With over 20 years of experience transforming businesses, leading change, and developing leaders, Siobhan Calderbank has spoken internationally to diverse groups from over 70 countries at conferences, events, seminars, and planning sessions to motivate individuals to work more collaboratively and build inspirational leaders.
Siobhan is a keynote speaker, recognized learning leader, consultant, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practitioner, and award-winning author. This led her to become the founder of Butterfly Ladies and provide aspiring female professionals the opportunity to be mentored by other experienced leaders.
At LCBO, Siobhan is an experienced Senior Director of Talent Management. She is also a featured book contributor alongside Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, John Lewis, Deepak Chopra and many others. She has been seen on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and CW, and featured on the billboard in Times Square. Siobhan is a Universal Womens Network 2019 Women of Inspiration Award recipient for Diversity & Inclusiveness and is a UWN National Ambassador for Black Women. She has been recognized as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women 2022.
In addition, she has been selected as the Top Director of the Year in Talent Management 2021, Empowered Women of the Year 2021, and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 by IAOTP.
Below are highlights of the interview:
What inspired you to become a people leader?
Early in my career, I realized that change doesn’t have to be painful. When leaders don’t consider the impacts of change on others, it can create reduced morale, decreased productivity, resentment, and more resistance to change. However, the most successful leaders recognize that, through simple changes to their approach, they can engage individuals and teams to thrive and reach their full potential, thus cultivating an environment in which the organization can succeed. I wanted to be an inspirational leader who could motivate others to be their best and truly feel they could bring their full selves to work, knowing that they would be respected, valued, seen, and heard. I also wanted to help other leaders do the same.
Why did you become the founder of Butterfly Ladies?
As my career progressed and I assumed more senior positions. I was approached regularly by female business professionals, entrepreneurs, young ladies and mothers on behalf of their daughters, all of whom were looking for mentorship and support to help develop their leadership skills. Three major challenges were uncovered:
- Many women didn’t see themselves being represented in leadership positions (especially visible minorities and women of colour).
- Many disadvantaged women didn’t have access or financial resources to attend leadership courses.
- Young girls (17-24 years) didn’t have supporters or mentors to guide them through the most critical times in their lives – guidance before they attend post-secondary institutions, feelings of self-doubt during post-secondary education, and help finding employment after graduation.
I wanted to create a free program to help these women find a mentor to give them guidance and provide them with the leadership skills that they need to take their careers to the next level.
Tell us more about the Butterfly Ladies. And how do you customize an engaging and effective communication style program?
Butterfly Ladies is a mentoring program committed to helping develop the careers of underrepresented women and youth. The program is intended for women who are constantly evolving, changing, and leading. The vision of Butterfly Ladies is simple: to empower women to be the best they possibly can be through three simple actions: learn, live, and lead. The program endeavours to informally match aspiring female leaders with experienced inspirational leaders they can relate to, with the ultimate goal of motivating them to develop their skills, perform better, and inspire others to become better through intentional actions resulting in the Butterfly Effect.
The LeadHERshipTM Accelerator Series is free for all program participants. The program provides women access to valuable experiences, shared knowledge, and critical skill development courses related to self-awareness, improving communication, influencing others, thinking strategically, personal branding, and being resilient.
What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?
Being a Black child of West Indian parents, it was challenging growing up, especially in a neighbourhood where almost no one looked like you. I was teased about my skin color and my hair. I was bullied and told that I didn’t belong. I was called terrible names and faced several roadblocks in my career. Through it all, I never allowed the comments and biases of others to define who I am. Instead, fueled by my passion for learning, I pursued several fields of study: Law, Information Technology Management, Learning & Development, Project Management, Change Management, and Leadership, which eventually enabled me to progress in my career within Human Resources. When faced with adversity, I choose to look at challenges as catalysts to inspire me to forge forward and be a role model for others.
What does success look like for you?
What success looks like to me may be very different from what it looks like for someone else. Success goes beyond financial outcomes. I believe success needs to take into consideration the well-being of the whole person, physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. In addition, for me, success is being able to connect with another individual so positively that my impact leaves them better off and more inspired than before I met them. It also means being able to look in the mirror and be proud of the person that I am and the work I am able to. I do work that I am deeply passionate about and that is impactful on the lives of others. When those around me are able to feel good about who they are because they are respected, heard, and valued, then I know I have been successful.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
The best advice I could give to the next generation of female leaders is to find a mentor, coach, and sponsor early. You need all three, as they will play pivotal roles in your success. Mentors will provide you with career guidance as you navigate your work environment. A coach will offer suggestions to adjust your leadership approach, and a sponsor will advocate for you behind closed doors and highlight your achievements for promotion opportunities and career advancement.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
I’ve been fortunately to have many supporters and inspirational people in my life. My husband, children, and family have always been there for me and cheered me along. I am grateful to have always been surrounded by strong, powerful women – friends, sister, cousins, aunties, grandmothers, and leaders. However, the most inspirational women I know is my mother. She is the epitome of kindness and intelligence and truly empowers me to be a better person every day. She taught me to have integrity and to always do your best even if you think no one is watching because your character defines your values, and ultimately who you are as person.
Website: www.siobhancalderbank.com
