Page 8 - GBC ENG fall 2021

Message From The CEO, NGCOA Canada • Jeff Calderwood
The First Tee
Leaders With Lived Experience
One of golf’s greatest responsibilities, and opportunities, is to diversify in a respectful, equitable and inclusive manner. And, on the leading edge of such diversification are women in leadership roles within our industry.
There is so much potential for future growth here, but much has also been accomplished in recent years. The feature story in this issue of Golf Business Canada profiles 10 of the women who are leading Canada’s golf industry today. There are more, of course, but these 10 represent a significant sample of current leadership success and future mentorship for others who will follow.
Each of them are certainly making a positive impact on the success of Canadian golf and are the kind of strong role models that will prompt other women to step up and persevere in their career aspirations. But, as the saying goes, “The road to success is always under construction.” So, it may not always be as smooth a path as we would like but that cannot deter us from the need for such change.
We all have roles to play as we propel equal opportunities for women, including
the top executive positions in golf and I believe this cover story is an important read for all of us. In order to be truly inclusive, we must value their lived experiences and unique contributions to our industry. Furthermore, we must challenges ourselves to be a part of the solution as it relates to gender issues.
I am proud of the NGCOA Canada’s management with respect to gender issues. Our staff team has averaged 50% female since our inception, as well as our Golf Business Canada magazine team. That hasn’t been due to any mathematical calculation or quota system. We have always hired the best candidates at all times, without any preconceived gender targets, barriers, or compensation variances. When totally based upon merit, women have no trouble competing fairly for jobs.
Our board of directors and regional chapter advisory boards are also well represented by women, in greater proportion than the number of female golf course owners would imply. Their dedication to the NGCOA Canada’s governance has contributed very much to the association’s ability to benefit golf course operators. It is also encouraging
to see more women getting into golf course ownership and management.
The NGCOA Canada has also taken leadership sponsoring Women’s Golf Day, running the Women in the Golf Business Summits, engaging numerous guest speakers or writers on this topic, and participating in various effective programs by other organizations.
There is more work to be done though and I encourage you to read and give further thought to this issue’s cover story.
You will also enjoy the first of a 3-part series of articles by management consultants Michael Smith and Fina Scroppo; and strategies to measure your success by James Cronk; and some great tips for managing stress by NGCOA Canada’s Shawn Hunter, among other great editorial content.
All the best for the balance of the golf
season!
Jeff Calderwood, CEO NGCOA Canada jcalderwood@ngcoa.ca
8 Golf Business Canada