Age: 39
Company: Mitel provides business communications solutions to enterprises around the world.
Education: Bachelor of science degree in international and financial economics, Hull University (1998)
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
Giving Guide: Queensway Carleton Hospital
What we do As west Ottawa’s only full-service hospital, QCH serves one of the fastest growing and aging hospital catchment areas in the country and regularly operates at or beyond
This holiday season, let’s tackle our toughest social issues together
By Dennise Taylor-Gilhen, Interim President & CEO, United Way East Ontario Despite global conflicts playing out across the world and an enduring cost-of-living crisis here at home, every day I
Charitable involvement: Network of Black Business & Professional Women
Biggest biz achievement: That’s a hard question, because I don’t feel like I’ve reached my biggest achievement quite yet. That said, I have been quite pleased with my experiences at Mitel. From being involved in the firm’s IPO many years ago, to M&A transactions since then, to many other projects in between, I have learned a lot and grown professionally.
Biggest obstacle: Earlier in my career, I often had to challenge many of the more experienced managers in the business. Some of them assumed that because I was new in my role or young, I couldn’t possibly have enough knowledge to challenge them. This was difficult at first, but you get through it, you prove yourself and it eventually made me better at what I do.
Biggest influence: Without a doubt, my mother. As a busy university professor, she showed me what the model of a working mother looks like, and she did it with grace and ease. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model.
First job: Flipping burgers at McDonald’s
Advice I’d give the younger me: Relax, it will be OK. I’d say that to my present me too!
Favourite pastime: Family movie night with our two girls.
Favourite song: Anything by Bob Marley
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Senators
Favourite local summer event: Canada Day
Preferred social media platform: LinkedIn
