Marylin Merit

What motivated you to become a leader within your organization/community?

I’ve always been motivated to become a leader because I wanted to contribute not only through my own work, but also by helping others grow and thrive. I derive a deep sense of satisfaction from developing the people in my department and seeing them succeed. At the same time, I believe leadership is a continuous learning journey. I am constantly inspired by the people around me, who bring diverse perspectives, expertise and backgrounds. They teach me a great deal, both professionally and personally, and help me grow as a leader and as a human being. To me, leadership is about creating value for others while remaining open to learning from them in return.

How do you inspire others?

I inspire others by leading with authenticity, curiosity, and a continuous improvement mindset. One of my strengths is my desire to constantly improve, to challenge what we do, why we do it, and especially how we do it. I try to encourage people to think in the same way and to approach their work with a mindset of reflection, growth, and constructive questioning. At the same time, I am also aware that everyone has different priorities, perspectives, and ways of working. I believe it is important to respect those differences and to recognize that my own priorities are not necessarily the same as everyone else’s. For me, inspiration comes from encouraging progress and openness while remaining respectful, thoughtful, and inclusive.

How do you define or manage your career progression?

I define career progression as a combination of intentional planning and instinct. While I do have a vision for my development and I try to stay aligned with it, I have also learned that some of the best career decisions are made by trusting my instincts and being open to unexpected opportunities. My career path has not been entirely linear: after studying in France, I moved to Italy to begin my career in animal health, then later relocated to Canada without ever having visited the country and eventually made another move that led me to the company where I have now been thriving for almost nine years.

These experiences taught me that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown, challenging yourself, and adapting to change. I believe that being tested in different environments helps us grow not only professionally, but also as leaders and as people. For me, career progression is about continuing to evolve, staying true to my long-term direction, and trusting the journey as much as the plan.

What healthy habits do you employ to maintain your mental health and wellbeing?

To maintain my mental health and wellbeing, I focus on the things that keep me grounded and energized. Spending time with my family, especially with my 5-year-old son, is one of the most important habits for me. Those moments bring me back to the essentials and give me a sense of perspective and joy. I love doing activities with him and seeing the world through his eyes - it is both enriching and inspiring, and I learn a lot from him every day.

I also pay attention to my physical wellbeing by staying active. Swimming is something I have always enjoyed, and Pilates Reformer is another activity that helps me feel strong, centered, and balanced. Together, these habits help me recharge mentally and physically.