What does leadership look like after 50? Some might imagine it’s the beginning of a slowdown. Think fewer risks, quieter roles and a gentle shift toward the sidelines. But meet the Canadian women on our inaugural Top 50 Women Over 50, and that notion quickly unravels.

For these Canadian powerhouses, 50 wasn’t a finish line, and they certainly aren’t winding down. They’re stepping up. With decades of experience behind them and a renewed sense of clarity ahead, these women are building companies, driving innovation, reshaping policy and redefining what influence looks like in the second half of life.

This list is a celebration of their undeniable impact. And as part of this tribute, we asked each finalist to generously share a piece of advice for the next generation of female changemakers.

Here, in their own words, are 50 voices worth listening to.

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Jacqueline Durnford, Practice Lead, The Porter O’Brien Agency
“Find your tribe. Surround yourself with mentors who are not afraid to tell you when you are having a pity party and tell you when you are wrong. Find those women in your life who have stood in your shoes before and learn from them. Meet with them, ask them questions. Grow your network, and always take the opportunity to learn from someone else.”

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Jeannine Pereira, Chief Learning & Development Officer, EY Canada
“It’s important to keep who you are becoming top-of-mind. Is your direction aligned with your values, your vision and your purpose? You’ll know right away by how they make you feel. I encourage everyone to craft their purpose. Do the work. It makes you reflect on your past, your future life, what excites, inspires and motivates you – and the impact you have on people.”

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Kim Foster, Founder & CEO, The Wellness Coach Academy
“Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’. You are already more capable, more powerful and more needed than you realize. Success isn’t about perfection – it’s about alignment. Get clear on who you are, what matters most and the kind of impact you want to leave behind. Then move forward, even if your voice shakes. And when things don’t go as planned – because they won’t – know that this isn’t failure; it’s feedback. It’s part of the path. And often, it’s the very thing that will shape you into the leader you’re meant to become.”

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Caroline Codsi, Founder & Chief Equity Officer, Women in Governance
“Never let anyone dim your light – not a boss, not a partner, not a system. You are not here to fit in. You are here to lead. And the world will be better because you did.”

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Nancy MacKay, Founder and CEO, MacKay CEO Forums
“Success is not a straight line, and it’s not a solo mission. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Protect your time like it’s your most precious resource – because it is. And trust that leadership done with heart, grit and generosity leaves the most powerful impact of all.”

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Bonnie Crombie, Leader, Ontario Liberal Party
“Don’t wait to be invited. Take your place at the table. Speak with confidence. Know your worth. And don’t be afraid to lead boldly, even when it’s uncomfortable. The world needs your voice – your perspective, your empathy, your strength. You’ll be underestimated at times. I have been too. But I’ve also seen firsthand what happens when women lead with clarity, compassion and conviction. We don’t just break glass ceilings, we build stronger foundations for everyone.”

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Janice Price, President & CEO, Royal Ontario Museum Foundation
“Don’t be afraid to change geography, sectors or roles to advance. I moved more than five times in pursuit of my career goals, and while it can feel somewhat scary or daunting, it makes you stronger and more knowledgeable on a range of fronts when you have to get to know new places, people and functions to learn.”

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Maria French, CEO, Terra Nova Transcription
“Maintain the nurturing hand of making this world a better place. Make your efforts in business have an impact on the lives of those in your community. And make the way a little more secure for the next female leaders.”

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Karen Meredith Blott, Global CEO, Drake International
“Stay curious. Stay human. Trust your voice. Don’t be afraid to rewrite your story. And don’t underestimate how much your presence can shift a room, a conversation, a life. If we all do that – with humility, integrity, courage and care – we won’t just  lead; we’ll leave things better than we found them.”

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Celia Smith, CEO, Luminato
“Build alliances, not silos. Some of the most transformative work happens at the intersections – between sectors, between disciplines and between people with different lived experiences. Invite collaboration, seek out diverse perspectives and never underestimate the power of unlikely partnerships.”

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Zabeen Hirji, Founder, Purposeful Third Act
“Judge career success by your own standards. It’s not simply about climbing the ladder – gain diverse experiences and learn from different roles. Take career risks that align with your purpose and long-term career goals.”

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Dallas Mercer, President & CEO, Dallas Mercer Consulting
“Disrupt kindly. Lead with heart. Use your voice – even when it shakes. Say yes to things that scare you. Build circles that lift others. And don’t ever assume your best years are behind you. Your energy, your insight, your purpose – they only grow with time.”

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Dominique Anglade, Professor of Practice, HEC Montréal
“Don’t postpone your dreams. Don’t wait until you’re 40, 50 or 60 to say no, to speak up or to claim your place. Choose the projects that light you up and reflect who you are. Dare to take space, to lead differently, and most importantly, to make your voice heard. Leadership isn’t about perfection, it’s about the real impact you create around you.”

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Sue Bennett, Principal/CEO, Bennett Design Associates
“Never doubt yourself. Keep learning, embrace change and go big!”

