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Redefining Success: Women, Work and Finding Balance 

How to design a meaningful career at all life stages 

The notion of success varies greatly across individuals, cultures and organizations. So why do many of us feel the pressure to adhere to a narrow definition of career success — one that prioritizes financial results and career progression over meaningful impact and fulfilling work? Is work-life balance actually within reach? How do we support other women along the way? 

Watch this Smith Business Insight webinar in celebration of International Women’s Day, featuring executive coach and brand strategist Jill Nykoliation, entrepreneur and corporate go-getter Lulu Liang and thought leader and architect of change Tanya van Biesen. They talk about breaking barriers, overcoming career challenges and supporting each other to thrive in the workplace. 

Participants explore: 

  • How to define success for yourself, at work and beyond
  • How to foster a culture of support and collaboration in the workplace 
  • Steps to overcome common pitfalls that get in the way of true career fulfilment 
  • Ways to unlock your potential and break free from self-imposed barriers 
  • How to recognize the importance of balance both in your work and personal life 
  • Practical steps to becoming an ally to women on their journey to success  

This webinar was recorded on March 8, 2024.

Session Participants

Jill Nykoliation

Executive Coach

Jill Nykoliation is an award-winning business leader with 30 years of experience shaping some of the world’s most powerful brands spanning consumer products, food and beverage, technology, financial, automotive and alcoholic beverages, among others. As founder and former CEO of agency Juniper Park\TBWA, she was named one of three Most Powerful Female CEOs by WXN and “Mad Woman of Canada” by the Globe & Mail, in addition to her team earning hundreds of awards globally. Jill now applies her love for human insight as an executive coach. She coaches one-on-one, facilitates CEO workshops for YPO global and is an adviser to Modern Elder Academy.

Lulu Liang

Co-founder, Evergreen Journals

Lulu Liang is an accomplished two-time CEO with over a decade of experience in scaling companies. She is the co-founder of Evergreen Journals, the creator of the Habit Journal, a tool designed to foster positive and lasting habits. Previously, Lulu was CEO of Girlboss, a modern media company empowering ambitious women, boasting an audience of over 2.5 million followers. Before Girlboss, she was CEO of Luxy Hair, a global beauty brand. Lulu’s achievements have earned her multiple awards. Forbes named her one of the top 30 most notable individuals under the age of 30 in North American retail and e-commerce. Lulu is a sought-after speaker, coach, board member, adviser and consultant.

Tanya van Biesen

President and CEO, WCM

Tanya van Biesen is president and CEO of WCM. Before joining WCM, Tanya led the Canadian board and CEO practice of a global human capital firm where she advised corporate clients on their most important leadership decisions. Previously, Tanya led member engagement and operations at Catalyst, a global non-profit focused on the advancement of women and other underrepresented groups in the workplace.A passionate advocate for gender equality as a driver of economic growth and progress, Tanya is a sought-after speaker, thought leader and architect of change. She has contributed to several research studies analyzing leadership trends and is a frequent contributor to news media on women’s advancement, leadership and workplace equality.

Meredith Dault

Moderator

Meredith Dault is a journalist and communications specialist. She has worked as a reporter and producer with CBC Radio in Ottawa and Halifax, and her work has been published widely, including in the Ottawa Citizen, the Globe and Mail, Kingston Life and online at Reader’s Digest Canada. She is the manager, content and media production in the Centre for Content Development at Smith School of Business and is the regular host of Smith Business Insight webinars.