Saying yes is step one.

I knew last June when Laurie Kepron asked if I'd be interested in joining the WISE Toronto board that it would be a game-changing opportunity. She was opening a big door for me and I didn't waste a second running straight through. It was an immediate yes - even before I knew what WISE was or who else would be involved. The chance to work more closely with partners and friends like Laurie and Sophie on anything would be worth it.  

Fast forward a little over a year from our first board meeting, I'm so proud to say we've just finished our fifth WISE Toronto event, heard from some of the most powerful leaders in business, and amassed the most impressive community of Toronto's movers and shakers in the worlds of sports, events, and entertainment. We've featured trailblazers across industries from Jeanne Bekker and Bonnie Brooks to Kim Davis, Pam El, and Mary Ann Turcke, to Nancy Vonk, Stacey Allaster and this past Sunday night, Patti-Anne Tarlton, Melissa Bubb-Clarke, Joelle Bertrand, and Ashley Poitevin. I can't forget to mention our talented hosts including Christine Simpson, Kate Beirness, Jen McNeely, and Tara Slone. Did I mention the outstanding collection of women I get to sit around the table with? WISE Toronto founding board President / Chief Badass Laurie Kepron brought me together with Sophie Kotsopoulos, Leanne Bernardo, Mary DePaoli, Patti-Ann Tarlton, Lori Landry, Kathy Henderson, Alyson Walker, Cynthia Hill, and Kim Carter.  Yes, a few of the women who make the world turn.

I won't sugar coat it, sitting on the board of a not-for-profit organization from the ground up is no joke. It's been a shit ton of work but I'll be forever grateful to Laurie for every conversation it's made possible, each new connection I now call a great friend, and all of the WISE women and men I've met along the way. If someone offers you the chance to take on something new, to get out of your comfort zone, double-down and figure it out - do it. Big or small, saying yes is step one. 

... and if you're not yet a member, you can start by saying 'yes' too. Join us at WISEToronto.org 

#grateful #lifelessons #takeachance #luckyme #business #WISEToronto #womeninbusiness #mentorship #sponsorship