Valerie completed her MBA in 1990, and also holds a BSc in Psychology from University of Victoria. Out of Sauder she was selected for a fast-track Management Training program with BCTel launching a diverse career in telecommunications. She worked her way into leadership and senior consulting roles in areas such as: strategic planning, international alliance management, marketing and customer service.
This work peaked her passion for organizational and leadership development, and in 2002 she made a career shift into that field. She started the Calgary operation of Youth in Motion, an organization dedicated to mentoring and educating young leaders. In 2003 she headed TransCanada Corporation’s Talent Management function and later led the organizational development team. During this time she also co-founded the Women's Leadership Foundation and with a visionary team, designed and delivered four forums engaging over 3000 women leaders from across Canada and 50 corporate and government partners.
In 2008 she joined the Refinery Leadership Partners, http://www.refineryleadership.com - a boutique consulting firm which specializes in organizational and leadership performance. She has also just started a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems.
Originally from the beautiful BC Kootenays, she has lived in Vancouver, Victoria and Calgary, and considers herself a global citizen.
1. Tell us about your current role?
The Refinery Leadership Partners custom designs learning experiences with client partners, integrating the science of management and the art of leadership. I have a diverse portfolio of responsibilities including business development, client leadership, consulting, program design and facilitation, and coaching.
2. What motivated you to work in your field?
I believe that if you are going to pull one lever - creating better leadership stands to have a big impact on the world. We need that right now to address the global challenges of the 21 Century. This field brings together my business education and background with my desire to enable people to be their best. It is fun, creative, and you never stop learning. It took me a while to get here, but I've found my dream job!
3. What are your interests outside of work?
My husband Mark and daughter Farron are the centre of my universe. We love traveling the world and plan to return to Africa soon. I love nature, art, design and food. I volunteer in the community - in particular to support women and youth.
4. What inspires you most at work and in your personal life?
Seeing the power and potential of people, when they are being the best of who they are.
5. What book have you recently read that you found compelling?
The English translation by Stephen Mitchell of the Tao Te Ching "Book of the Way" by Lao-tsu - a simple book full of wisdom.
6. How would you describe your experience as a Sauder grad?
It was humbling, challenging and rewarding. It gave me the confidence to leap into places I may not have otherwise. Sauder connected me to incredible colleagues, many who have remained close friends, and also to exceptional faculty, such as Peter Frost, who had an impact on my life. I'm proud to be affiliated with a leading educational institution that has continued to evolve and gain international credibility.
7. What advice do you have for recent Sauder graduates?
Build quality relationships, with yourself, your family, friends, colleagues, and community. In this complex, high productivity world we live in - make time to be curious, inquire, think and play. Don't lose sight of what is really important to you, what gives you energy, and remember that you are what you do every day. Try to give a little more than you take from this world, and reach out to help others.
