Embracing the Essence of a Legend, by Idalin McKenzie, 2023 Top 100 Award Winner.

Reflecting on the Women Executive Network’s (WXN’s) 2023 theme, “Like a Legend,” brings to mind the individuals I consider legends—those who have profoundly impacted my life in various areas, including work, home, and community. To me, being a legend means leaving a legacy, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, and using those experiences to empower others, thereby perpetuating a cycle of positive influence, just as the legends before me have done.

According to the Collins dictionary, a legend is “a notable person whose deeds or exploits are much talked about in his or her own time.” Being a legend involves making a significant impact, whether by shaping products, processes, people, or policies or sharing resources that transform lives. A true legend is not motivated by the need for power or recognition but by the desire to make a lasting difference.

Standing on the Shoulders of Legends

Many of the qualities that have guided me through my personal and professional life can be traced back to the legends who have supported and guided me. These individuals—parents, families, friends, and mentors—are often ordinary people who took the time to listen and share their resources, helping me become a better version of myself. They taught me to run my own race, lead with integrity, humility, and empathy, and remain resilient in the face of adversity. Their support and encouragement allowed me to stretch my thinking, expand my goals, and achieve greater things.

Running My Own Race

From an early age, I learned that life is a marathon, not a sprint. This perspective helped me stay grounded amidst uncertainty and change in all aspects of my life. “There is a reason for this season” became my mantra. I commit to learning from every experience—amidst setbacks and triumphs—and setting bigger goals for myself, even without a clear route to the destination. At the start of my career, I recall the pride of earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and securing my first consulting role at a Big Four firm. These achievements inspired me to pursue an MSc in Management Information Systems, followed by a CPA designation, an MBA, and various other certifications. By setting bigger goals for myself, I was able to diversify my skillset, enabling me to gain roles across IT, Finance, Strategy, Transformation, Audit, and more, and allowing me to impact people, processes, products, and policies positively.

Resilience and Recharging

As the first in my family to embark on a unique career and entrepreneurial pursuit, I've embraced my journey with passion and courage, viewing each experience as an opportunity for growth and learning. I've discovered that resilience is not just about bouncing back from setbacks but also about recharging—taking time to refill my cup so I can continue life's journey with renewed energy and determination.

One of my favourite ways to recharge is through hiking and nature walks. Immersing myself in the beauty and tranquillity of the natural world boosts my endurance and strengthens my resolve to navigate life's challenges. These moments of pause and reflection in nature allow me to return to my work and personal life with greater clarity and resilience.

Paying It Forward and Continuing the Legacy

Creating a lasting impact is the true essence of being a legend. Continuing the legacy is about using the lessons I have learned along my unique journey to mentor, coach, and advise others, providing them with the tools to chart their own paths. As Seth Parker said, “You may not have saved a lot of money in your life, but if you have saved a lot of heartaches for other folks, you are a pretty rich man (woman, human).”

I am still on the marathon of my life's journey, but I am proof that when you run your own race, find time to recharge amidst the challenges and embrace your unique calling, you can make a difference at home, work, and in the community.

Living Like a Legend

In conclusion, legends are defined not for recognition or accolades but for the betterment of those around them. Thank you, Women Executive Network (WXN), for this incredible honour of being named a 2023 Top 100 awardee under the theme “Like a Legend.” I look forward to continuing this journey of making a difference at home, work and in my community.

Idalin McKenzie is a Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner in the Professionals award category for 2023. She has been recognized as a woman who is professional in practice and plays a leadership role within her organization.

Click here to learn more about Top 100 and our Gala honouring our 2024 winners on November 27 in Toronto.

About Idalin:

Idalin McKenzie

Paving the way for Women's Equality in the Construction Industry, by Lisa Laronde, 2023 Top 100 Award Winner.

When I think of Canadian legends a few names come to mind, Viola Desmand, Doris Anderson, and Dr. Lillian Dyck. The commonality between these remarkable women is their drive to lead, challenge, and fight for equality. And that is what I do daily as I work to pave the way for women’s equality and leadership opportunities within the construction industry.

