Françoise Bertrand shared her leadership journey from executive roles to board positions, underlining that influence in decision-making is strengthened through a culture of listening, experience-sharing, and openness to different perspectives.
Presentation of Françoise Bertrand for Changing Seats: From the Executive Chair to the Boardroom, organized in collaboration with Women on Boards Türkiye.
Moving from the executive chair to the boardroom is not about stepping away from leadership—it is about learning to lead differently. In her speech, Françoise Bertrand, Chair of the Board of VIA Rail Canada, shares lessons from a distinguished career as a CEO, regulator, and board chair. Drawing on decades of experience, she explains why effective governance depends on trust, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose between boards and executive teams. She also discusses the importance of diversity, continuous learning, constructive dialogue, and creating board cultures where different perspectives strengthen decision-making and long-term success.
Via Rail Canada
Chair of Board
