Anne Mayrand (LL.B.)

What is the biggest challenge facing women in our industry today and how do you overcome it?

I do not believe women face more challenges in our industry than in other industries. On the contrary. I like to believe that our industry is more aware of these challenges - which does not mean that there is not a lot of work to do! The journey of women through all their active lives will be full of challenges and bias: menstruations, pregnancy, fertility treatments, parental leave, menopause, and aging. These events in a person’s life and the impact they have on women’s professional aspirations need to be discussed in our companies. How to overcome it? I think male allyship plays a significant role, as well as setting a clear commitment for equity from the top and middle management.

What is the most important thing you have learned that makes you an effective and inspirational leader?

As leading the legal and compliance (L&C) function of Organon Canada, my purpose is that colleagues within the company trust and see L&C as enabling competitiveness, and not as being a showstopper. To achieve this goal, I had to learn to listen, to listen, and to listen and stop talking! I had to learn to ask questions and find when it was the best time to intervene. Although it was difficult for me at first, I can testify to the difference it has made!

Furthermore, in areas that do not fall within my expertise, I deeply believe that we all have an opportunity to inspire our colleagues in the life of our respective companies. We all have many more talents and skills than our job description! This is how I passionately embraced Organon’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, even though I didn’t know much about it. Surrounded by people who really know about DEI, Organon Canada is the envy of other subsidiaries. Being an inspiring leader also means being a person who shines the spotlight on those who have expertise in a specific field. Today, I believe that I am associated just as much with DEI as with my role as a lawyer, both locally and globally!

What are the few things you would have liked to be built in your mental posture when you started your career?

Always, my first priority is my physical and mental health. I have never compromised on that – no matter what I'm going through. Yes, it is good for overall health and gives positive energy, but it is also important during times when feeling frustrated, resentful, or feeling we are doing everything for everyone else, and we are always last. Those feelings are gone when I prioritize my physical and mental health.

To dare! Dare to displease. Dare to demonstrate your vulnerability and your lack of response. Dare to approach a person you admire or at a much higher hierarchical level. Dare to be yourself! You have to realize that the worst that could happen is never that bad! And when we start to dare, we realize that we are afraid with very little. It’s like a muscle…we exercise it and our challenges become more and more ambitious.

Our confidence is built in the eyes of others. You have to ask for feedback! Impostor syndrome…it’s wonderful to realize that pretty much everyone experiences it in one way or another!!!

Do not try to be me, be you!

What does not kill us, makes us stronger! – this is so true!