During their convocation ceremony, graduates from the Faculty of Management received thoughts and lessons from honorary degree recipient, Maureen Joanne Sabia. 聽
Sabia was presented with a Doctor of Laws degree (honoris causa) on Tuesday, May 27, recognized for her significant professional success and her influential presence as a role model for women in the corporate world.
Sabia is the appointed chairman on the Board of Canadian Tire Corporation Limited and co-author of the country鈥檚 most respected book on improving the effectiveness of Audit Committees. She has been appointed an officer of the Order of Canada and is a recipient of the Queen鈥檚 Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2009, the Women鈥檚 Executive Network named her one of Canada鈥檚 100 most powerful women.
鈥淭he world in which I have worked for over 40 years was a tough one,鈥� she said to the crowd of graduates. "But I鈥檓 afraid that the world that you will work will be even tougher. Perhaps sharing with you what I have learned will be of some small help.鈥�
鈥淭he future is not a gift; it is an achievement,鈥� she explained. 鈥淪uccess is merely the function of hard work and discipline.鈥� She warned, "[Do] not be misled by those who would tell you to strive for a balanced life. There is no such thing, unless mediocrity is your god. Focus on your goals and commit to realizing them, whatever it takes.鈥�
Sabia is an example of what she teaches. In the 60s, she was one of only three women at the University of Toronto鈥檚 law school, in a class of 300. She posits that leadership, to her, is entirely gender neutral.
鈥淟adies, do not take offense at every innuendo,鈥� she said, as an aside to the female graduates in the audience. 鈥淒o not see sexual harassment behind every word and gesture. Reject the victim mentality鈥� True equality comes from freedom of choice and equality of opportunity, not equality of results.鈥�
Dr. Sabia recounted some short, but important lessons she has learned. 鈥淒evelop a sense of humor; you will need it,鈥� she says. 鈥淒evelop a presence; it helps you stand out.鈥� Finally: 鈥淲ork very hard and never stop learning. Above all, be curious.鈥�
鈥淐ongratulations to all of you, to your families and to your teachers,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou are the future, trite perhaps, but most assuredly true.鈥�
Standing tough: Maureen Joanne Sabia on achieving success
Kevin Bradley - June 4, 2014
Maureen Joanne Sabia speaks at last Tuesday's convocation ceremony. (Danny Abriel photo)