Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to EDWINA MCKENNON. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

EDWINA, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

As a black woman in business, my ultimate goal is to leave behind a legacy of breaking glass ceilings and paving the way for future generations of women in leadership. I am an advocate for women in the workforce and believe in the importance of equal opportunities and representation at all levels. I understand that, too often, women and people of colour are not given a seat at the table, and I am determined to change that.

I believe in the power of hard work and determination, and I am committed to building my own table and inviting others to join me. I want to inspire others to pursue their dreams and work towards their goals with the same level of dedication and determination. I want to show that, even when the odds are stacked against us, we can create our own opportunities and build our own paths to success.

I hope to be remembered as a role model and leader who made a positive impact on the lives of others. I want to be known for my contributions to the business world and for my efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. I want to be a force for positive change and to create a lasting legacy of progress for women in business.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a more equal and inclusive society for all. I am driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact and to be a catalyst for change in the world. I am committed to building my own table and inviting others to join me as we work towards a brighter future.

EDWINA, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Edwina McKennon is a notable senior business leader blazing a trail for women in business from her homeland in Canada to all across the world. Her hard work has been acknowledged by major groups such as the Women in Insurance Global Network, Canadian Underwriter and Insurance Business Canada. Edwina was named a finalist by the Insurance Business Canada Magazine for The Steamatic Canada Award for Woman of Distinction 2021 & 2022. She was recently awarded Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch 2022.

Edwina has cultivated a large following of strong, like-minded women who want to expand their careers and build inspirational empires similar to hers. Edwina McKennon strives to share her extensive knowledge with her following whether it be online or in person.

Edwina often works as a motivational speaker; she has been a featured speaker at events such as the WII Canada Summit and Awards. McKennon’s greatest passion lies in women empowerment; therefore, founding and hosting the ‘Move Her Forward’ Podcast & TV series is very important to her. Edwina McKennon seeks to educate women interested in business and motivate those who want to advance their careers. McKennon strives to keep more opportunities and fill more seats with empowered women and people of colour all over the world. Follow her on her journey.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

As I sat at my desk, staring at the empty space where my computer used to be, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of shock and uncertainty. Just a few hours earlier, I had been told that I was being laid off from my job in the insurance industry. It was a blow that I hadn’t seen coming, and I was suddenly faced with the daunting task of figuring out what my next steps would be.

But as I began to reflect on my career goals and aspirations, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was meant to do something different. I had always been drawn to technology, and I dreamed of using my skills and expertise to make a positive impact in the tech industry. Despite my fears, I knew that this was my chance to pivot and pursue my passions.

I enrolled in tech-focused programs and began learning as much as I could about the industry. I also started building my own table by creating multiple streams of income, determined to create my own opportunities and pave my own path to success.

Throughout the process, I leaned on my resilience and determination to keep me going. It wasn’t easy, and there were many times when I doubted my decision to leave the safety and security of my insurance job behind. But I knew that I had the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle and make my dreams a reality.

I am still in the midst of pivoting my career, but I am confident that I am on the right path. I am excited to see where this new journey takes me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in an industry that I am truly passionate about.

Any advice for managing a team?

Below I have created a list that will provide some key advice that has helped me manage teams and maintained high morale.

Communication is key: Make sure to keep all team members informed about important updates and decisions. This can be done through regular meetings, email updates, or online platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Foster a positive team culture: Encourage team members to support and motivate each other. This can be done through team-building activities, open communication, and recognizing and rewarding team members for their contributions.

Set clear goals and expectations: Clearly outline the goals and expectations for the team. This will help team members understand their roles and responsibilities, and help them stay focused and motivated.

Offer support and resources: Provide team members with the support and resources they need to succeed. This can include training and development opportunities, access to relevant tools and technology, and any other resources they may need to do their jobs effectively.

Show appreciation: Recognize and show appreciation for the hard work and contributions of team members. This can be done through verbal recognition, awards or other types of recognition programs, or simply by thanking team members for their efforts.

Encourage work-life balance: Encourage team members to take breaks and prioritize their well-being. This will help them stay focused and engaged, and can improve overall morale.

Be flexible: Be open to adapting to changing circumstances and the needs of the team. This can help team members feel supported and valued, and can help maintain high morale.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.edwinamckennon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinamckennon/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinamckennon/