We’re excited to continue the Purpose-Led CEO interview series under the Watson banner — a legacy we’re proud to carry forward from the Good-Wil Consulting team.

These conversations spotlight CEOs who lead with clarity and conviction, using purpose as their organization’s north star. At Watson, we believe the CEO plays a defining role in shaping culture, setting direction, and building trust — and we’re thrilled to keep sharing stories of leaders doing just that. The series continues under the thoughtful lead of Watson Partner Tiffany Goodlet, who brings warmth, curiosity, and sharp insight to every interview.

Meet Cate Murray, President & CEO of Canada’s Stem Cell Network (SCN). Cate is an experienced not-for-profit leader with a background in government relations, public policy and communications. Since 2017, she has been leading and expanding SCN, securing $117M in funding that directly supports groundbreaking research, advances Canada’s regenerative medicine sector, and ensures that the next generation of talent and biotechs are equipped to compete on the global stage.

Under Cate’s leadership, SCN has grown into a dynamic team of 20 professionals, board members, and hundreds of stem cell and regenerative medicine scientists and scholars, all driven by the mission to bring Canadian innovations to patients. Cate is passionate about STEAM and lives by the mantra that every great scientist needs an arts major.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first real job was at a family-owned bakery (Hurst Bakery) in my hometown while I was in high school. It taught me the importance of being trustworthy, reliable, and always showing up as your best self. This was a local family building their business in a small town, and we had to be professional, dependable, and ready to do whatever the customers needed to ensure the reputation and longevity of the company. My first career job was on Parliament Hill, working for Dr. Hedy Fry, the MP for Vancouver Centre. She took a chance on a recent University graduate, and I was not going to let her down.  Once again, I had to be trustworthy, reliable, and willing to pitch in however I could, whether it was drafting policy papers or running out to buy nylons. In those early years you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.

If you think back on leaders who inspired you in your career or leadership style, who were they and why were they inspiring?

My father, Brian Murray, taught me that being a great leader means truly knowing, caring for, and investing in people; helping them become the best versions of themselves. Every day, I try to remember these lessons and emulate the compassion and understanding he brought to every conversation. Karen Redman, former MP for Kitchener Centre, also had a big impact on me. She was always positive, authentic, and generous. She genuinely wanted to serve Canadians and do good for the country. She was also a working mom and from her I learned what the juggling act felt and looked like. And then there’s Jean Chrétien, with his simple but powerful mantra: “Vive le Canada.” I had the chance to work on one of his national campaigns, where I learned his leadership secret: surround yourself with good people, trust them to make decisions, and empower them to execute.

“Surround yourself with good people, trust them to make decisions, and empower them to execute.”

What motivates you every day?

Good coffee. And my family – they’re my biggest cheerleaders and always keep my spirits high, just as I try do for them. I am also deeply inspired by the work we do at the Stem Cell Network – supporting and empowering Canada’s incredible and innovative research community. The therapies and technologies Canada’s researchers are developing have the potential to transform healthcare in the years to come. At SCN we provide the critical funding that drives stem cell research forward, we build the scientific networks and set in place the conditions that power the translation of research so that it can deliver better health and economic prosperity for our friends and family. Ultimately, Canadian research will change lives around the world – that is worth getting up for!

What do you want to change in the world and why?

I want to change the unequal access to health care by advancing health equity – ensuring everyone, regardless of where they live or their background, has access to quality care. Today, our communities and postal codes too often dictate our quality of life and the opportunities we are given. That’s not right. Health equity is a fundamental issue that affects not just individuals but the progress of our entire society.

What is the purpose and vision of Stem Cell Network? And how has being clear about your purpose and vision benefited you and your organization?

Our vision is to transform lives through regenerative medicine. Our purpose is to serve Canadians by supporting research funding and ensuring a sustainable pipeline of research talent here in Canada. We fund regenerative medicine, which can lead to innovative products, therapies, and provide support to communities and the economy. Stem cell research is Canada’s science – Dr. James Till and Dr. Ernest McCulloch were the pioneers behind this groundbreaking work. We are here to nurture it and realize its promise.

“Our vision is to transform lives through regenerative medicine.”

What one piece of advice would you give other CEOs and leaders regarding leading with purpose?

My advice would be to practice patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take a deep breath, listen to those around you, and engage your colleagues before making big decisions. Leading with purpose requires thoughtful reflection, collaboration, and trust in your team.

“Leading with purpose requires thoughtful reflection, collaboration, and trust in your team.”

What one question would you like to ask other purpose-led CEOs?

What is your approach to dealing with Imposter Syndrome or the feeling that you are not doing enough or measuring up?

One question from the CEO we interviewed before you, Dr. Brett Belchetz, Co-founder and CEO at Maple: What do you think the impact of AI will be on the world, especially regarding people and jobs – and how work will be done?

I can’t think of any area that AI won’t touch or transform. It is already changing how we learn and work. AI literacy is critical for organizations, boards, and students alike. In the field of research, AI tools are offering an opportunity to revolutionize how research is done, and diagnostics are used. For instance, using biomarkers from the sound of our voice can now predict and diagnose health conditions. This is just the beginning!  However, it is equally important to ensure that the data sets we use are rigorously validated and free from bias. I am concerned that we will build AI that does not account for our diversity and as such could lead to inaccurate outputs.  I would also advocate that we build Canadian AI tools that are developed using Canadian data and protected and held in Canada.  I think this will be very important for ensuring trust and a social license for using personal data to build robust AI research platforms and health tools.