Corporate Vision March 2017

108 CORPORATE VISION / March 2017 , EileenMacDonald of GS1 Canada tells us exactly what it is like to be a woman in aman’s world, as well as providing expert advice for other women looking to further their careers in the industry. Rise to the Top As a neutral, not-for- profit organisation, GS1 Canada enables its more than 20,000 subscribers – organisations of all sizes from more than 20 sectors across Canada – to enhance their efficiency and cost effectiveness by adopting electronic supply chain best practices. “We are an industry-driven leader representing Canadian businesses,” embellishes Eileen MacDonald. “As a user-driven and governed organisation, our subscriber base includes organisations of all sizes across a wide range of industries and sectors located across Canada and around the world.” GS1 believes in the power of standards to transform the way we work and live. Its mission is to create a common foundation for business by uniquely identifying, accurately capturing and automatically sharing vital information about products, locations and assets. “We enable visibility through the exchange of authentic data,” says Eileen. “We empower business to grow and to improve efficiency, safety, security and sustainability. We are neutral, not-for-profit, user-driven and governed, global and local, inclusive and collaborative.” Eileen has been with GS1 Canada since 2002. She tells us more about her rise to success. “Named President in 2015 in this role I am responsible for leading GS1 Canada’s strategic direction and growth by driving organisational planning and priorities in conjunction with Board directives. “I oversee all aspects of GS1 Canada’s operations including Finance, Operations, Government Relations, Corporate Affairs, Marketing, managing business opportunities and challenges.” At GS1 Canada, 51% of the employees are female, with 71% being at senior leadership level. Eileen tells us more about what techniques the firm is employing to attract the best female talent from across the industry. “Having strong female leaders at the top of the organisation provides role models for inclusion to all employees. We have a management team that actively looks to check personal bias and ensures the right person fits the role. We also boast paid personal time that supports all our employees looking after their family and taking care of their lives, as well as the flexibility to work from home as needed.” Eileen speaks about the challenges she has encountered as a woman working in the corporate environment and how she overcame them. “Being feminine and holding a role that typically is female (marketing) was a challenge to be viewed as having potential to be a CEO/President. I deliberately moved myself into operations and was immediately taken seriously. Marketing advertising roles are one of the first to be cut back in difficult times. Once I was in operations I was no longer at risk, the fact I understood how to market products/myself was key to the growth opportunities that have afforded me an incredible career. Operations and finance are key in my current role, however I have never left my passion for marketing behind.” Eileen also has words of advice for other women looking to succeed in the sector, including the key attributes she believes are vital to reaching the top of a firm within the industry. “I believe that confidence, staying true to yourself and operating with the highest integrity is paramount to leadership,” she states. “Take every opportunity to learn. Hold the course on difficult topics; ensure you are educated on all your accountabilities; garner trust; be a go to person and focus on results. Don’t think you need to be aggressive to succeed, being strong, fair, consistent and smart will get you where you want to be. Don’t step on people on your way up, I use Steven Covey’s trust cards, they work.” Within regards to the future of the business and the industry itself, Eileen foresees change needing to take place in order for success to continue. “E-comm is truly here and growing at lightning speed. When you google a product you are looking for the image, not the bar code. Our foundation is the standards around the bar code. To maintain our relevance in the market place we need to change. Our growth has been tremendous in the area of images and key identifiers.” With regards for the future of women in the corporate landscape, Eileen has a few pointers to make it easier for women to succeed in what is typically regarded as a man’s world. “There needs to be a continued focus on life balance which will support both women and men to succeed, as well as flexibility of working arrangements – it is about getting the work done, not the hours in the office. Strong leaders mentoring young career women will also be vital to ensure that women can continue to rise to the top successfully. “ K Company: GS1 Canada Name: Eileen Mac Donald Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.gs1ca.org Address: 1500 Don Mills Road, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario BW160059