The last 18 months have been challenging to say the least, for individuals as much as it has been for organizations and businesses. By December 2020, Canada and much of the world were optimistic that communities and businesses would be transitioning back to some semblance of a pre-pandemic environment come 2021. In anticipation of a return to normalcy, the SAF launched a weekly alumni story series to celebrate and acknowledge our alums for their leadership in pivoting their teams and organizations through and beyond the pandemic.
Reflecting on this past year, the stories we’ve told of the successes of our alums have not only celebrated their leadership, adaptability, and courage, but the stories have also served as inspiration and benchmarks for the resiliency of human nature and what can be done when you’re given the right tools, opportunities, and education to meet and surpass uncertainties and challenges head-on.
I invite you to peruse the SAF Alumni Story Series to find insight and your inspiration to make a positive impact, regardless of how small or big, for yourself, your team, and your organization.
Patty Mah
Associate Director, Communications & External Relations
C-Suite and Executive Roles
For this last week before we welcome the new year, we’re revisiting the inspirational stories of alums who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and skill with aplomb in navigating their careers to executive or C-suite levels. The pathways these alums and many others we’ve profiled over the past year have not been direct career routes, let alone the alum’s sole objective.
The stories told all come from a place of gratitude and humility. Each alum expressed their gratitude to the SAF and the University of Waterloo for equipping them with the education and experience to kick start an exciting and robust career. And in true Canadian fashion, our alums are humble in recounting the opportunities and risks they took to add value and positively contribute to the organizations for which they work.
It seem that the key to building a successful and exciting career is the winding path explored to discover the direction you’re meant to be on. As Manjit Singh, CFO of Sun Life, fittingly stated, “…think of your career as a lattice, so branch out… build a foundation, get different skills. [Your career] grows across and up versus just straight up.”
