Page 43 - INSIGHT MAGAZINE_January2025

Nathan, who continues to work as
president of Transchem Group, now under
OPW ownership after its sale in January
2024, has been dedicated to the car-wash
industry for many years, alongside their
son, Mackenzie, who also joined the family
business. Their daughter, Lexi, works at
CAMH (the Centre for Addiction and Mental
Health).
Norma is thrilled that their family is
expanding, with both of her children
recently engaged to partners she would
choose herself.
“I love the stage that my family is at, and I
could see myself getting to the point where
I would like more flexibility for travel and
that type of thing, but I’m not there yet,”
banner at Conestoga College, which “Early in my career, I was told that if you says Norma. “I really love what I do.”
included a Dynamics of Leadership course. understand the people you lead and their As a result, she has no immediate plans
She became a program co-ordinator in the unique challenges and perspectives, you to retire from her work at the college
Community Services department in 2009. can unlock potential that goes far beyond and continues to relish opportunities
In 2016, she moved into a secondment as any technical skill or strategy. This advice to empower others, both in education
a Teaching & Learning Consultant before has stayed with me, as it reflects a deep and within broader community-based
transitioning to the position of Executive truth about leadership – it’s not about community initiatives.
Director of Employee Experience and being in charge; it’s about supporting “I am passionate about building programs
Development in 2019, where she remained those around you to be their best.” and spaces where people can thrive, grow,
until 2023. In her current leadership role, As a result, she encourages business and feel a sense of belonging,” says Norma.
she works both internally and externally leaders to lead with empathy and embrace She credits much of her community drive
with alumni, donors, employees, and continuous learning and adaptability. to the strong women in her family. Her
volunteers. “We live in a world that is changing rapidly, great-grandmother founded a seniors'
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to create spaces and it’s essential to stay curious and home in St. George when it was a
where people feel they are part of open to new ideas,” says Norma. “Also, virtually unheard-of concept, while her
something larger, and I am constantly prioritize mentorship and coaching. By grandmother successfully advocated at
inspired by the strong connections we mentoring and coaching others, you create council to establish a public library for the
can build,” says Norma, who admires non- opportunities for growth that benefit not community. Her other grandmother was an
traditional leaders and finds inspiration in only yourself, but the wider community active community volunteer, holding many
assisting others reach their full potentials. you serve.” leadership roles. Growing up surrounded
“Watching them grow into confident leaders In terms of women in leadership by such inspiring role models instilled in
motivates me every day and reminds me roles, she admits some may still her a deep commitment to community
that leadership is not about power but face challenges in terms of both service.
about helping others realize their own “I want to ensure that people – whether
potential. Leadership is about influencing conscious and unconscious biases they are students, employees, or partners
others in a transformative way.” but notes significant progress – feel empowered to choose how they

She credits many leaders for assisting her continues to be made. want to engage with us (Conestoga
career journey, among them Conestoga “Research shows that women, especially College), strengthening their sense of
College President Dr. John Tibbits and in leadership roles, are often held to belonging," says Norma. "I see myself
other members of its leadership team. different standards and may have to work continuing to prioritize community service
“President Tibbits’ focus on community- harder to prove themselves,” she says. and volunteering. Giving back is essential
to creating a positive cycle of growth and
centered leadership, transformational “However, the narrative is changing. We leadership within communities. I believe
change, and the belief that exceptional need to continue advocating for policies that as leaders, it’s our responsibility
leaders bring out the best in others and practices that support work-life to invest not only in our teams and
strongly aligns with my own values,” says balance, equal pay, and opportunities for organizations but also in the communities.”
Norma, who has also found inspiration advancement.” Finding a work-life balance
in various role models in the community amid busy careers is something she and
she grew up and shared her insights at her husband, Nathan, have managed to
one of the Chamber’s Women Leadership accomplish.
Collective events in 2023.

www.cambridgechamber.com Winter 2025 43