In life, there will inevitably be challenges.

Disappointments. Wrong turns. Even failures.

In these moments, there is a choice, Mary Jo Haddad (LLD ’26) says.

“Choose optimism.”

While delivering the address at Brock University’s 120th Convocation on Friday, Oct. 16, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) shared how optimism — her self-described “north star” — has guided her personal and professional journey.

“Optimism is not about believing that everything will always work out. It’s the intentional decision to acknowledge challenges and find positive solutions,” says Haddad, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University recognizing her global health-care legacy.

Haddad has embraced this approach throughout her distinguished career, from her time as a nurse working with families in the most vulnerable moments of their lives to her time leading and inspiring change in health-care systems around the world through her work as President of MJH & Associates.

Mary Jo Haddad (LLD ’26), President of MJH & Associates and former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital for Sick Children, delivers Brock University’s Convocation address on Friday, Oct. 16.

No matter the field or the state of the world, challenges can sometimes seem “enormous” and leave people feeling easily overwhelmed, she says.

“But don’t underestimate your ability to make a difference,” Haddad says. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking that changing the world always means doing something spectacular. Most meaningful change begins much closer to home.”

That change happens in so many ways, she adds, like when a teacher inspires a child; when a nurse treats a patient with empathy and dignity; and when someone in a small community notices a need and says, “I think I can help.”

“That may be one of the greatest advantages of graduating from a university like Brock,” Haddad says. “You have learned not only in classrooms, laboratories, studios and libraries; you have learned in a community — and communities matter.”

The Niagara-on-the-Lake resident has long maintained a commitment to giving back. She has dedicated time as a mentor and leadership coach and as an advocate for children and youth through her volunteer work as past Director of the Board of Kids Health Links Foundation, as former Director at Capitalize for Kids, with the SickKids capital campaign and as founding Chair of Children First Canada, a not-for-profit organization committed to helping make Canada the best place for kids to grow up.

Optimism, Haddad says, is contagious.

“People want to work with people who see possibility. They want to follow people who believe things can be better,” she says. “They need people who, when everyone else is saying, ‘That’s impossible,’ are willing to say, ‘Maybe, but let’s see what we can do.’”

Haddad has brought this leadership approach to each role she’s held, including her work as Corporate Director at Telus and past Director at TD Bank Group.

“Wherever your careers take you, remember that success in life is not measured only by the position you eventually hold, the income you earn or the awards you receive,” she says. “A successful life is also measured by the relationships you have nurtured, the impact you have had and the lives you improve.”

Brock University’s Fall Convocation celebrated nearly 1,000 graduates who received their degrees across two ceremonies on Oct. 16. Ceremonies can be viewed online at brocku.ca/livestream