and when running, they were always there. Her passions have always included her children. She also ensured to have conversations with them about what she was doing or where she was going so they always felt in the loop. She truly has been a mentor and a role model to all four, and as a family they remain very close-knit. Vianne also had a mentor, one who in fact she still remains in touch with today. Her mentor, the first woman president of the University of Prince Edward Island, is also the same woman that hired Vianne as the first woman Dean of Education. Vianne described her friend and colleague as “an amazing woman that I admire greatly, always there to talk to me, challenge me and give selflessly of her time.” Now it seems Vianne is paying that forward in dividends. Beyond her day job and passions, Vianne is an active speaker. Speaking on topics familiar to her such as women in leadership, disability, family literacy and university leadership to name a few, she continues to impart her knowledge and passion with others. If you have ever been to one of her engagements you likely left feeling motivated, inspired and recharged as she is certainly a gifted speaker.
When asked for words of wisdom to share with the women of Pink magazine and those who may be interested in pursuing a similar leadership path, Vianne divulged the following pieces of advice. “Be authentic, be true to yourself and find work that feeds your soul.” “Many women are successful not because of the position that they hold but because of the job that they do. If you put your passion behind your work it makes a big difference,” said Vianne. As the interview came to a close two realizations came to mind. The first was to do with that box that she said she broke out of in her 40’s. Even though Vianne stated there was a conscious effort to push herself beyond her comfort zone, I am not convinced that this really isn’t something she has made an everyday practice. I theorize that she lives there - out there I mean, in the land where challenge exists. It is where she is at her best. ‘Challenge and overcome’ could be easily be her motto. Lastly, if I had one word to describe Vianne I would choose the word ‘real’. Although I was interviewing a very accomplished woman, her warmth and ‘realness’ is what struck me most. One might say it was very ’Saskatchewan-like’.
InspIrIng LeadershIp FOrUM 2014 Facing Adversity
ARIANNA
HUFFINGTON AMANDA
LINDHOUT Wednesday, March 12, 2014
MALINI
CHIB
Conexus Arts Centre
Regina, SK
Limited seating available!
www.uofrinspiringleadership.com 12 |
FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN | VOL. 2 ISSUE 11, NOVEMBER 2013