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Shannon Susko, Founder and CEO, Metronomics United Coaching
“Success is never just about what you build – it’s about who you lift along the way. Invest in your team. Stay rooted in your values. And remember that balance isn’t a luxury; it’s a leadership strategy. We lead best when we’re grounded in purpose and whole in life.”

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Jody Steinhauer, Founder & Chief Impact Officer, Kits For A Cause
“You don’t have to choose between succeeding financially and succeeding in making a difference; both are important and doable! In fact, that’s the future of leadership.”

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Karla Congson, CEO & CTO, Agentiiv
“Don’t let anyone convince you that innovation belongs only to the young. Some of the most transformative ideas come from people who’ve seen enough cycles of change to recognize patterns – and who have the confidence to trust their instincts when they spot an opportunity.”

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Jo-Ann Mowry, Owner & CEO, Bridge Us Solutions
“Network, network, network. It is one of the most powerful tools in your professional toolkit. Build relationships, seek mentorship and learn from those who’ve walked the path before you. Healthy competition can serve as motivation – not a threat. Use it as a benchmark to grow and elevate your own success.”

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Nancy Foran, Founder & President, ESG Partners
“Your voice matters, even when it’s quiet. Lead with values and purpose. Remain humble and always be willing to learn. Don’t wait until you feel ready – be brave, be uncomfortable and show up anyway. You can be humble and confident at the same time.”

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Jill Nykoliation, CEO, Jill Nykoliation Coaching
“Don’t wait for permission. Don’t defer your voice. And don’t believe the myth that you have to harden to lead. The most powerful leaders are also the most human – those who lead with self-awareness, clarity and care.”

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Adrianne Fekete, Founder & CEO, I Am Unbreakable Global Media
“Your voice matters, and your unique experiences are your greatest assets. Don’t shy away from challenges; instead, embrace them as part of your journey. Surround yourself with a supportive network and seek out mentors who can guide you. Remember my three favorite words: Yes you can.”

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Sarah Morgenstern, Executive Director, Girls E Mentorship (GEM)
“Pursue new experiences and learning to enrich your life and continue to foster your own personal growth. The world is changing quickly around us and even over 50, women should never think we can’t continue to learn, change and keep contributing.”

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Lisa Haydon, Founder & CEO, Pivotal Growth
“Start now. Be bold. Keep learning. And never hand your leadership away. You don’t need to be ready. You need to be committed.”

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Trish Mandewo, CEO, Synergy Executive & Boards Consulting Group
“The world doesn’t need more leaders who fit the mold, it needs bold, courageous women like you who are ready to break it. If you find yourself discouraged, think of my story: a homeless kid who grew up in a ghetto of Zimbabwe, went through war and borrowed money for the flight to the United States to attend college. I didn’t know how I was going to pay for university. Look at me now. Everything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

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Laura Araneda, CEO, Hit Drilling
“Know that your journey will not be linear and that’s OK. Use your setbacks as fuel. Lead with compassion. Build something that reflects who you are, not who the world tells you to be. And never underestimate the ripple effect of your courage – especially when it comes from a place of service, authenticity and love. Your experience is your power. Lead from it.”

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Meredith Caplan Jamieson, Senior Advisor, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Government of Canada
“Whenever possible, do work with personal meaning. When we have a passion for something, the output and effort will always bring out the best effort for a meaningful task and end result.”

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Victoria Carrier, Vice President Compliance, TD Wealth & Insurance, TD Bank
“Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to build strong networks of support and mentorship. It is essential to develop a strategic mindset, communicate effectively and empower your team to take ownership of their work.”

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Raquel Hughes, Founder & CEO, Sparkle & Sheen Organize and Cleaning Services
“Don’t wait to be invited – build your own table. Speak before you feel ready. Share the credit, own the responsibility and stay deeply connected to your ‘why’. And remember, the most meaningful impact you can make isn’t just in what you accomplish – it’s in how you uplift others along the way.”

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Sharmila Sriram, Founder & CEO, Spectrum Medical Diagnostics
“Do not let fear or failure define your story. Let your fire, your faith and your fierce belief in what is possible lead the way.”

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Lisa Kirbie, Founder & CEO, Blackbird Strategies
“Never go backwards, push ahead. When someone offers help, take it. And never be afraid to speak your mind, especially in male-dominated industries.”

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Francisca Quinn, President, Quinn+Partners
“Only do work that you find truly interesting and rewarding. And surround yourself with people you like, trust and respect. Finally, take care of yourself. Eat better, move more, prioritize yourself and get more sleep. This will result in a better, less stressed you that can keep on going for many more years.”

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Tima Bansal, Professor, Ivey Business School
“View your career through the lens of purpose rather than position. Leadership derives its greatest power not from titles or authority, but from the ability to inspire collective action toward meaningful goals. By anchoring your work in a clear sense of purpose – whether that’s advancing sustainability, promoting equity or driving innovation – you create a foundation for leadership that transcends organizational boundaries and empowers others to join you in creating lasting change. Remember that your unique perspective is not just valuable but essential to addressing the complex challenges facing our world today.”

