When we think about qualities that define great leadership, experience is often one of the first things that come to mind. Truly great leaders, however, understand the value of mentoring others and this goes well beyond experience alone.
Tricia Turner understands the exceptional value of mentorship more than most. Tricia – whose diverse resume includes over 20 years’ experience in finance and risk management – currently works for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). She is a Chartered Professional Accountant and also a Certified Professional Leadership Coach who helps to develop strong female leaders in her workplace and beyond.
“At the heart of it all, it’s about helping people reach their professional and personal goals, while also helping them to get comfortable and confident with who they are and the strengths that they have,” said Tricia. “As a leader, if every woman I work with can feel comfortable about embracing their strengths, rather than weaknesses, or even getting comfortable to negotiate for a raise, then I’ll be happy. It’s about helping other women be all they can be.”
Like her employer BCLC, one of the first Face of Leadership™ diversity pledge signatories, Tricia has a strong connection to Minerva. “What I’ve always loved about Minerva is that the organization truly champions the fundamental things that have helped me develop skills to become not only a strong but also a relatable and authentic leader,” explained Tricia. Since 2019, she’s served as a Volunteer Committee Member in her local community of Kamloops. Tricia has also been instrumental in expanding Minerva’s annual Learning to Lead™ program into the interior, which took place virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally scheduled to be held in Kamloops at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), the program offers grade 11 girls unparalleled opportunity to develop their leadership skills, while also hearing from exceptional female professionals from all across BC. For Tricia, having the opportunity to provide mentorship for young women, and women wanting to develop their leadership skills, has always been an effective way to pay it forward. “When I think about my grade 11 self, I think about how much attending a program like this could have helped me move through my career with much more confidence.”
Last March, in celebration of International Women’s Day, Tricia was one of the key speakers at a networking event that featured coaching and leadership advice for the women and girls in Kamloops. With the support of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), KPMG, and the Gender Equality Committee at the TRU School of Business & Economics, the Kamloops event proved to be a huge success with attendees. Minerva BC’s work was also highlighted at the event and was the recipient of a donation from RBC.
In November, Tricia was involved in, and championed, a two-hour workshop facilitated by Minerva CEO Tina Strehlke to the BCLC AIM Group, an employee resource group dedicated to increasing equity in the workplace. Tricia is a proud ally and past committee member of this BCLC AIM Group. The session focused on gender equality from an intersectional lens. Tricia also facilitated a Minerva virtual breakfast event in Kamloops during Gender Equality week.
Along with her work with Minerva, Tricia has also long been a passionate mentor and volunteer advocate within her community. Among a series of initiatives for the Kamloops Food Bank, Volunteer Kamloops and the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, she’s also devoted time to youth sports and visiting with seniors.
“For me, it’s all about making connections and hopefully helping to inspire future leaders,” explained Tricia. “The part I’m most proud of is hearing back from women that have felt impacted and inspired to seize the day and realize their leadership potential.”
Minerva is grateful for the time, energy and passion of volunteers like Tricia.
