Category: Community News

In our burnout series, we go beyond the idea that burnout is just about long hours, and confront it for what it is: a state of exhaustion that impacts how you think, work, feel and live. In this fourth and final chapter, we examine how burnout can present itself and what to do when you or your team are experiencing it.

It’s no secret that burnout predominantly impacts those with a heavy workload, but it’s not as simple as being too busy. Burnout is an all-encompassing state of exhaustion that can arise after prolonged stress. It can result from accumulated factors like not feeling recognized or valued, struggling to set boundaries or not having your boundaries respected, having too much to manage and the inability to gain control.

Dr. Valerie Taylor is the department head of psychiatry at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. She researches links between mental illness and the body, and she knows how serious the repercussions of burnout can be. Burnout can impact your coping skills and ability to think clearly and can even take away the joy you get from your work. It can also pose significant health problems, like headaches and sleep and intestinal issues.

Burnout disproportionately affects women, and some female leaders face burnout because of the ongoing pressure of leading a team, rising above professional barriers placed against women and, oftentimes, taking on the majority of unpaid domestic work. Taylor explains how it’s easy to make yourself the last priority when you’re a senior-level professional, yet it’s critical to put yourself first, especially when you sense burnout coming on.

For leaders dealing with burnout 

Often, some of the pressure senior-level women feel is their own perception — they may not feel like they can take a holiday, occasionally leave work early or even mute their phone during non-working hours because they think it will be perceived negatively. Taylor says having trusted mentors is important so that you can ask how it might be viewed if you take time for yourself.

She says most mentors will probably tell you that not everyone works on weekends and “the people who are able to avoid burnout are able to do so because they can [take time away from work].”

Look at your team and the people supporting you, and find ways to delegate tasks. Be firm with whatever work-life balance works for you and ensure you make time for the things most important to you. “Working hard and being successful takes effort, but so does prioritizing yourself. People need to give themselves the same priorities and the same level of importance that they give to other things,” says Taylor.

What to do when your team is struggling  

As a leader, it’s important to notice when your team may be struggling with burnout and adjust the systems that lead them to burn out. Look internally at the small things, like how often you send out work emails and at what time, and the bigger things, like your company’s work-life balance expectations. Reflect on whether there are inclusive opportunities or resources for your staff to use when they feel frustrated.

“People don’t need work-social activities. They need to connect with themselves and their families sometimes. But they also need to be able to share frustrations if they think that they’re not being recognized,” says Taylor.

Ultimately, people need to know prioritizing themselves is important. They need to see their leaders modeling this behaviour and that their workplace encourages everyone to do this.

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

With Mother’s Day around the corner, it’s important to highlight the barriers mothers face at work and discuss how we can collectively help break them down.

The current work model wasn’t designed for moms, and it hasn’t evolved to fit modern family dynamics (the 9-5 workday was established nearly 100 years ago, yet the employment rate of mothers of young children has more than doubled in the last 50 years). Women still disproportionately take on the majority of household chores and caring responsibilities despite working — it’s not easy, and it’s even harder to advance without supportive systems in place.

In 2023, economist Claudia Goldin won the Nobel Prize in Economics for her work studying women at work and the gender pay gap. Goldin’s research showed that the pay gap is largely tied to motherhood. As mothers return to work, they often struggle through the transition and face new challenges in their professional trajectory.

“There’s a moment when childcare demands greatly lessen, and women can increase their hours of paid work and assume greater career challenges. We can think of that moment metaphorically, as when mothers reach a summit and then run down the other side of the mountain. But even though they increase their hours of work, they never reach the rich valley of gender equality,” writes Goldin in a research paper.

Goldin states that women will never reach gender equality until they’ve reached couples’ parity. Still, challenging parenting and unpaid work norms within your personal relationship is only one piece of the puzzle. Businesses must play their part, too, encouraging parental leave for men by limiting its negative perception and effects and putting in place support systems for women who have kids.

We know diversity and inclusion in the workplace benefit everyone; it causes teams to perform better and generate higher revenue, allows companies to have an increased employee retention rate and offers greater opportunities for innovation and creativity. In order to champion DEI, there’s a collective responsibility to support working moms. Here are a few ways your company can contribute to advancing gender equity in the workplace and listen to what working mothers need.

Allow flexibility and provide childcare support

When moms call for more flexibility at work, it doesn’t necessarily mean a fully remote job with the ability to work whenever they choose. However, if employers start by acknowledging that a traditional 9-5 doesn’t work for a parent unless their spouse is at home full-time, they may also start making small changes to help parents who don’t have that support.

Flexibility can look like a mom taking their child to an appointment in the middle of the day and working the extra hour at a different time or working earlier hours so they can do the after-school pickups. Similarly, organizations can consider a top-up of federal childcare subsidies for those with school-aged kids who find themselves paying more for after-school care.

Create a culture that supports families

Part of the motherhood penalty is the loss of salaries, promotions, pay increases and pension contributions women experience when they are on maternity leave. Having men take some of that leave is one of the best ways to close the gender equity gap at work, yet only 1 in 17 men take a parental leave.

Companies can create a culture where men can take leave without feeling guilty or as though they’re completely leaving their team. Changes can be as small as visibly making parental leave widely accepted and even expected through conversations like, “Congratulations on soon becoming a dad. When are you taking your parental leave?”

Companies must also offer supportive resources to make the transition back to work as seamless as possible, for both men and women. As an employer, examine your company’s return-to-work policy and ensure it’s well-timed and thoughtfully planned out. Ask your employees what they need and how you can best support them during this transition.

Offer pay transparency

Pay transparency is one of the many ways we can start closing the gender pay gap. Disclosing pay ensures that employees with the same qualifications are getting the same pay, including mothers who have had career interruptions. It helps women negotiate for more pay and know what they can expect for salary before entering a new professional commitment.

You can also do a pay equity analysis within your company to examine any existing inequalities and make the necessary adjustments.

Become and Axis member today to follow more conversations on women’s workplace advancement.

Join Axis Connects’ CEO, Nuvyn Peters, and executive director, Alexandra Stante, as they explore what it means to be a leader in our new weekly podcast, Quiet Part Out Loud. This week’s inaugural episode features powerhouse entrepreneur Manjit Minhas.

At Axis Connects, we’re on a mission to help advance women in the workplace, and talking about the real stuff is how we normalize the imperfections of a career journey. Our new podcast, Quiet Part Out Loud, does just that — it sparks conversations about the self-doubt, tough decisions, big wins and bigger failures that come on the journey to  leadership.

We’re shining the spotlight on the leadership stories that often stay in the  shadows. “We started this podcast because we both had experiences in leadership where we were thinking, ‘Am I just crazy, or are we all just  pretending?’” says Stante.

“This podcast is all about peeling back the layers of what’s going on behind the scenes,” adds Peters. “No fluff, no corporate jargon — just the real stuff we all need to hear.”

Our goal with Quiet Part Out Loud is to normalize the messy, imperfect and deeply human side of leadership, especially for women navigating spaces that weren’t built with them in mind.

Powerhouse Guests

In episode one, we invite Manjit Minhas, entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star, to sit down with us and pull back the curtain on her impressive career in business.

Minhas is the 2023 Calgary Influential Women in Business winner of the Small & Medium Enterprise Award. She’s a trailblazer in Canada’s beer and liquor industry, having co-founded a $220 million brewing empire, part owner of Edmonton’s professional basketball team and one of the investors on the hit TV show Dragons’ Den.

But her journey to success has been anything but linear, and she’s even redefined success a few times along the way. In Quiet Part Out Loud, Minhas shares the ups and downs of her journey and snippets of inspiration that have helped her and can hopefully help you, too.

Minhas explains why she still gets nervous (and how it’s a good thing) and why she always looks forward. She shares her belief in the power of self- valuation and feedback, her favourite books and the qualities of people who inspire her.

Episode one offers listeners a look inside the journey of a multi-million dollar company CEO and how Minhas has trusted her gut and had the persistence to get to where she is today. Our unscripted and candid conversation with Minhas sets the tone for the stories we will tell on Quiet Part Out Loud: the unfiltered journeys of women who lead and challenge the status quo.

Why now?

Diversity in the workplace is as important as ever, and helping propel women in business is an integral part of creating more diverse, equitable and inclusive work environments.

