Legal news and trends for Canadian in-house counsel and c-suite executives
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/1171384
www.canadianlawyermag.com/inhouse 29 they're interested or because it's fun. The events are fashioned in a way that is intended to engage us all on a human level. If there is anything innovative about that sort of approach, I think it's because I've tried to take a more nuanced approach to get people to come in. It's about 'let's have a conversation, let's talk about this. Nobody's going to preach at you. We're just going to talk about our shared experiences and we're going to do a little bit of educating along the way.' And it's been it's been very successful." Even beyond offering formal programming, Francis makes an effort to be open and approach- able by anybody who has diversity or inclusion questions or who just wants to talk. She recalls one instance in particular when a male col- league she didn't know very well came up to her after her first event because he was struggling to gain perspective on gender disparity issues and come to terms with what they might mean for his daughter. Although Francis knows that there is still a long way to go in teaching people about diversity and inclusion, the timing seems right to talk about these topics now, especially within the Public Prosecution Service and within the wider government. "Perhaps they were always on the agenda, but I think it's more so now. I see a trend that it is part of the agenda. It's not just sitting there, but there's actually a number of discussions and emails and initiatives around diversity and inclu- sion within our organization — way more so than, quite respectively, there have ever been, so that's huge progress, but there is lots, lots more work to be done," she says. For anybody wanting to take up the cause, Francis has some very simple advice. "I think you just start; I think you simply just start," she says. "I just started. I would like to consider myself as someone who has the desire, has the heart and has the passion, but I don't think I have any superhuman powers or skills. I'm compassionate, and I have some empathy, some leadership skills acquired over the years, an understanding of what touches people's hearts and also good judg- ment. And I also try to listen. . . . There are certain personalities that I think are well suited to it, and if those are the qualities that you possess, you should engage in it." While Francis points out that increasing diver- sity is a benefit to any business or organization be- cause being exposed to a wide variety of opinions and viewpoints makes the overall group smarter and more resilient, it is particularly important for those representing the Crown to be as welcoming of diversity and as inclusive as possible. "Given the roles that we play as prosecutors representing the public interest, we certainly ought to be alive to this and we ought to be leaders in this, and that's what we've been trying to do here in Toronto." Excellence in Governance Awards Prix d'excellence en gouvernance Awards Gala & Ceremony November 07, 2019, the Carlu, Toronto The Excellence in Governance Awards (EGAs) recognize the role that good governance plays in increasing the value and success of Canada's public companies, crown corporations, government agencies, and not-for-profi t organizations, thus contributing to the competitiveness of Canada's economy and its capital markets. The awards celebrate the accomplishments of governance professionals, their organizations and their boards, within categories that represent key strategies and processes that enhance and support good governance overall. Celebrate with us! qrco.de/bbDGNH