When I began in this industry, I knew I wanted to be a leader, I also knew that to make that a reality, I would have to work twice as hard as my male counterparts to get the recognition I deserved. A challenge that continues for women, who are under-represented in leadership and executive positions across Canada, many of whom comparatively, are underpaid.

Looking around the table at my first executive board meeting, I knew I needed to bring women up into the seats beside me, to create diversity, equity, and inclusion. I have dedicated much of my career to doing just that, creating opportunities, and mentoring through my day-to-day job and volunteer work with the Canadian Association of Women in Construction, (CAWIC) an advocacy group dedicated to elevating women in the construction industry, while improving work conditions and providing further training and skill development opportunities.

Since becoming president of Powell Contracting and subsequently RSG International, the organizations have seen a surge in growth, which is fantastic, but I have also created a company culture that promotes employee wellness, inclusion, and collaboration while building psychologically safe work environments.

Being recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women has been an honour, it has reassured me that I am a transformational leader who is making a difference in the lives of others and the industry. I still find it hard to comprehend that my name is on a list of more than 1,600 extraordinary women who have given back, questioned societal norms, and advocated for others, many of whom have shown courage, sometimes risking their reputations and careers, for what they believe in. When I look at WXM’s top 100 list, I see a list of extraordinary names - women who are changing the world.

For me, it is about blazing trails for women, smashing barriers in front of us, and uplifting them through to power through their careers. But I don’t want to be the only female leader in the industry doing this, I want to walk this path together with other women leaders, to be united with one voice so that women do not face the same challenges as I did. Why should they? I am tired of being the first woman leader in a male-dominated industry, I am ready for others to join the ranks. I want to see my woman counterparts surpass me, bringing new and innovative ideas to the table to help rejuvenate an industry in need of a shake-up. Because some of the best leaders are women who lead with integrity, are visionaries, are courageous, and lead by example.

It is also largely about giving back, whether through grassroots organizations or simply lending my voice. Volunteering my time to speaking at various leadership and industry engagements, including not-for-profit organizations, dedicated to promoting skilled trades, women in leadership, and diversity in construction is vital to my efforts to improve the industry and workplace experience for all.

Legends aren’t self-serving, they work together for the common good and to enact change. And while I do not see myself as equal to Desmand, Anderson, and Dyck, I do feel as if I’m doing my part to make a mark on a mostly male-dominated industry, to stand up for women, to be inclusive and champion diversity, change the narrative, and to use my platform to elevate others who may otherwise not have that opportunity.

Lisa Laronde is a Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner in the Executive Leaders award category for 2023. She has been recognized as a woman, aged 40 plus, who not only exemplify what it means to be a great leader, but also build confidence and champion others. 

Click here to learn more about Top 100 and to nominate a BOLD woman for 2024! HURRY nominations close on May 28!

About Lisa:

Lisa Laronde

“I’m a lifelong learner and student” – Meet WXN member Vivian Chan

Change doesn’t happen without community. And you can’t create community without understanding and friendship. That’s why Vivian Chan describes herself as a friend before anything else - even after her 24-year career launching AI technologies with some of the world’s largest companies and disruptive startups.

Read on to discover how an internship in tech turned into a lifelong career, what she learned from dance, why she keeps her thank-you notes nearby and why the “X” in WXN means uniting the country.

WXN: How did you find your way into the technology field?

Vivian: I got into the technology field via an internship while I was attending Simon Fraser University, and I never left. I was lucky to enter the field at a time of exponential growth. There was no blueprint for how things would work. Change happened so rapidly that, every six months, I felt like I was working for a different company. We changed organizational structure to stay nimble. We raced to launch new products against competitors. We’d double or triple in size in months, not years.

I’ve been trained for disruption by really brilliant humans. I also burned out twice. The velocity of change and the volume of work was intense. I worked 14-hour days, six days a week. Building a world-class company in a growing sector took sacrifices… and I made them.

