More than 350 supporters of mentoring the future women leaders of Whistler came out to hear Jane Francisco, the editor-in-chief of Chatelaine Magazine, speak at the Kathy Barnett Leadership Luncheon on International Women’s Day.
Global BC Morning News host Sophie Lui interviewed Francisco, who founded lifestyle magazines Glow and Wish before moving on to Chatelaine, recently named Canada’s best-selling magazine. Francisco was asked about how being mentored and acting as a mentor to others has fit into her career and life.
“I absolutely feel the need for mentors. In fact, when I feel like I don’t have one that I can bounce things off of, especially when you have to make a big decision…it can be so much more difficult.”
Francisco talked about one close mentor “who can talk me off a ledge… because in this job the politics is a big thing.” Another mentor, she said, has more experience as a business executive, allowing her to learn more about that aspect of her job.
Yet, she added, young people also act as mentors.
“I absolutely believe that. Having someone come in with fresh ideas; learning can come from any direction,” Francisco said.
The luncheon raised money for the Kathy Barnett Memorial Fund, created in 2008 and named after Pique’s late publisher. The fund provides leadership grants to women living in the Sea to Sky corridor who want to improve their skills for the betterment of the community.
Four recipients of the 2013 leadership grants were named at the March 8 luncheon.
As well, 10 female high school students from Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton took part in a “speed-mentorship” information session at the luncheon, where they were able to spend time talking to Youth Mentors. Some of the mentors taking part included Fiona Famulak of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Sue Adams of the Grocery Store, Michelle Leroux of Whistler Blackcomb, Nicole Shannon of Keir Fine Jewellery, Kath Creery of Whistler Accounting and Maureen Douglas of Mobilize Strategies.
For more details, read the March 14 issue of Pique Newsmagazine or visit www.piquenewsmagazine.com.
