2004 ALUMNI RECIPIENTS

Siobhan MacDonald, 35

Biggest achievement: The biggest achievement of my career is winning an $8-million contract with a total potential contract value of $18 million. This contract win was the biggest in Sirius' history.

Best skill: The ability to listen to clients, colleagues, peers, managers and to anyone involved in the industry. In an effort to drive a business transaction, it is tempting to do the majority of the talking. I have found greater success in doing more listening and less talking.

Most admired businessperson: My father. His ability to stay true to his principles is inspiring.

Biggest business lesson learned: A win-win negotiation resulting in a smaller win for you is a bigger win in the long run than a win-lose negotiation, where the other party walks away with nothing. An equally important lesson I have learned is to accept failure as an inevitable part of growth and success. Failure is one of life's toughest lessons, but can also be one of life's biggest learning experiences.

Favourite charity: Ottawa Humane Society

Professional recognition that would mean the most: Recognition from my peers for being a businessperson who is fair, competent and respectful is more important to me.