Carla Flamer speaking at the Women in Business eventSchulich recently hosted its seventh annual Women in Business event at the Bay Adelaide Centre in the heart of the financial district. Sponsored by KPMG, the event celebrates the achievements of women and highlights ongoing gendered struggles faced in the business world. It also gives potential graduate students a chance to learn more about how the diverse programs at Schulich can fast-track their career and offers tips to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries.

This year’s keynote speaker, Carla Flamer (MBA ’85), President of Marketing Canada Ipsos, shared how barriers for women still exist in the professional world and ways to work around them.

“Barriers remain to gaining senior positions, including positions in the C-Suite and on Boards of Directors. However, the skills that senior leaders say they are looking for from leaders of the future include many that women tend to possess in spades,” Flamer said. “Working towards a senior management career requires planning and an awareness of the trade-offs that will be required.”

The second half of the evening showcased a panel of distinguished Schulich alumni who graduated from its diverse graduate programs. They included: Elle Ameli (MBAN ’16), Eva Reddington (IMBA ’11), Alisa Trunova (MBA ’15) and Jordana Warner (MBA ’14). Moderated by the Program Director of the International MBA Program, Alexandra Campbell, the panel shared how the wide variety of programs and opportunities at Schulich transformed their careers. As recent graduates, they shared advice and insights on how to climb the ladder in the business world while maintaining a work-life balance.

Couldn’t make it to the event? Check out Carla’s entire keynote presentation on the Schulich Facebook Page!