Exchange Success Stories

“The type of person that should pick the Exchange is one who believes deep down that they have the ability to manage and lead but for reasons that they cannot figure out, are not as successful as they should be. I emphasize the not knowing why they are not as successful as they should be as I find the Exchange is very much a program of discovery.” Erin Howard-Hoszko, CIPO, Industry Canada

"The Senderlea Exchange provide a thoughtful safe environment through which we could discuss complex and sensitive career issues, mapping our way to potential solutions in an environment that is difficult, if not impossible, to find in day to day work."
Christine Stoneman, Director, DFO

"I am currently acting as the Director of my team again as my previous director has left to pursue other challenges. Things are quite busy but I am enjoying the new challenge and carry much of what I acquired through the Exchange with me in everything I do.When I need strength or inspiration or courage, I stop and think about our discussions or yourself and the women from the Exchange and somehow it all seems to come together.Thank you again for such an enriching experience. I will carry it with me always."   
Exchange Graduate  2008

"I think the size of the group was perfect and everyone was supportive and embraced the course whole-heartedly. Susan guided us exactly how we needed to be guided and let us come to our own conclusions and realizations. All the women in the group, including Susan, helped reshape the way I look at myself and my abilities. Coming from a non-government sector into a room full of government women was very interesting. The issues, although very different at times, were relatable to any walk of life or profession. The guest speakers were excellent and thought-provoking. They made me look deeply at myself."
Tracy Taylor, Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists

"The Exchange was an excellent investment of my money and my time—in fact I wish it were longer. It provided me with a great opportunity to explore leadership and myself as a leader. The themes and content are built by participants. Susan is a wealth of both knowledge and insights about participants and people in general. Everyone brought their knowledge, experience and insights to the table and we all benefited. It's like group coaching. For those who are ready, senior managers should know that this is a better resource investment than traditional courses on leadership."
Debbie Holbrook, Health Canada

"I had never heard of The Senderlea Exchange before it was recommended to me by a senior manager at work. It seemed interesting when I read about it but it is difficult to describe. I truly believe it is unique and allowed the group of women who shared this experience with me to grow and share issues that were close and dear to our hearts and with which we struggle at work and home on a daily basis. I am forever grateful to the individual who recommended it and feel it is the most worthwhile developmental and learning opportunity I have ever had."
Natalie Dagenais, Canadian Human Rights Commission

"Most certainly a very rewarding experience on many levels... not just professionally."
Lina Al-Karkhi, PHAC

"The Exchange provided a forum for discussion about issues that prevail in every workplace. The opportunity to collaborate with other women managers enabled us to forge best practices and methods of resolving these workplace issues that fit our own workplace. By enrolling in the Exchange, time dedicated to learning intangible skills and awareness was made possible. In order to be an effective and successful leader, one must take the time to self-evaluate, identify ones strengths and weaknesses and to strengthen both.

Guest speakers were engaging and relevant. Each had traveled their own unique path to personal and professional success, and was able and willing to share experiences and wisdom to guide us.

The key part to the Exchange is the self/group directed programming. Many of the participants had taken courses directed specifically at some of the subjects we identified and later discussed, but the ongoing commitment to the group members, and the trust developed, coupled with the small group size, allowed each to buy in, discuss freely, and to meet their own needs. Discussion was rarely curtailed due to time constraints, and no issue or sub-issue was considered too small.

Senior managers need to understand that a lack of concrete curriculum does not equate to a lack of content. The program is tailored to the needs of each group, ensuring relevancy, and recognizing the diversity that each participant brings. The strength of the program is the discussion that occurs around each issue, and the internalization of the discussion by each participant builds and shapes us as leaders."
Katie Greenwood, Health Canada

"The Exchange exceeded my expectations! It is an investment for my organization and for the Public Service because it has provided me with tools to be a better manager. Although at the beginning I was looking for more structure, I realize that this method of learning and the 'hot topics' were what I learned from the most. I am more confident and relaxed in my role as Director. I am more comfortable delegating, which makes me more effective. I will definitely recommend this to others. The Exchange is a subtle but powerful way to become more self aware."
Monette Mailler, Canadian Human Rights Commission

"I think I have changed some of my (long-standing) views and assumptions as a result of hearing the different perspectives of the other participants and contributors."
Cathy Winters, Health Canada

“The issues, although very different at times, were relatable to any walk of life or profession…”

“…an excellent investment of my money and my time – in fact, I wish it were longer…”