Quiet Part Out Loud aims to make leadership feel more real, relatable and accessible — not just for women but for anyone who’s felt like an outsider trying to lead from the inside. We want to amplify the voices of bold, curious and unconventional leaders and foster a community of mid-to senior-career professionals hungry for some straight-up real talk about what it  means to lead.

There is no such thing as a “perfect leader,” and by showing the behind- the-scenes thinking, mistakes, pivots and unspoken truths that shape seemingly “perfect” careers, we hope to inspire more women to step into their greatest potential.

Listen to episode one, out now.

Axis Connects is proud to partner with InterGen and Board Ready Women to accelerate gender diversity in leadership and drive real, systemic change in Calgary’s business and tech sectors. Together, we’re opening doors, building networks, and championing the advancement of women into executive and board roles.

Read the full announcement below and learn how this powerful collaboration is shaping a more inclusive future. ⬇️

Here, we look at the lived experiences of successful women and the secret to how they balance it all. Spoiler alert: they don’t do it alone.

Women continue to make strides in the workplace, representing more board seats and C-suite positions, but it’s important to note that they are not getting there alone. For every woman climbing the professional ladder, there is a support system helping hold it down.

Women continue to carry the load of unpaid work, like childcare, cooking and cleaning, and it’s difficult to balance home and work-life responsibilities, let alone executive or C-suite tasks. According to Statistics Canada, the inclusion of women in leadership roles leads to better results and economic benefits, but the professional challenges women face are much greater when they do it alone — a support system is critical to helping women advance professionally. In fact, choosing your spouse can be one of the most important business decisions.

When someone helps carry the responsibilities of unpaid work, like a non-birthing parent taking parental leave or friends helping with after-school pick-up, women can turn more energy toward their professional leadership responsibilities. Ensuring you surround yourself with the right people — whether they be mentors, friends or family — can influence your success at work by alleviating some of the barriers women face in career advancement.

Here, three Calgary Influential Women in Business award winners share how their unique support systems have been integral to their successful careers.

Jennifer Massig is the CEO of MAGNA Engineering services. She’s also a single mom. Massig says there’s no way she could have accomplished what she has done without the support of friends, co-workers and mentors.

“This strong foundation of incredible people includes my amazing friends who are raising families at the same time as me and were always available to watch my toddlers and elementary-aged kids when I had an important meeting or appointment. But also the incredible group of women that I work with who always provided support when I had to balance sick kids and a full-time job. They checked on me when I was looking overwhelmed and offered to do school drop-off and pick-up when I was tied up at work.”

“Lastly, I have always had a strong group of mentors. When I say mentors, I mean those who are blazing the trail ahead of me, those who are in the mire with me and we can connect on our shared experience, and also those coming along behind me, who I am honoured to share my experiences with.”

For Shelley Powell, the key to juggling her responsibilities is accepting help. Plus, the Senior Vice President of Operational Improvement Support Services at Suncor Energy says it’s more fun to do it together anyways.

“I certainly would not have been successful without a strong support system around me, but that started with the willingness to accept the support being offered. My partner has always been my biggest cheerleader, but he also did more than his share of driving to hockey practice, taking the dog for a walk and cooking dinner — all of the things that can seem overwhelming at the end of the day.”

“It has also been critical for my own mental well-being to find a group of trusted friends. A group where I am just Shelley and not an executive title. Life has a tendency to just slow down, and things come into perspective when you are with a group of friends that you trust completely.”

This years Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Hilary Foulkes, said she hasn’t always been the best example of managing her hectic work life with support systems, and she paid the price having needed to take a few years as a consequence of neglecting a health issue.

“It was the earlier part of my career, with little control over my schedule and limited financial means, and a workplace with no accommodation, that was the most challenging. For a period, we hired a daytime nanny, which provided relief, but after becoming a single mom, I thought I couldn’t justify the costs.

“My recommendation is: Do not be a hero. Ditch the guilt. Pick a good partner. Pay for whatever you can off-load, and if earlier in your career, look at it as an investment and not a cost.”

“Good stay-at-home mom friends always gave me first ‘dibs’ on volunteer slots, and I was a competitive squash player, so my self-care and socialization could be done in 45-minute slices! I am happy to say all three of my daughters have learned how not to do it!”

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.