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Laurel Broten, CEO, Invest in Canada
“Don’t be afraid! Don’t be afraid to use your voice, to lean into your passions and commitments or to fail. If you’re scared of failing, then you might not try; and if you don’t even try, then you won’t know what works. Innovation cannot exist unless you try, and success cannot be achieved unless you fail.”

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Jane Roos, Founder, Canadian Athletes Now Fund
“Write your goals in the present tense as if they’ve already happened. It aligns your mindset with the outcome, builds belief and helps you take action from a place of certainty and purpose.”

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Lianne Furlong, Senior Vice President, Claims Legal and Chief Litigation Officer, Aviva Trial Lawyers
“Get up quickly after setbacks and maintain a balanced perspective. It is impossible to achieve in a straight line, whether it’s daily, weekly, monthly or annually. When you are down, it is important to zoom out and reflect more broadly on the direction of the path, not necessarily the wind in the road ahead.”

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Danielle Skipp, Managing Director, Ontario, Nicola Wealth
“Success is defined by how we adapt. We often cannot control much of the environment impacting us, but what we can control is how we respond to our current reality. Take stock of what has transpired and make a new plan.”

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June Cotte, Kraft Professor of Marketing, Ivey Business School
“For making a meaningful impact in one’s own career, I advise reflection. Sounds easy, but in our fast-paced world, it is far too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose focus on where you are, what you are doing and why you are doing it.”

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Tiziana Casciaro, Professor of Organizational Behavior, Rotman School of Management
“Humble leaders embed humility and empathy into the culture around them. By shaping systems and experiences that raise awareness of limitations, you can foster environments where these values flourish – making room for others to grow, especially those at risk of power’s pitfalls.”

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Silvia Montefiore, Canadian Managing Partner, Business Enablement & Operations and Head of People, KPMG
“Speak up for yourself and ask for what you want. If you want to get on a specific project or client engagement or be considered for a leadership role, let people know. If you don’t, you won’t necessarily be considered to take on these responsibilities. But if you advocate for yourself, your sponsor, mentor or performance manager can help you make your career goals a reality.”

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Norma Beauchamp, Independent Director, Aurora Cannabis
“Reframe past experience into future transferable skills, and never stop learning. Embrace reinvention and, above all, be kind to yourself.”

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Sandra Cushnie, Senior Director, Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, McCain Food
“Reach back. When folks reach out, reach back. Accept the coffee. Make the connection. It could be you on the other end of the ask next time.”

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Fiona O’Brien, Category Lead – Sparkling, Coca-Cola Canada
“As women advance in their careers, they often encounter a complex intersection of ageism and sexism – facing diminished visibility, assumptions about relevance or being overlooked despite deep expertise and proven leadership. So speak openly about these realities. In doing so, you not only advocate for yourself but also pave the way for structural change that benefits future generations.”

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Leslie Quinton, Vice-President, Communications, Ubisoft Entertainment
“Only you are responsible for becoming the person you can be. Your mindset of what you believe yourself capable of doing is self-fulfilling. If you believe you can achieve something and set yourself up for action – even if there is no assurance you will succeed – you actually increase your chances for success.”

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Judy Hendriks, Chief People Officer, Harris Computer
“Curiosity and advocacy will continue to be paramount. The complexities of a multi-generational global workforce, our shifting geopolitical climate and cultural uniqueness is a requirement to obtain the right talent and empower them to do their best work. It is so critical to continue to see your own opinion and bias through a variety of lenses, both professionally and personally.”

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France Margaret Belanger, President, Sports and Entertainment, Groupe CH
“There will be bumps along the way. There might be derailers slowing you down. You may even fail on the way. But what matters is how you face the challenges, how you get back on track, how you lift yourself up and continue and how you don’t give up. You should be the driver of your career and not have external variables determine what your future should or should not be.”

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Samira Sakhia, President, CEO & Director, Knight Therapeutics
“Challenges can be overcome. And even if they can’t, there are other opportunities that are equally or more satisfying.”

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Shabnam Weber, President, Tea and Herbal Association of Canada
“Anchor yourself in values, not validation. Know what matters to you and make decisions from that place. Recognition is wonderful, but impact is quieter and longer-lasting. If you know your ‘why’, you’ll weather every storm with greater resilience.”

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Vivien Brown, Family Physician, Vivien Brown Professional Medical Services
“Trust your instincts, seek out supportive mentors and don’t be afraid to use your voice. Progress isn’t always linear, but every step – forwards or backwards – teaches you something. Stay curious, stay kind and stay committed to making a difference.”

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Nicole Whittle, VP Operations, Outforce.ai

“Build your ‘operational muscle’ alongside your visionary thinking; execution excellence is what transforms ideas into impact.”

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Deborah Rosati, Founder & CEO, Women Get On Board
“Connect, promote and empower. I’ve been at the top of the corporate ladder, so I see my role now as helping to accelerate and empower the next generation. All the work I’m doing is about sending the elevator down to the next generation of women leaders to help them rise up. If we all do that, we’ll truly be able to make a difference in the world.”