When Leadership Puts Life on the Line: Navigating Tough Decisions with Canada’s First Female Chief Justice

Season 9 Episode 52

Guest: The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin

Making decisions can be the toughest part of a leader’s job. Judges up the ante; their decisions can literally mean the difference between life or death.

Beverley McLachlin was the Chief Justice of Canada’s Supreme Court. In this episode, she reflects on her leadership journey — from a farm in rural Alberta to the top court in the land. That journey has powerful perspectives on the decision-making process for leaders of all stripes: from law-firm partners to CEOs.

It’s inspiring, too! Beverley overcame deeply entrenched sexism and other barriers, but forged on with a clear vision.

Here’s what the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin and Maureen cover:

1. The many ways the legal profession offers lessons for leaders of every stripe;
2. The qualities and skills judges must hone to make effective, balanced decisions — skills that will help your decision-making, too; and
3. Why it’s so important to get your decisions right — but be willing to change them as new evidence comes in.

Other episodes you’ll enjoy:

• Leading with Character: A Real-Life Red Roof Report with George Limbert
• Women’s Leadership Journeys with Lisa DeFrank Cole & Sherylle Tan
• Reflections on Women in Leadership with Kim Campbell