An eye for emerging trends
What makes a leader? There are base requirements for any career development: a strong work ethic and ongoing skills development are two. Along the way, however, other qualities will emerge as well.
Inherently forward thinking, Monique Maynard is also passionate and sensitive about people – about the people she leads internally, and about those she hopes the business will reach in the world at large.
What defines a leader? Being present, visible, caring about people and being respectful are all part of it. It's not a title. It's who you are as an individual.
She is one of the few people in the country with direct and extensive responsibility for such a major line of business across three companies.
Her approach is business-oriented, but comes from a sense of service as well. New and emerging markets are on her list of considerations, along with the country's aging populace, the middle-market, cultural markets and the next generation as well. "When you think in those terms, about the different ways everyone wants to be reached," she says these transition naturally into thinking about how to position the company, and the industry, to meet client, or would-be client needs. "To me, that is really, really important."
Her industry involvement is similarly motivated: "When a topic in the industry, or an issue surfaces that I am passionate about and I believe I can help influence, I like to get involved."
In addition to leadership, her responsibilities today include strategy, business solutions, product development, pricing, claims, underwriting, new business administration, client service, controls and financial results for Individual Insurance.
In 2012, Maynard was also appointed to the MIB Group Inc. (formerly the Medical Information Bureau) board of directors for a three-year term.
A focus of hers is envisioning emerging trends in the industry. "I first got involved with MIB after looking at where I could best spend my time," she adds. "I felt this was an opportunity to influence the direction of MIB, the direction of the industry, and what MIB could do for the industry."
Her personal commitments include serving as a member of the board for L'Arche Winnipeg, and on the Warren Chair Committee at the University of Manitoba.
In speaking about management, mentorship and leadership, she is also refreshingly candid. "The presence you might have at a table or in a room, it surprises me," she says. "An executive coach made me realize it. When I started in the company 27 years ago, it resonated with me when a leader or senior leader would greet me, or say something positive about what I did. I had to stop and think that I'm that person for someone else now," she adds. "Just your presence, and who you are at any moment in time, you can have an influence – positive or negative."
"What defines a leader?" Being present, visible, caring about people and being respectful are all part of it, she says. "It's not a title. It's who you are as an individual."
