WATSON at Events

The WATSON team was happy to take its nose out of the books on good governance and turn its passion for reading by donating over 50 books to The Reading Bear. Each year The Reading Bear raises money selling Christmas cards but also collect second-hand children’s books.

The Reading Bear fosters a more conscientious and loving society by providing intergenerational mentorship and reading resources that encourage early literacy, social wellbeing, and emotional health across generations and communities.

Find out more about The Reading Bear.

Field Law Second Annual Summit – Calgary

Liz attends Field Law’s second annual summit on legal issues facing Alberta’s post-secondary institutions. Speaking to members of boards, senior management, corporate secretaries, in-house legal council and labour relations and HR practitioners, Liz and fellow panelists Robert Driessen and Carol Ryder explore how governance is different at post-secondary institutions. Chair Greg Harding, QC from Field Law led a discussion on governance fundamentals, accountability initiatives and best practices for new and experienced board members.

As keynote speaker at the Women’s Leadership Circle event on October 11, Liz digs into the principles of good governance and how to become more board ready. With today’s increased focus on diversity in the boardroom and evolving governance best practice standards that advocate for term limits and regular

turnover, many executives and community leaders are considering board service as a viable element of a successful career path or as a potential career in and of itself. However, landing your first or subsequent board position can be elusive.

Liz shares her perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of board service in today’s environment and tips for anyone thinking about board positions, now or in the future. During the workshop, participants can consider:

1. What do you need to do to be board-ready?
2. What are your best networking tips?
3. What questions should you ask before joining a board?

The Women’s Leadership Circle (WLC) is an inclusive program that works to promote increased diversity in the B.C. business community. Launched in 2007, the WLC has grown to become one of Canada’s largest women’s business networking groups.

Lexpert celebrates Women in Law on June 22, 2017 at their annual Lexpert Zenith Awards .

Recognizing the advancement of women in the legal profession, Lexpert honoured Liz for her exceptional advocacy for women in corporate leadership, both by recruiting women to boards and supporting women in board and executive positions.

“In 2001, after a 20-year career in private practice, Elizabeth was hired to oversee appointments to all of BC’s Crown corporations. In that role, she instituted merit-based recruitment to hire exceptional women to BC public-sector boards, achieving 40 per cent female directors. Many women profiled during Liz’s tenure went on to serve in key leadership positions across Canada. Returning to the private sector in 2005, she established a boutique executive search firm known for providing practical, expert advice to boards of directors. Her commitment to getting women to the board table has resulted in enormous positive change for hundreds of women.”

Lexpert®, a Thomson Reuters business, is Canada’s leading source of news and information about the business of law.