Manijeh Colabella

Partner

A seasoned governance expert, lawyer, and director, Manijeh has a passion for navigating organizations across sectors through transition and change, leading to a sustainable future. Her work as a Partner in Watson’s Advisory practice inspires leadership, oversight, and a positive influence on the structure, composition, membership, activities and ultimate effectiveness of organizations and their boards.

What I wish more boards knew

"How governance is broader than oversight and compliance – done well, it can be an essential tool to a stronger, sustainable organization and a better future for our country"

Best question

"What keeps you up at night?"

Favourite agenda item

"Strategy! Thinking about and planning for the future, both in terms of opportunities, risks, and trade-offs"

Experience and Credentials

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Designation) from the University of Calgary
LLB from the University of Alberta
Professional designations including ICD.D, GCB.D, TEP
Member of the Law Societies of Alberta and British Columbia
Joined Watson in 2018
Board member and Governance Committee chair for White Rock Museum & Archives
Board member and chair of the Governance, Nominations, and Human Resources Committee for the Vancouver Symphony Society and Board member, VSO School of Music
Member of the BC Chapter Executive of ICD.D and past co-chair of WCM (Women in Capital Markets), Vancouver Steering Committee
Experience as a board director and audit committee member
Former Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of a Calgary-based publicly held equity financing company that provides innovative financing structures to private businesses across North America
Significant experience in governance, corporate transactions, and tax and estate planning for family-owned and other private corporations
Tax and Estate Planning Partner, of a small boutique law firm in Calgary focused on planning for private businesses and their owners