As the inaugural CEO-in-Residence with the Trent School of Business, Dr. Katie Taylor was candid and generous in her time with students
As a self-described servant leader, Trent University’s inaugural CEO-in-Residence and honorary degree recipient, Dr. Katie Taylor notes that in her career influence has been more important than power and direction.
What leadership strategies does she recommend? Take smart risks, expand your scope, and, when it comes to critical career moments: don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.
Over the past academic year, Dr. Taylor has been a warm and engaging presence in her interactions with students, sharing experiences gleaned from a career that has seen her serve as the president and chief executive officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the former chair of the Sick Kids Foundation, and as the current chair of the board of the Royal Bank of Canada.
Dr. Taylor stepped into the role amidst a global pandemic, and with her robust experiences in both mentorship and change management, she was able to offer pearls of wisdom to students who will soon be business leaders in their own right.
“While acknowledging the severity and suffering of the current crisis, it is also important to remember that “this too shall pass.” Young leaders of tomorrow will benefit from the learning they gain today, providing them with a well‐equipped toolbox to meet and master the many crises they will face during their lives and their careers,” noted Dr. Taylor. “The emphasis on mentorship in higher education -- like the CEO‐in‐Residence program at Trent -- creates valuable touchpoints for students, designed to provide support, encouragement and authentic opportunities to transfer knowledge that will help this next generation of leaders manage successfully through both future crises and the brighter days that lie ahead.”
As Dr. Taylor’s time as CEO-in-Residence comes to a close, she is stepping away having inspired students with tangible takeaways shared through mentorship meetups, lectures and panel discussions.