WXN: What was that burnout like?

Vivian: In the first 12 years of my career, I didn’t set healthy boundaries. I didn’t say “no,” firmly enough. It took years of self-development to learn how to communicate effectively and advocate for myself. I took a year-long counsellor training course to learn how to be a better listener.

I think everyone has a journey around finding the boundaries that keep them safe and healthy. I actually find the younger generation good at that. They’re more empowered to have a voice.

WXN: Can you share any lessons from working at both global corporations and small startups?

Vivian: Corporations hire top talent. You get opportunities to work with a large number of subject matter experts. I am grateful to have learned from people who are really strong at building relationships and gaining buy-in. I’ve worked with some of the world’s best technical, sales and legal experts at companies like SAP, VMware and ServiceNow.

On the other hand, when I go into entrepreneurship mode, the creative part of me shines. I get to be a strategic, disruptive builder. There is a real-time feedback loop where I get to learn while building, and that process can be so invigorating. But I would say entrepreneurship is not for everyone. You have to have the stomach for risk and a good support structure. That’s a privilege.

WXN: Enterprise or startup – which side keeps you busy today?

Vivian: I’ve recently moved back into entrepreneurship, working to commercialize science-based innovations. We're now in an age where we need novel solutions for clean and regenerative technology. There's urgency to do things differently. I get to work with scientists who measure and test everything, and I value the precision of that. The longer development cycle also gives me time to continue my community work.

WXN: Community work such as…?

Vivian: I'm on the executive committee and Board of Ballet BC. We’re a creation-based contemporary dance company led by Artistic Director Medhi Walerski. Ballet BC is based in Vancouver, but we tour internationally, and our reputation is global. Our mission is to create dance at its most essential: visceral, thought-provoking and transformative.

Dance is my first love. I was three years old when I started dancing. It taught me discipline and work ethic. I’ve come to learn that mastery requires practice, focus and repetition. Dance has also taught me how to think in more abstract ways – that’s a differentiator.

WXN: Through all of this, what would you say is your biggest challenge to overcome?

Vivian: My hardest challenges came down to mindset. A lot of people have linear careers. They love working through the ranks and deepening their expertise. I, however, have a creative mind that wants to veer off into new uncharted waters. My career journey is non-linear because I keep prioritizing curiosity.

For people following non-linear journeys, you have to make sure ego doesn’t get in the way. When I don’t have expertise, I shift into learning/internship mode, even though I’ve previously been a C-suite executive. That has been one of my biggest lessons: approach life with curiosity but humility. This has led me into new sectors like higher education, clean technology and strategy consulting.

WXN: What about successes – what moments stand out the most?

Vivian: My friendships are my greatest success. I keep thank-you cards on my mantle. Here’s what a few of them say: “Through challenges and victories, your friendship is a sustaining force…” “You’re making Vancouver feel like home…” “The puffs of joy, deep listening and knowledge that you are here for us in good times and bad really comforts me…” These cards reaffirm for me how I want to continue to show up.

We have this deep need to be seen for who we are. To be able to see someone, you have to hear them first. You’re only as good as the information you receive. If you’re a bad listener, you aren’t going to be a good leader. That skill can be really hard for high-performing people who work at an accelerated pace, but it’s essential if you want to become a leader!

WXN: Finally, what does the X in WXN represent to you?

Vivian: It’s a supportive coalition of women from all walks of life, from coast to coast. Canada is a geographically large nation organized by region, and those regions often interact more with the U.S. than they do with each other. It's a missed opportunity. We need to think about our country as a whole, and we have to unite as a whole in order to be seen as a global leader, not follower. I'm looking forward to bringing regional organizations together so that we can expand our footprint across the nation.

Interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

What’s your “X”? Join Vivian and the rest of the WXN community!

WXN is offering an annual Individual Membership of just $12.50/month. Take advantage of this offer, because there's never been a better time to invest in yourself.

Learn more and join us today!

About Vivian: