Author: Claire Edwards

Last week, Axis Connects saw nearly 1,300 people gather for a dazzling evening of recognition at our annual Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards. Our sixth and largest ever CIWB Awards gala saw guests come dressed to impress and raise a glass for the people in our city driving change in Calgary’s business landscape.

The evening celebrated impact, leadership and influence and called for ongoing progress toward gender equity in the workplace.

“We’re not done,” said Axis Connects co-founder Heather Culbert in her opening remarks. “Leadership still needs more women, the C-suite still needs more leaders, and equity still needs all hands on deck.”

“What really matters is the momentum, the shift, the groundswell. Women are rising, and organizations are realizing it’s not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.”

Culbert explained that our mission at Axis Connects is simple: we’re about elevating women, enabling board access and influencing the systems that create lasting equity. We know systemic shifts only happen when we all work toward change, and last week’s gala served as an inspiring reminder of the incredible group of people working on shaping a brighter and more equitable future in business.

Celebrating this year’s bold and brilliant women and allies in business

As this year’s six honourees were presented with their awards they offered words of wisdom, advice and insight into their inspiring journeys. The honourees’ speeches followed similar themes of the courage it takes to be bold and exceptional, the importance of a strong support team, the kindness and heart it takes to be a good leader, and optimism for the future of women in business.

Allison Grafton, President of Rockwood Custom Homes and winner of the Small/Medium Enterprise Award, kicked off the evening with a dynamic speech urging women to believe in themselves and to remember that success is not always a personal achievement but that it’s often due to the remarkable people that you’ve chosen to be a part of your journey.

Sue Tomney, CEO of YW Calgary and winner of the Social Enterprise Award, reminded us to take a moment to recognize the incredible things and progress happening.

Alison Jackson, Managing Partner of EY and winner of the Professional Services Award, embodied the phrase she often says, “To be exceptional, you need to be willing to be the exception.”

Shelley Powell, Senior Vice President of Operational Improvement & Support Services at Suncor Energy, moved the room during her acceptance speech for the Large Entreprise Award. As she stood on stage, she recalled James Keller’s quote, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle,” and took a moment to acknowledge everyone in the room.

“For any of the candles in the room waiting to be lit, I want you to sit up, lean in, and let me share my light with you now. Let this be your start, let this be your middle, let it be the final push to the end, let it be whatever you need it to be, wherever you are at. Light your candle, and let this be your moment as well,” she said.

Retired CEO of Keyera Corp., David Smith, is this year’s Male Champion Award. He emphasized the need to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, now more than ever, and how diversity in leadership is good for business.

Lifetime Achievement Award winner Hilary Foulkes took the stage and captivated the audience in her acceptance speech, reflecting on the span of her career. Now an independent board director, Foulkes spoke of the progress she has seen for women throughout her four-and-a-half-decade career but stressed that we still have work to do and that diversity in leadership will make us better.

“A leader has both the courage to make tough decisions and the humility to listen. She is not necessarily setting out to be a leader, but she becomes one with the quality of her actions and the integrity of her intent. Leadership is in all of us — it comes in bold corporate moves and in small impactful deeds: a thank you, encouragement, speaking up for someone else. In this age of rage, acts of kindness cost us nothing and are remarkably influential,” she said.

“Our collective progress can not be taken for granted, and we are witnessing this before our very eyes. So, grab your shoes — steel-toed boots, sneakers, stilettos — be bold and surround yourself with really good people and keep building the career that you want on your own terms, and I know you’ll fuel an influential and rewarding life.”

To nominate an influential woman who champions equity in business for the 2026 CIWB Awards, visit axisconnects.com/ciwb-awards.

Canada established its maternity leave in 1971. In 1990, it introduced a parental leave, allowing non-birthing parents the option of parental benefits. Today, Canada offers a 15-week maternity leave plus a 40-week parental leave, which can be extended to 69 weeks. 

According to UNICEF, “Canada ranks 19 out of 41 wealthy countries regarding parental leave given to mothers.” It’s clear we have work left to do, and despite parental leave, women still face the motherhood penalty. 

The motherhood penalty consists of the professional repercussions women face when they have children. Mothers make less than men and women without children are less likely to be promoted and face challenges when they return to work. 

According to a 2021 report from VersaFi, a Canadian non-profit that helps women in finance accelerate, a lack of support for women can be critical. The report states, “Upon returning to work from parental leave, women are six times more likely than men to seriously consider quitting their jobs and twice as likely than men to experience decreased job satisfaction.” Many mothers returning to work experience a lack of formal support, and some feel a changed perception of their competence. 

The report also found that women are four times more concerned than men that a longer parental leave would delay their career advancement. Employees on leave may not receive updates on company changes, promotion opportunities or internal job postings, putting them at a disadvantage. When a non-birthing parent takes parental leave, it can help women get back to work sooner, with a smoother transition. 

Certain leave factors, like pay top-ups, depend on your workplace — an important element to take into account when scouting out jobs, and for employers, an important thing to consider when it comes to helping women advance within your organization. 

Some suggestions for employers to help mothers return to work. Some suggestions include keeping communication lines open during their leave, offering more flexibility, counselling services and return-to-work coaching upon their return, implementing childcare subsidies or advocating to accelerate universal funding and more. 

The obstacles women face after taking maternity leave contribute to the wage gap and women’s underrepresentation in senior-level roles. It’s critical to understand that non-birthing parents taking a portion of the parental leave (when it works for the family) and employers making changes to support working mothers are significant steps on the continued journey toward gender equity in the workplace.

Sue Tomney has long been a transformative force in the non-profit sector, known for her visionary leadership, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication to community impact. As the recipient of this year’s Social Enterprise Award at the Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards, Sue is being recognized for her pioneering work in creating sustainable solutions to complex social challenges. Her leadership has redefined the intersection of social good and business, proving that social impact and financial sustainability can—and must—coexist. 

A Career Dedicated to Purpose 

Sue’s career has been defined by her unique ability to blend strategic leadership with a profound understanding of the communities she serves. As CEO of YW Calgary, she has been instrumental in expanding the organization’s reach, improving programming, and ensuring the financial sustainability of their work. 

“The work we do is about creating real opportunities for women and families to thrive,” Sue explains. “Every program, every service, and every decision is driven by the question: How do we make the biggest impact?” 

Her answer to that question is simple: make it personal. Sue doesn’t just lead YW Calgary from a boardroom—she’s deeply connected to the people and causes at the heart of her work. When she talks about the mission of YW Calgary, you can hear the passion and purpose in her voice. She’s not just running an organization; she’s building a movement, one that creates lasting change for women and families in Calgary and beyond. 

Breaking Barriers in the Non-Profit World 

Leading a non-profit is no easy task—especially when faced with limited funding, fluctuating social needs, and the challenge of advocating for those whose voices often go unheard. Sue has faced these challenges head-on, pushing boundaries with a bold, innovative approach. By positioning YW Calgary at the forefront of social enterprise, she has demonstrated that social organizations can be financially sustainable while making a profound impact. 

“Non-profits have to be nimble, creative, and willing to think outside traditional funding models,” Sue says. “We’ve been able to develop programs that not only serve our mission but also create revenue streams that sustain our work.” 

Sue’s approach to leadership is a testament to her belief that thinking outside the box doesn’t just mean solving problems; it’s about completely redefining what’s possible. Whether it’s launching a new social enterprise or shaking up traditional fundraising models, Sue’s track record proves that there’s no limit to what can be accomplished when passion meets creative thinking. 

Mentorship and Leadership in Action 

Beyond her work with YW Calgary, Sue is a passionate mentor and advocate for the next generation of leaders in social enterprise. She believes that true leadership is about lifting others up, especially young women and emerging leaders, and creating a space where they can challenge the status quo and drive real, lasting change. 

“True leadership is about lifting others up,” Sue shares. “I want to see more young leaders stepping into this space with confidence and the knowledge that their voices matter.” 

Sue’s influence goes beyond her organizational leadership; she is committed to inspiring a ripple effect of positive change. She loves seeing the “aha” moment in others when they realize they have the power to make a difference. Whether it’s through leadership networks, mentorship programs, or initiatives that support women in leadership, Sue actively fosters a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and resilience. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Social Enterprise 

Sue’s vision for the future of social enterprise is one of innovation, collaboration, and resilience. As societal challenges continue to grow in scale and complexity, she believes that organizations must evolve, integrating social purpose with sustainable business practices to create a greater collective impact. 

“The world is changing, and the way we solve problems has to change with it,” Sue asserts. “The more we integrate social purpose with sustainable business models, the greater our collective impact will be.” 

Sue isn’t just a leader for today—she’s thinking about the future, and it’s bright. For her, social enterprise isn’t just about doing good now; it’s about creating a framework for lasting, sustainable change that will echo for generations to come. And if there’s one thing Sue knows, it’s that when purpose and profitability work together, the sky’s the limit. 

A Testament to Leadership and Vision 

Sue Tomney’s recognition with the Social Enterprise Award is a testament to her transformative leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to community betterment. As she continues to push boundaries, innovate, and inspire others, Sue exemplifies what it means to be a true leader in the social impact space. 

Her work serves as a powerful reminder that social good and business success should—and can—go hand in hand. Sue’s leadership challenges us to think differently about the future of social enterprise and to embrace a more holistic, impactful approach to solving society’s greatest challenges. 

As the Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards celebrate this year’s honorees, Sue stands as a beacon of what’s possible when passion, leadership, and enterprise unite for a greater purpose. Her legacy is one of bold, lasting change, and her leadership will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of social enterprise for years to come. After all, with Sue at the helm, there’s no telling just how far the impact of social enterprises can go. 

About Axis Connects 

Axis Connects is changing leadership. From the c-suite to the boardroom, we support and accelerate the advancement and recognition of gender diversity throughout our business community. We believe that gender diversity at the leadership table matters. Through Axis Connects’ programs, workshops, networks, and events, we support women in their journey towards leadership positions and professional potential. www.axisconnects.com 

About the Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) Awards 

The Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) Awards recognize the incredible business leaders advancing women and diverse professionals in Calgary. Honourees were chosen based on their professional accomplishments, advocating for advancing women, influence, and business community involvement. The CIWB Awards recognizes five outstanding female business leaders and one male champion for women in Calgary and celebrates their accomplishments.  

In our four-part burnout series, we examine burnout for what it is — an all-encompassing state of exhaustion — and look at how it pertains to women at work. This time, we talk about the physical toll it can take on us. 

Although burnout is often associated with psychological symptoms — brain fog, lack of motivation, a diminished sense of accomplishment and mental exhaustion — it can also cause issues in the body. Burnout can cause serious physical health risks.  

“People often think that this is more of a psychological thing, that it’s mental exhaustion. But there can be lots of physical symptoms associated with it,” says Dr. Valerie Taylor, department head of psychiatry at the Cumming School of Medicine. “People may start to experience headaches, muscle tension and other types of physical discomfort.”  

Taylor has extensive experience and knowledge of the intersection of mental health and physical illness. She leads a lab that examines the links between psychiatric illness and the gut microbiome. As an expert in psychiatry, she recognizes that burnout isn’t just someone feeling tired or some trendy catchphrase — it’s a real syndrome with severe health implications.  

“While it is not a medical or mental health condition, it has been classified as a syndrome, meaning a collection of symptoms or signs associated with a specific health-related cause,” she explains. “If it’s not addressed, it can lead to significant mental and physical health problems.” 

Physical symptoms 

People experiencing burnout may have headaches, stomachaches, intestinal issues, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep and frequent sickness. Left untreated, it can even increase your risk of coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and insomnia.  

And sometimes, health concerns stem from a symptom of burnout. Think of the link between a lack of sleep and increased health issues or how unhealthy behaviours to cope with stress, such as excessive smoking or drinking, can put you more at risk of developing life-threatening illnesses.  

Increasing rates of burnout 

Burnout is steadily on the rise. And since the pandemic, women have been even more disproportionately affected. According to the 2021 McKinsey & Company Women in the Workplace report, 42 per cent of women reported feeling burned out in 2021 compared to 32 per cent in 2020. The gender gap in burnout nearly doubled in the year following the pandemic, with 35 per cent of men reporting burnout in 2021 compared to 28 per cent in 2020. 

 Women may have experienced more burnout than men for a number of reasons, including the stress of being a working mom during a pandemic, lack of support or acknowledgement at work, and societal expectations to perfectly balance professional and personal obligations, even during a highly unpredictable time.  

 If left untreated, burnout can lead to serious and long-lasting health issues. It’s important to learn preventative measures to avoid burnout, know how to identify its symptoms and ask for support when you need it.   

