Reframe everything you thought about work and business.

Be inspired to change through compassion. As a speaker and change strategist, I share 25 years of experience working with globally recognized organizations to help leaders and boards make better decisions in governance, inclusivity, and workplace mental health.

Official Bio

Shona McGlashan is a distinguished keynote speaker and change strategist, renowned for her profound ability to guide organizations through significant transformation in governance, inclusivity, and workplace mental health. With over 25 years of experience, including pivotal roles at Vancity, Mountain Equipment Co-operative, and the UK’s House of Commons, Shona has established herself as an expert in leading organizations towards sustainable and meaningful change.

Shona's presentations are a blend of practical wisdom and insightful strategies, focusing on creating cultures of wellbeing, embracing diversity, and implementing effective change management. Her approach equips organizations to navigate the complexities of today’s corporate landscape with actionable solutions that break through conventional boundaries.

Central to Shona's philosophy is the belief that empathy, inclusivity, and strategic foresight are key to organizational success. She adeptly addresses common challenges such as board dysfunction, cultural inertia, and strategic misalignment. Her sessions are designed to empower leaders and boards with tools for impactful decision-making and cultural transformation.

Shona's work extends beyond her consulting firm. She has co-authored influential materials in her field and has been a driving force in pioneering EDI initiatives and mental health strategies in large organizations. Her expertise is further recognized through her certifications as a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute and a Chartered Governance Professional and her recognition as Canada’s Governance Professional of the Year for 2023.

An acclaimed speaker, Shona has engaged audiences at renowned institutions and conferences, imparting her unique blend of experience and insight. Beyond her professional pursuits, Shona is a parent, an avid reader, and a student of Gaelic and mindfulness, bringing a well-rounded perspective to her work.

Shona McGlashan stands out as a leader in business and governance, steering individuals and organizations towards profound insights and transformation.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Drawing on my personal lived experience, workplace leadership, and formal qualifications, including the Workplace Mental Health Leadership certificate from Queen's University, I develop comprehensive mental health frameworks in the workplace to foster cultures of wellbeing, resilience, and support.

  • In this talk, you will learn how to:

    • Recognize the early signs of mental health issues in the workplace

    • Create an environment that supports mental health and wellbeing

    • Implement effective strategies to assist employees facing mental health challenges

    • Develop a proactive approach to mental health, integrating it into your organizational culture

EDI

Leveraging my expertise in building inclusive and psychological safe workplaces, I provide insights on crafting strategies for EDI in leadership. My approach is informed by my time leading significant EDI initiatives at organizations like Vancity and Mountain Equipment Co-operative.

  • In this talk, you will learn how to:

    • Understand and appreciate the diverse perspectives within your team

    • Develop strategies to create an inclusive culture that values every individual

    • Address and mitigate unconscious biases in decision-making processes

    • Implement practical steps for fostering diversity and equity in the workplace

Change management

With my extensive background in senior roles across different sectors, I guide organizations through change management processes. My talks focus on strategic planning, decision-making, and creating adaptable, resilient organizational cultures.

  • In this talk, you will learn how to:

    • Identify key drivers of change within your organization and leverage them effectively

    • Navigate the challenges of change while maintaining team cohesion and morale

    • Develop a roadmap for successful change implementation, from planning to execution

    • Cultivate resilience and adaptability in your team during periods of transition

“At eLeadership Academy, we have had the immense pleasure of welcoming Shona McGlashan as a speaker/presenter/workshop facilitator during various virtual events. Through both personal narrative and fact-based research, Shona offers her expertise in a way that captivates, inspires, and educates our audience of credit union leaders. Shona's charisma, authenticity, passion, and advocacy for workplace mental health has left our eLeadership Academy community informed and wanting more.”

—Sandra McDowell, CEO, eLeadership Academy

“Shona guided my board/ exec team in thoughtful reflection, generating great insight and leading to concrete actions. It was a transformative session.”

—Margie (Madhuri) Parikh, C.Dir, Board Director

Let’s inspire and create change.

Learn more about how we can work together.