Women in Leadership: A Pioneer’s Journey

This page celebrates the enduring leadership values of resilience, precision, and the pursuit of excellence—principles that continue to shape my approach to supporting clients as they navigate challenges and embrace growth. Inspired by my mother’s extraordinary journey, these qualities influence my work in fostering clarity and meaningful transformation.

Few individuals possess the rare combination of vision, resilience, and capability required to lead an organisation through its most challenging times, all while redefining the limits of possibility. My mother exemplified these qualities and more, transforming Colin Campbell and Sons into a pinnacle of success in the luxury industry during a period of profound upheaval. Her story is one of unwavering determination, elegance in execution, and a capacity for leadership that commands admiration.

As the COO, General Manager, and key person behind the company’s resurgence, my mother’s indispensable role was underscored by the company’s decision to secure key person insurance in her name—a reflection of the critical importance of her leadership to its success. Entrusted with full operational authority during a time of significant challenges, she not only stabilised the company but also elevated it, setting a standard of excellence that remains a benchmark in the industry. This tribute honours her remarkable achievements and the enduring lessons she leaves behind for leaders, particularly women, navigating demanding professional and personal landscapes.

By the 1980s, Colin Campbell and Sons had firmly established itself as a cornerstone of wholesale distribution, catering to contractors, retail stores, architects, and designers. Yet, like many businesses of its kind, it faced moments of profound uncertainty that threatened its standing in the competitive luxury market. During one of its most tumultuous periods, several senior executives were let go in rapid succession, leaving a leadership vacuum at a critical juncture. Recognising the urgent need for transformative guidance, John Campbell and Victoria Carpets U.K., the company’s owners, entrusted the entire business to my mother. This pivotal decision reflected their unwavering confidence in her exceptional ability to lead decisively, craft innovative strategies, and execute with precision at the highest level. My mother embraced this formidable challenge with characteristic resolve, taking full responsibility for every facet of the company’s operations and systems. Her visionary leadership not only stabilised the business but also set it on a bold trajectory of renewed success and growth, reinforcing its legacy as a trusted name in luxury interiors.

Stabilising Colin Campbell and Sons required more than managerial oversight—it demanded a thorough reassessment of priorities, relationships, and strategic direction. My mother swiftly renegotiated supplier contracts, optimised internal workflows, and revitalised the company’s reputation among Canada’s leading industry professionals. Yet her vision extended beyond recovery; she saw an opportunity to elevate the company. Understanding that the essence of luxury lies in trust, exclusivity, and impeccable service, she redefined the client experience, ensuring that Colin Campbell and Sons became synonymous with timeless craftsmanship and reliability. 

Under her leadership, the company thrived. Colin Campbell and Sons became the premier destination for bespoke carpets and rugs, trusted by leading designers and architects for their most ambitious projects. My mother’s acute understanding of market trends, coupled with her ability to anticipate and exceed client expectations, solidified the company’s position as a leader in the luxury market. Through her efforts, Colin Campbell and Sons achieved not just survival but a flourishing example of resilience, leadership, and the art of exceeding expectations.

The 1980s and 1990s were a time when women in leadership roles, particularly in male-dominated industries, faced significant barriers. Yet my mother’s success at Colin Campbell and Sons defied these norms. She not only earned the respect of her peers but also redefined what was possible for women in senior executive roles. Her leadership style was decisive yet approachable, commanding respect without the need for heavy-handedness. Her ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining a polished, calm demeanour set her apart.

Faced with a daunting task, my mother balanced competing demands with grace. Her interactions with clients, stakeholders, and employees were rooted in mutual respect and trust. She fostered an environment of collaboration and loyalty, qualities that strengthened the company’s internal cohesion while enhancing its reputation. As a woman leading in a field dominated by men, she carried herself with a sense of refinement and confidence that left little room for doubt. She was neither overly assertive nor apologetic—she was simply exceptional. Her success demonstrated that leadership does not require loud declarations of power; it requires substance, vision, and the ability to deliver.

While excelling professionally, my mother also faced personal challenges that would have tested even the strongest individuals. Yet she maintained her focus, meeting the demands of her role with unwavering dedication and professionalism. Her ability to compartmentalise personal struggles while maintaining professional excellence reflects extraordinary depth of character. This dual ability to shoulder immense responsibility while navigating personal hardship serves as an enduring example of resilience in its most polished form.

My mother’s contributions to Colin Campbell and Sons and the broader luxury industry extend far beyond the measurable outcomes of her tenure. Her leadership style—characterised by strategic vision, emotional intelligence, and unrelenting dedication—leaves a legacy that continues to inspire. Her ability to transform challenges into opportunities exemplifies purposeful leadership, while her insistence on precision reinforced Colin Campbell’s reputation for quality. Combining decisiveness with approachability, she earned trust and loyalty across all relationships. My mother retired in 2009, and to the best of my knowledge, the company transitioned to new ownership in 2014, marking another chapter in its history.

This page is more than a tribute to my mother; it is a reflection of the values she embodied and the lessons her story imparts. Her life and career offer an enduring example for those navigating the intersections of ambition, leadership, and personal responsibility. Her contributions elevated Colin Campbell and Sons, setting a new standard of excellence in the luxury industry. By honouring her legacy, I aim to celebrate the values she embodied—values that continue to inspire leadership and purposeful growth.