Taking care of yourself 

Addressing burnout is no easy feat, but it is necessary to live a healthy, balanced life. Taylor says making a change is often about regaining control in your life and putting yourself first, which can be challenging, especially for women in leadership roles, but there are ways to get started. One approach to combatting burnout is the Three R Approach:  

1. 1. 1. Recognize: Watch for the warning signs of burnout. 
      2. Reverse: Undo the damage by seeking support and managing stress. 
      3. Resilience: Build your resilience to stress by taking care of your physical and emotional health. 

Taylor adds that “sometimes you have to change your workplace, learn to say no, speak up for yourself when you’re not feeling recognized, delegate tasks at home and at work, and ensure you take time for yourself as opposed to always placing others above you.”  

To keep up with more conversations on burnout and its impact on women in business, become an Axis member.  

A Leader Rooted in Purpose

For Shelley, leadership is not just about results—it’s about people. She believes that success comes from creating an environment where individuals can thrive. “People come to work every day to do their best, and my role as a leader is to help them become the best version of themselves.” From her early days in the industry, Shelley recognized that real leadership isn’t about molding people into a single vision; it’s about empowering them to discover their own strengths and potential.

In her current role as Senior Vice President of Operational Improvement & Support Services at Suncor Energy, Shelley leads global teams with a philosophy rooted in trust, collaboration, and a deep sense of purpose. “At work, we need to be tough on issues, not on people. My job is to help people flourish and be successful based on what they can do.”

Strength Through Adversity

The defining moments of Shelley’s career weren’t the easy ones—they were the challenges that tested her resilience. “The moments that have mattered most in my career were often the toughest ones—those times when you just want them to be over. But looking back, they were when I learned the most and grew the most.”

Shelley embraces adversity as an opportunity to grow, believing that the hardest experiences often lay the foundation for future success. “Storms make trees grow deeper roots.” That mindset shapes her leadership journey and fuels her commitment to continuously evolve and challenge herself.

The Power of Sponsorship and Mentorship

Throughout her career, Shelley has championed the next generation of leaders, recognizing that mentorship alone isn’t enough—sponsorship is just as critical. “Mentorship has been incredibly important to me, but sponsorship is what has helped me advance. Who is putting your name forward behind closed doors? Who is advocating for you when you’re not in the room?”

Shelley ensures that the support she received throughout her journey is paid forward. Whether in the boardroom, the workplace, or the community, she is intentional about creating opportunities for others to step up, be seen, and thrive.

A Commitment to Community

Shelley’s leadership extends far beyond the corporate world. She sits on the board of trustees for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the board of directors of Canada Powered by Women. Shelley also previously served as the chair of Keyano College’s board of governors and the board of directors at the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation. She is passionate about education, mentorship, and creating opportunities for future generations. “I love the volunteer work I do because it allows me to give back using the skills I’ve built over the years. It’s about making a difference where it matters most.”

Her dedication to community service reflects her belief that leadership is not just about driving business success—it’s about creating lasting impact.

Empowering the Next Generation

For Shelley, one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is inspiring young women to step outside their comfort zones. “Push yourself into areas that scare you, the ones you’re not sure you can walk into, because those are the spaces you’ll grow the most. Take that step, be bold, and make it happen. You are awesome—just keep going.”

Her own career path has been anything but linear. “Thirty years ago, I started at a refinery in Sarnia as a process operator with a flashlight and a pipe wrench. I had no idea that some of the best lessons of my career were happening right then.” Her story is a testament to the power of taking risks, embracing challenges, and being open to unexpected opportunities.

 A Vision for the Future

As Shelley looks ahead, she is more committed than ever to making lasting impacts. “These days, I want to work on things that are bigger than me. I want to impact the system, to move the needle, not just tinker at the edges of problems.” Her leadership is driven by a desire to create change that goes beyond individual success—one that benefits industries, communities, and future generations.

Her philosophy is simple: work should be meaningful, relationships should be genuine, and learning should never stop. “Life is way too short to be miserable at work every day.” She thrives on collaboration, surrounding herself with people who challenge and inspire her, knowing that the best ideas come from working together.

A Legacy of Impact

Shelley Powell’s leadership is defined by resilience, generosity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As she continues to break barriers, mentor others, and give back, she leaves a legacy that extends far beyond her own accomplishments. “I really hope awards like this normalize the success and achievements of women. We should celebrate each other, cheer each other on, and make this the norm.”

