimple, recalls how his mother introduced him to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship long before he grasped the concept. Growing up, Katchen was inspired by his mother’s artistic pursuits, particularly her passion for stone sculpting. Encouraged to create and showcase his own sculptures, he faced the harsh realities of rejection, which ultimately taught him persistence.
“My first experience in business was about making something, receiving numerous ‘no’s’, and finally achieving my first sale,” Katchen reflects. His mother, now an active mentor, continues to exemplify resilience, demonstrating that entrepreneurship is not solely about ideas but also about enduring perseverance.
Values of Kindness and Community
Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, credits his mother, Delorie Rose Cohan, for instilling in him the importance of doing what is right. Growing up in a diverse family, Cohan faced challenges that could have easily fostered resentment. Instead, his mother’s commitment to kindness and community service shaped his outlook on life and leadership.
“She always said, ‘You just do the right thing – don’t worry about anybody else,’” Cohan shares. This mantra has guided him in fostering a culture of empathy and resilience within his teams.
Blake Hutcheson, CEO of OMERS, echoes similar sentiments, drawing inspiration from his mother’s role as a community theatre director. Her advice to perform with confidence, regardless of the role, resonates deeply with him, reinforcing the idea that every contribution matters in a collaborative environment.
The Power of Resilience and Optimism
Nancy Southern, CEO of ATCO Ltd, emphasises the significance of remembering one’s roots and recognising the value of every individual, regardless of their role. Her mother’s lessons in kindness and hard work remain pivotal in Southern’s approach to leadership. “Kindness is a gift that costs nothing but means so much to many,” she asserts, highlighting the core values that guide her professional interactions.
José Boisjoli, the recently retired CEO of BRP Inc, shares a poignant memory of his late mother who consistently encouraged him to prioritise integrity in his decisions. Her advice to “do what’s right for the situation” has been a guiding principle throughout his career, embodying the essence of ethical leadership.
Jérôme Pécresse, head of Rio Tinto’s global aluminium and lithium operations, recalls how his mother’s optimistic perspective taught him to view challenges as opportunities for growth. This outlook, he explains, remains essential in navigating the complexities of leadership.
Embracing Failure and Learning
Megan Leslie, CEO of World Wildlife Fund Canada, remembers a particularly formative exchange with her mother during a challenging period abroad. “Even if you fall flat on your face, you are still falling forward,” her mother wrote, encouraging her to embrace risk and failure as part of the growth process. This lesson has instilled in Leslie a resilience that fuels her commitment to environmental conservation.
Adam Waterous, CEO of Waterous Energy Fund, reflects on the impact of being raised by a single mother. Her unwavering optimism in the face of financial challenges taught him the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, particularly in the demanding world of entrepreneurship. “If you’re not optimistic, you’ll never be successful,” he asserts, a testament to his mother’s influence.
Why it Matters
The reflections of these leaders underscore the profound impact of maternal guidance on their careers. The lessons learned from their mothers extend beyond the boardroom, shaping their values, leadership styles, and approaches to challenges. In a world where leadership can often feel isolated, these personal stories serve as a reminder that the roots of successful leadership often lie in the simplest, yet most profound teachings of our mothers. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, it is worth recognising the enduring legacy of maternal influence on the leaders of today and tomorrow.
