Why is it important to celebrate IWD?

Hua: “As we look to truly achieve equality, we need to constantly remind people that women are an essential part of social and economic growth. Our achievements need to be recognized. Our growth paths need to be inspired and identified.”

Veronica: “IWD is an opportunity to celebrate women’s historical accomplishments while also acknowledging there must be so much more done. However, it is also an accountability measure to check in on organizations, companies, and governments globally to make sure they are doing what they promised they would. In today’s world, organizations need to be called out if they are not prioritizing or making progress towards reaching their gender equality goals.”

Sylvia: “We live in a world that prioritizes men in so many ways. IWD brings attention to the lack of representation, equality, and human rights available to women around the world. It’s also a day to celebrate women’s achievements and how far women’s rights and equality have come. Since becoming a mom to two little boys, for me personally, it’s also a day to reflect on the type of boys I want to raise. Ones who will use their privilege as men to treat others with respect and without bias, to lift others up, and to be an ally to those who need support. The road to equality is long and women cannot do it alone.”

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

Addie: “Be true to yourself. One of the most influential women in my life, my high school English teacher, always encouraged me to do so. While growth is important and role models are crucial – it is so important to never lose sight of your strengths and remember that they are the reason for your achievements. Lean into what works for you.”

Kelsey: “Separate the noise. Focus on what you want, versus prescribed career paths. In university, I had a mentor who was a sounding board as I went through the job hunt. She gave me great career advice. She kept telling me to focus on who I was and what I wanted, rather than fixating on a prescribed path. This is how I found my role at Level5 and is a key theme I relay to others looking for advice. Think about what you want and what your values are, the right opportunity will come. It will pay off.”

Patrice: “Push the envelope. It’s cliché, but true. It takes work, grit, and confidence in your abilities. But once you start to go the distance, you’ll realize you have it in you to accomplish anything you want – personally, socially, or professionally.”

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Alexa: “As you get more senior, it gets narrower. Women must stick together. Women’s businesses need backing, support, and funding from women.”

Laura: “Very important. And at all levels. As a leader in a male-dominated environment, you must recognize that how you use the seat you have at the table impacts the experiences of the next generation. How can you use your position to champion, support, and remove barriers for other women? If we really want to see more women in the upper echelons of leadership, we need to create the norms and supports they require to use their capacity for the highest level of thinking. Until societal expectations and family values are equitable, we will need to advance corporate culture beyond societal norms to provide equity in the opportunities available for women.”

Erika: “For me it means unequivocal and intentional support. Be truly happy for others. Competition has a tendency to breed toxicity which hinders supportive relationships. Instead, successful women are often those that are focused on their success without losing sight of genuinely supporting those around them. Good energy will come back to you.”

Angie: “Uplifting other women means being supportive, no matter their skill or level. As women, we must stick together and stand up for one another.”

Which women inspire you the most?

Hua: “A former client I met early in my career was a big inspiration for me. She inspired me because I understood her and had a connection with her. She was self-made, a CEO of a bank, and an entrepreneur on the side. She exuded confidence and was well-respected. I strived to be like her – confident, successful, and being both a big picture thinker and knowing how to execute.”

Patrice: “My friends. I have the most incredible and inspiring women in my life. They are lawyers, techies, scientific researchers, businesswomen, teachers and more. It’s just incredible to see what women can accomplish – especially when equipped with a supportive network of friends and colleagues. The person I am today is largely because of their impacts.”

Angie: “My grandmother. She immigrated to Canada and fought for everything in life she needed. She experienced hardship but remained strong, always rising above. I watched her advocate for herself – she never took no for an answer. She was happy go lucky and funny, she was always herself.”

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women as they begin their careers?

Alexa: “Be uncomfortable. Be demanding. Demand a sponsor and work closely with them to learn. Network – find a group of people you like and respect and spend time with them. Be curious and do not think it is weak to admit when you don’t know something. There is power in asking to be brought along.”

Veronica: “Perfection is the enemy of progress. As women, our taught and learned behaviours often make us critical of ourselves, risk averse, and genially compliant to authority. As women, we must collectively challenge these ingrained attitudes to continue to drive towards gender equality. This means confronting our fear of failure and accepting that mistakes are integral to learning and personal growth. Don’t let perfectionism hold you back from your own development.”

Sylvia: “If you don’t have boundaries, it’s impossible to thrive – personally and professionally. Regardless of your career stage, not only is it okay to set boundaries, it’s a critical success factor. As a mom of two toddlers, my boundaries look very different today than they did a couple of years ago. Setting (and keeping) boundaries, however, is easier said than done. It can sometimes feel uncomfortable or make you feel guilty – at least it does for me. Start with understanding your values, which will inform your non-negotiables. Once defined, make sure to communicate your boundaries clearly and proactively voice when a boundary is being violated. Setting boundaries takes time and practice.”

Erika: “Have a solutions-oriented mindset. It is natural, and quite frankly human to vent and complain at times. But the next step is taking action to find solutions for yourself – for your happiness. Figure out what you can do to achieve what makes you happy, and go for it.”

How has your Level5 experience helped your career growth?

Addie: “Being in the Level5 environment has given me not only responsibility in execution, but more importantly in thinking. This firm has given me exposure to such an interesting and diverse group of people to learn from every day. Being trusted and having my contributions be valued instils confidence in me.”

Laura: “I joined Level5 full time about 2 years ago but have worked with the firm for over a decade. The firm’s leaders have always been champions for me, providing growth and ownership opportunities. As I transitioned to join full time the belief in my transferable skills have been pivotal. The confidence and trust instilled in me spurred the next “hockey stick” in my career.”

Kelsey: “Level5 has accelerated both my professional and personal growth. I have unique access to senior leaders which has forced me to mature and learn the business faster. I have access to conversations, insights, and decision-making I would not have anywhere else. I am in a position of figuring things out as I go, and this has given me to space to fail and ultimately learn. I have immense support from the leaders around me who have fostered this culture of collaboration and openness. My growth has been a product of finding the right soil to plant my seed.”