Shelley’s journey is proof that leadership is not just about where you end up—it’s about how you lead, who you lift up along the way, and the impact you leave behind. Please join us in celebrating Shelley Powell, a leader who embodies courage, purpose, and heart.

Her philosophy is simple: work should be meaningful, relationships should be genuine, and learning should never stop. “Life is way too short to be miserable at work every day.” She thrives on collaboration, surrounding herself with people who challenge and inspire her, knowing that the best ideas come from working together.

About Axis Connects
Axis Connects is changing leadership. From the c-suite to the boardroom, we support and accelerate the advancement and recognition of gender diversity throughout our business community. We believe that gender diversity at the leadership table matters. Through Axis Connects’ programs, workshops, networks, and events, we support women in their journey towards leadership positions and professional potential. www.axisconnects.com

About the Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) Awards
The Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) Awards recognize the incredible business leaders advancing women and diverse professionals in Calgary. Honourees were chosen based on their professional accomplishments, advocating for advancing women, influence, and business community involvement. The CIWB Awards recognizes five outstanding female business leaders and one male champion for women in Calgary and celebrates their accomplishments.

“Women are even more increasingly determined to support one another and to champion each other; to believe we can do anything, be anything. Now, when you look at the streetscape, especially in this remarkable city of Calgary, and the quality of entrepreneurs, women are everywhere. We are making a massive difference, and it is no longer a man’s boardroom. It is an equal-opportunity world, and you have to believe that and hold it true and operate in the world, today, like that.” – Allison Grafton 

At the Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards, we celebrate the leaders in our community who are helping advance women in business and leading the charge for diversity in the workplace. This year, we are honoured to present Allison Grafton with the Small and Medium Enterprise Award, recognizing her trailblazing work establishing a luxury custom home-building company while championing other women to rise into leadership roles.  

Before becoming the founder and sole owner of Rockwood Custom Homes, Allison Grafton was an investment banker. In 2009, she decided to take the leap and change careers. She felt ready to run her own company and was inspired to find ways to improve the residential construction industry. 

“When you see an opportunity to make an industry better, to be one of the leading people, it’s not going to be easy; it’s going to be really, really hard because 95 per cent of people don’t want to change,” she says. And it’s with hard work that Grafton has grown Rockwood Custom Homes into a team of 35 employees collaborating with over 500 contractors. 

Taking Risks With Guidance 

“I really hope that women look to myself and other women who are thriving and making a difference in their industry and community, knowing that the risk is worth taking when you’re going to have significant growth. You never truly know if you can or if it’s going to be a success, but never let that stop you.” 

Grafton is a risk taker, but she listens to her gut instincts for guidance. She also trusts and values her mentors, who help ensure her decisions are balanced and thoughtful.   

“If you can listen to mentors, you’re going to do really well. You don’t have to listen to exactly what they tell you to do, but you must listen to their words of wisdom around how you might do better.”  

Values to Carry You Through  

“Honesty, integrity, accountability: those are really the key values that make a massive difference in being an exceptional leader and making a change in any level of industry.” 

Grafton knows the world of an entrepreneur is ever-changing, and what once worked may not always work. Though pivoting is necessary, she advises aspiring entrepreneurs to keep their values intact throughout the journey. As a mentor to many women, her advice is simple: work hard and believe in your success.  

“Anybody can make a difference with their ingenuity, intelligence, work ethic, loyalty and courage.” 

Grafton sees the importance of giving back, too. She’s sat on various boards and been involved with different organizations and initiatives, like YW Calgary and the Dress for Success program at the Making Changes Association. She supports various youth mental health initiatives at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Fraser Institute and contributes to multiple foundations.  

 A Woman of Influence in Calgary 

“To be a woman of influence in the city of Calgary is remarkable, as it’s a city of women who are remarkably intelligent and independent.”  

 Grafton says she’s honoured to receive the Small and Medium Enterprise Award and that it comes with immense responsibility to continue on the path she’s forging. With her exceptional leadership in business and involvement in youth mental initiatives and women’s organizations, there is no doubt she will continue to make a difference in Calgary and beyond. 

Please join us in celebrating Grafton’s outstanding contributions to business and her efforts to support and inspire women on their journey to success.