Welcoming the world to Ottawa: Businesswoman of the year nominee Nina Kressler

Shaw Centre CEO nominated in organization category

Nina Kressler
Nina Kressler
Editor's Note

On April 20, the Women’s Business Network will honour 12 of Ottawa’s leading women entrepreneurs at its Businesswoman of the Year gala. The nominees are divided into four categories: Emerging entrepreneur; established entrepreneur; organization; and professional. OBJ will profile each nominee leading up to the event.

As president and CEO, Ms. Kressler’s mandate is to operate a world-class convention facility resulting in economic impact and benefits to the city of Ottawa and province of Ontario. The venue hosts approximately 500 events each year and tied for second place in 2014 for the best convention centre in the world.

What is your proudest business accomplishment?

Surpassing goals which claimed could never be met.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My mother, who at the age of 52 as a single mom of three teenagers, went to school to get her high school diploma and then landed her first job as a nursing assistant in a seniors residence.

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What is the biggest professional obstacle you’ve had to overcome?

Just because I don’t golf well doesn’t mean I can’t contribute to a good discussion.

What is the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Integrity, honesty, listening skills and humbleness are all character traits and skills which will serve you well in life. The ability to admit you have made a mistake is very humbling, but more importantly choose to learn from it. I also believe it important to take the time for others. When someone asks for your time, it’s usually because they feel you have a contribution to make. We all need advice, guidance and coaching throughout our careers. This doesn’t stop when you reach senior management, so it’s important to remind yourself how beneficial it was to you when someone asks if you’ve got a minute.

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