\u201cOptimism is not about believing that everything will always work out. It\u2019s the intentional decision to acknowledge challenges and find positive solutions,\u201d says Haddad, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University recognizing her global health-care legacy.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>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\u2019s Convocation address on Friday, Oct. 16.<\/p><\/div>\n
No matter the field or the state of the world, challenges can sometimes seem \u201cenormous\u201d and leave people feeling easily overwhelmed, she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut don\u2019t underestimate your ability to make a difference,\u201d Haddad says. \u201cDon\u2019t make the mistake of thinking that changing the world always means doing something spectacular. Most meaningful change begins much closer to home.\u201d<\/p>\n
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, \u201cI think I can help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat may be one of the greatest advantages of graduating from a university like Brock,\u201d Haddad says. \u201cYou have learned not only in classrooms, laboratories, studios and libraries; you have learned in a community \u2014 and communities matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Optimism, Haddad says, is contagious.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople want to work with people who see possibility. They want to follow people who believe things can be better,\u201d she says. \u201cThey need people who, when everyone else is saying, \u2018That\u2019s impossible,\u2019 are willing to say, \u2018Maybe, but let\u2019s see what we can do.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Haddad has brought this leadership approach to each role she\u2019s held, including her work as Corporate Director at Telus and past Director at TD Bank Group.<\/p>\n
\u201cWherever 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,\u201d she says. \u201cA successful life is also measured by the relationships you have nurtured, the impact you have had and the lives you improve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brock University\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n