Earlier today, for some reason, I found myself thinking about Judy Elder. She was the GM, Consumer Products Division at Microsoft Canada, back in March ‘02. I probably have the unfortunate distinction of being the last person she ever interviewed for a position at MSN Canada, she passed away on March 28th ‘02, at the age of 47.
In addition to her role in the Consumer Products Division, Judy was also responsible for the Canadian retail and consumer marketing of all of Microsoft’s software, hardware tools and Xbox. She came to Microsoft Canada from IBM Canada, where she served as Vice-President, Communications and simultaneously held the position of Director of Integrated Marketing Communications for IBM North America. Prior to joining IBM Canada, Ms. Elder spent almost 18 years with Oglivy and Mather Advertising where she rose steadily through the ranks, culminating in a six-year term as President of Ogilvy One, Ogilvy and Mather’s direct and interactive marketing company. She also served as the Chair of the Canadian Marketing Association.
Although I didn’t know Judy Elder personally, I remember being struck by her warmth and her smile. She had a way of making you feel at ease, even whilst asking tough, penetrating questions. I got the job, and during my first week – I ended up attending a memorial ceremony for Judy. The event was so well attended, and so moving, that I resolved to find out more about her. In doing so, I came across a speech she delivered to a Women’s Television Network series, organized by the Toronto Board of Trade. The speech was delivered just a few weeks before she died. It was called “Mothers, Fathers, Men, Ambition: The people and values that motivate and shape women’s success”. The speech was so inspiring that it motivated top Canadian corporations to fund the Judy Project, a leadership forum for executive women at the University of Toronto’s Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. (Those who think words can’t have a lasting impact, – should think again).
It is that Speech which I remembered – this morning, as I prepared to write a motivational email to one of my mentees. Although this speech targets women, we can all benefit from Judy’s assertions about Life, Loved Ones & Ambition. In Jan ’05, 3 years after she passed away, Judy Elder was amongst the first 12 people in Canada to be inducted into the Marketing Hall of Legends, along with great Canadian entrepreneurs who created iconic brands such as Roots, Tim Horton’s, President’s Choice and Cirque du Soleil. I’m honored to have met this woman, even for only an hour – and I encourage you all to read her speech – and send me your comments.
(If for some reason, you can’t access the pdf links in this blog post – you may need to download Adobe Reader 9 It’s free – and you’re not compelled to change your search tool bar, you can simply uncheck the box): Link to Download.
Servant Leader….
Are you a professional journalist? You write very well.
Hey John, I’m not Journalist – but I do enjoy writing or speaking about leaders and leadership traits. Thanks for your kind words.
Servant Leader
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