Lisa Lisson

Women of Influence is known to feature top and inspire speakers but they really outdid themselves on their recent Deloitte Women of Influence Luncheon held at the Metro Toronto Convention Center featuring Lisa Lisson, President of FEDEX Express Canada.

Not only is Lisson a strong, dynamic and inspiring professional, she is an extraordinary individual who has survived and thrived despite her husband being in a coma for two years before passing away.  She balances her work and 4 children, 3 dogs, a rabbit and a goldfish; is a hugger; and begins each day with gratitude.

Lisa addressing the audience

Lisson is the first female president of FEDEX Canada and is a four-time winner of the FedEx Five Star Award (FedEx’s highest accolade), voted by her employees as exceeding company managerial standards.  She is an active member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives.

At the Women of Influence Luncheon, she spoke from the heart, sharing her story while peppering it with humanity and pearls of wisdom.  She spoke of training one’s mind to keep positive and focused, the importance of mentors and how to find them, filling one’s live with gratitude and constant acts of kindness, saying no and prioritizing “me” time, and nurturing an environment of inspiration.

She also emphasized to the 350 guests in the audience the importance of letting your intentions - particularly career ambitions - be known. She reminded everyone, “Every interaction with senior management is a mini interview.”

Lisa Lisson with author T U Dawood

Now in her 20^th year at FEDEX, she related the charming story of how she got her entry to this family like corporate culture by connecting with a marketing assistant and forming a bond with her.

Featured on Undercover Boss, Lisson shared how that experience helped her connect with her teammates and employees of all levels and better understand what they do each day.

In this intense, emotional speech which resulted in many tears in the audience, Lisson shared her mind, heart and soul and truly inspired those lucky enough to attend.  She’s a leader who is passionate, yet grounded; talented, yet humble; and friendly and approachable, yet professional.

The event was moderated with gusto by the popular Erin Davis, Morning Host, CHFI.

Audience Shot (photograph provided by WOI)

Some VIPs at the event included Barbara Dickson (Managing Director, Queen’s Executive Education), Carolyn Lawrence (President & CEO, Women Of Influence), Devorah Lithwick (Vice President, Marketing Communications, Bell Mobility), Jane Allen (Global Leader, Renewable Energy, Chief Diversity Officer, Canada, Deloitte & Touche), Marilyn Horrick (Chubb Insurance Company Of Canada, Assistant Vice President, Canadian Zone Projects And Communications Manager), Michele Goddard (Senior Vice-President And Managing Director, Client Strategy And Execution, BMO Nesbitt Burns), Nelly Daley (Strategic Account Manager, Cisco Canada), Paulina Paplinski (Senior Manager, Enterprise Risk, Information Technology And Risk Services, Deloitte & Touche), Penny Hicks (Publisher, Maclean’s Magazine), Sandra Stewart (Director Of Marketing, The Jones Group Canada), Susie Federchuk and Valerie Battler (Principal, Career Solutions, Knightsbridge, Human Capital Solutions).

Lisson’s mother, two aunts and nanny also joined the event and were celebrated by the speaker as integral parts of her life.

Guests had come from all over Canada including Bonnie Johnson, who was visiting from New Brunswick, and had planned this as one of the highlights of the trip.

Raymonde Lavoie who is launching Femmes d'Influence

Attendees

Christine Jackson of Burts Bees - a total fashionista