3 minute read
Rose Marie Gage
SupportHER™ Spotlight
What does an ally or SupportHER™ mean to you? A SupportHER™ is a key to unlocking change that’s so desperately needed. SupportHER’s come in different categories and offer support, subject to the need or opportunity.
ROSE MARIE GAGE
Great Governance Matters and MPOWRU.ca
Board Member, ESG Supporter, Founder, Principal & Advisor
greatgovernancematters.com Rose is an Independent Board Director (ID), Founder, Advisor, Coach and Mentor. She is ViceChair, ARIO; Chair, ESG and Compensation-CO2GRO Inc.; ID, Vice-Chair, and ESG Chair-HEXO Corp. She’s former Chair, People and Sustainability-Link Energy; Chair–OAFT; ID-Hadrian Inc.; Governance Chair– UOHIF; Chair-ATCC; Chair-Guelph Energy Co-op, Treasurer and ID-FV Tel Co-op; and ViceChair WILF. She also serves as UWN’s Advisory Chair and Co-Chair, Alliance EDI Working Group.
As Founder of Great Governance Matters and MPOWRUTM, she empowers organizations with connection, collaboration and resourcing of great minds and facilitating needed change.
In her non-Board career: she’s the former CEO of Ag Energy, former CMO Schneider Electric Canada and GE Capital Canada–CDF. She’s worked with most NA industries, led P3 projects and GE’s 2010 Olympics infrastructure and media efforts.
She empowers a sustainable world through innovation, commercialization, and collaboration for long-term viability and value creation.
Rose is the recipient of UWN’s 2021 WOI–Integrity Award, Director’s College Outstanding Governance Achievement, CBDC’s Diversity 50, a Guelph Inspiring Women and an Inspiring 50 Canada (Women in STEM). She’s accredited with Directors’ College C.Dir. and Competent Board’s ESG.D. and is an alumna of Directors’ College, NACD, Competent Boards, Harvard, Rotman’s, and McMaster.
SupportHER’s can be in the category of season, reason, or lifetime. Season means its short lived. It can be a sponsorship for a project or a mentor/ coach during a difficult time. A SupportHER™ for a reason is a very focused on the need or opportunity. They can be a lifeline when things are tough or a sage filled with wisdom that guides you on your next stage of evolution. A lifetime SupportHER™ is someone who invested in your growth and development for the long term – think spouse, partner, Father, sibling, or long-time friend. They have your back, know you best and tell you the real deal. They are there when times are tough or fun. Treasure your SupportHER’s for their unique connection and commitment.
Why is it important now more than ever for women to be visible leaders? Women represent half of world’s population. Why is it then that we do not have 50% of roles at all levels? Women have not had the same opportunities as their male counterparts and the reasons are voluminous. We need female leaders visible as proof that gaining title, influence and power is possible and these visible leaders are tangible proof.
We are living in interesting times where women are de-selected from roles due to whatever reason (age, fit, packaging...) or criticized for their attempts at enjoying life while holding a top political office.
We must celebrate female leaders and share their success. Doing so will raise the bar and widen the road less travelled. Leadership comes in all shapes, sizes, and packaging. It can come with a title or is earn through exemplary efforts. Know a woman who deserves recognition? Do your part and nominate her for a WOI award.
What is your definition of Success? Success is being positive, to love and be loved. It is giving yourself to many including your community. It is knowing you make a difference. It is about happiness, health and commitment to a great life; to have courage and to challenge yourself and others to be the best version of you. It is being a great example and to be free and able to pursue your passions and help others do the same.
