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Yvonne de Lint, 37
Calian, Director, business management, director, business excellence
Biggest achievement: Design and implementation of a quality management system based on the National Quality Institute (NQI) framework for business excellence. This implementation is being recognized by the industry as an example of best practices.
Best skill: Commitment to results.
Most admired businessperson: Any leader that recognizes that a strategic plan includes a focus on leadership, planning, customers, employees, suppliers/partners and process management.
Biggest business lesson learned: I have learned that, to create a significant and lasting cultural change, you need a holistic approach. Balancing rigorous requirements with the realities faced by people running a business is key. I believe the business excellence strategy implemented at Calian utilizing the NQI criteria was successful because we involved all stakeholders, including customers, employees at all levels, including executive management, suppliers, partners and the community. Without everyone on board, the cultural shift would not have been as effective and, most importantly, not sustainable. The business excellence system that was implemented at Calian not only allowed us to measure our quality, but it also served to improve team pride and performance, while dramatically improving bottom line.
Favourite charity: The United Way
Professional recognition that would mean the most: I would be honoured to address industry leaders interested in sharing my vision for increased profitability utilizing the business excellence model.
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