As we approach International Women’s Day 2025, the theme “Accelerate Action“ really resonates with me. While we’re all familiar with the slow progress toward gender equality, this call to action reminds me of the pivotal moments in my career where I had to accelerate my own progress. I’ve learned that women don’t just face challenges, they face opportunities to push forward, reshape expectations, and break through barriers.
For me, the journey has been anything but linear. From navigating the structured world of federal public service to taking a leap into biotech, then weathering the storm of job loss and reinvention, it’s been a ride.
The truth is, most women in leadership roles don’t just “climb the ladder.” We adapt, pivot, rebuild, and persist. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
Lesson 1: Motherhood Changes Everything – Including Your Career
Transitioning back into work after kids was a challenge. I had the same ambition and drive, but my world had shifted. Now, I was balancing policy briefs with daycare pickups, strategic planning with stomach bugs, and stakeholder meetings with sleep deprivation.
What made it even harder was something I didn’t recognize at first—mild postpartum depression. It took months to realize why I didn’t feel like myself, why the exhaustion was deeper than just sleepless nights, and why mom guilt consumed me.
But the reality? I had to work. And as much as I wanted to be everything for my kids, I also needed to care for myself. I’ll never forget the colleague who saw my struggle and encouraged me to advocate for myself. She reminded me that asking for flexibility wasn’t a sign of weakness—it was an investment in my long-term success. That support made all the difference. So, I made a choice that helped me find balance: I temporarily reduced my hours to focus on my mental health and adjust to this new chapter. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one.
Women don’t talk enough about this transition, how you feel like you’re supposed to bounce back seamlessly, when in reality, you’re just trying to make it through the day without wearing two different shoes. But here’s the thing: motherhood didn’t slow me down—it reshaped me. I became more efficient, more focused, and (whether I liked it or not) an expert at crisis management. Those skills would become invaluable later in my career.
Lesson 2: The Leap That Changed Everything
After years in the federal public service, I took a risk (some would call it crazy). I left the stability of government for the fast-paced world of biotech. Why? Because I had an opportunity to work with a CEO who believed in me, trusted my potential, and actually let me lead. That kind of support was rare, and it changed everything.
Biotech is a complex and high-pressure environment that pushed me to think on my feet, tackle challenges head-on, and step into leadership in a whole new way… and I loved it! Most importantly, I learned that taking calculated risks forced me to grow professionally, sharpen my skills, and embrace leadership in ways I hadn’t imagined.
But leadership isn’t just about a title. It’s about the people who see your potential before you do and give you the space to grow. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be today.
Lesson 3: When Life Knocks You Down, You Get Back Up (Eventually… After a Lot of Ice Cream)
Then came the curveball: losing my job.
No matter how experienced, capable, or hardworking you are, job loss shakes your confidence. It’s personal, even when it’s not. It makes you question your worth, your skills, and whether you should just give it all up and open a coffee shop (which, let’s be honest, crossed my mind more than once).
But after the initial wave of doubt (and more than a few tubs of ice cream), I realized something: I still had everything that made me successful in the first place. I didn’t need an organization to define my worth. I had the skills, experience, and drive to build something of my own. And that’s exactly what I did.
An opportunity came up, and I launched my consulting business to help companies navigate complex landscapes, manage stakeholder relationships, and drive projects forward. And as life often does, another opportunity knocked, this time, to build something bigger with a partner who shared my vision.
Enter Sylvie & Nat.
Lesson 4: Reinvention is the Key to Longevity
Starting Sylvie & Nat wasn’t just about business. It was about purpose. After years in corporate Canada, I wanted to build something meaningful.
Women don’t have to choose between leadership and fulfillment. We can lead, pivot, and redefine success on our own terms. Through this journey, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about adapting, evolving, and knowing when to take that leap (even when it’s terrifying).
Final Thoughts: The Real Secret to Thriving
Women in the workforce know that the path to leadership is anything but smooth. It’s filled with twists, self-doubt, and moments when you question if you’re cut out for this. But here’s what I know for sure:
💡 We don’t just survive—we reinvent.
💡 We don’t just lead—we uplift.
💡 We don’t just adapt—we thrive.
To every woman trying to balance ambition with life, to every leader navigating change, and to every person figuring out their next move: keep going. Your next chapter might just be your best one yet.
📌 Written by Nat
💬 Sharing the real & raw—because life on Peri Lane is never dull.