On September 16, the Whistler Institute welcomed community members to the Maury Young Arts Centre for Leading with Purpose: Lessons from Civic & Community Leaders—a candid conversation about what it means to step forward, serve, govern and lead within a community.
Featuring Mary-Ann Booth and Diana Chan, with Sue Adams as moderator, the evening brought together perspectives shaped by experience in local government, governance, business and the not-for-profit sector.
Rather than focusing on a single model of leadership, the conversation explored the realities that come with taking on leadership roles: making difficult decisions, working with people who hold different perspectives, building trust, navigating public expectations and remaining grounded in purpose.
The panelists also reflected openly on their own leadership journeys—including lessons learned, challenges encountered and what they might approach differently with the benefit of hindsight.
At its heart, the evening invited attendees to think critically about leadership: not only about the qualities we look for in those who lead, but also about the responsibility individuals have to participate, contribute and help shape the communities in which they live.
The Panel
Mary-Ann Booth
Former Mayor of West Vancouver
Mary-Ann brought perspectives from her experience in municipal government, law, governance and community service, offering candid reflections on the responsibilities and complexities of public leadership.
Diana Chan
Corporate Director, Governance Leader & Community Volunteer
Diana shared insights drawn from her experience across corporate governance, business and community organizations, including the importance of strong governance, relationships and clarity of purpose in effective leadership.
Moderator: Sue Adams
Business Leader & Not-for-Profit Board Chair
Sue guided the discussion through the realities of leadership and service, creating space for both practical insights and personal reflections from the panelists.
What was discussed:
What makes an effective leader. The panel explored the qualities and behaviours that contribute to effective leadership, including listening, integrity, accountability, curiosity and the willingness to make difficult decisions.
Leadership versus popularity. The conversation considered the tension leaders can face between making decisions they believe are in the best interests of an organization or community and making decisions that will be broadly popular.
Building trust and relationships. Panelists reflected on the importance of communication, relationships and creating space for differing perspectives—particularly when navigating challenging or divisive issues.
The realities of governance. The discussion highlighted the responsibilities that come with serving on councils and boards, and the importance of understanding the distinction between governance and operational leadership.
Learning through experience. Mary-Ann and Diana spoke candidly about lessons from their own leadership journeys, including challenges, mistakes and things they might approach differently today.
Stepping forward to serve. The evening also explored what encourages people to take on leadership roles—and why communities benefit when people with diverse experiences and perspectives are willing to contribute.
Continuing the Conversation: Leadership Development in Whistler
Leading with Purpose also marked the public launch of the Whistler Institute’s Leadership Development Initiative, an emerging program designed to strengthen leadership and governance capacity within our community.
The Institute is currently developing a pilot workshop series that will provide practical learning opportunities for current and emerging board members, executive directors and community leaders.
The September conversation was an important starting point. Feedback gathered from the event, alongside broader community consultation, will help inform the development of the workshop series and ensure future programming responds to the needs of Whistler’s not-for-profit and community leadership sector.
More information about the Leadership Development Initiative and opportunities to participate will be shared in the coming months.
Watch the Recording:
This event was made possible by:
