2006 RECIPIENT PROFILE

Pierrette Raymond, 37

Education: Masters Certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (2005)

Success Story: Aside from winning this award, I would say my biggest success is being able to manage two businesses. One of these, operated with my husband of 14 years, is en route to hitting its first million in sales; the second company is now poised to become an international organization.

Best Advice Received: “People don’t fail. Systems do,” a valuable piece of advice from Brian Scudamore, CEO and president of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? If things aren’t going well, don’t blame your people. Look at the systems and see what is missing or needs improving. People will succeed in direct correlation to how good the systems are.

Inspiration: The thought that many women do not have the financial, emotional and/or spiritual resources they need to live their full potential inspires me to go to work each day.

Greatest professional challenge: Growing a membership-based organization that is transitioning from the perspective of a non-profit to a corporation earning profit.

Someone else for a day: Oprah – who she is and what she does on a daily basis inspires me and affirms that what I am doing is needed – to be authentic, compassionate and supportive while educating, inspiring and empowering women. I’d love to walk in her shoes for one day to see how she manages and stays on top of it all – and it would be fun to sit and have a coffee with her (or her favourite Lemon Drop Martini!)