Meet Canada's Most Powerful Women

LESLIE E. WOO

Chief Planning Officer, METROLINX

Alumnae of The Judy Project

What is your greatest challenge in your current role?

Developing a seamless and effective transit and transportation system is ultimately about enabling residents to live, work and play well. Meeting the needs of many people from all walks of life requires making complex choices in a constrained fiscal environment under conditions of high public expectations. This is a significant challenge that requires systemic, interconnected solutions. Navigating this complexity is what energizes and excites me about my work.

What unique combination of skills got you here?

My early professional work as a practising architect provided foundational skills that bridge between creative vision and practical delivery. My career has extended amongst public, not for profit and private sectors, and as well, between municipal and provincial roles. This diversity of perspectives enables me to work with deep empathy for others and an ability to find consensus on difficult issues.

What does being ‘powerful’ mean to you?

There is power by title (e.g. CEO or President), but power that is gained through trust is more long lasting and impactful. Being powerful to me means being influential. Powerful leaders are a magnet for others to follow. They enable others to achieve things that they never imagined.

What is the best advice you ever received?

Over my career I have received three really important pieces of advice. First, relationships are more critical to success than intellect or technical aptitude. Second, it’s very important to know yourself and find a way to play to your strengths. This requires self-care, reflection and seeking out honest feedback. Third, failure is a gift from which we learn and grow.

How do you create value for business and society?

My work aligns with my values in that I strive every day to ensure that I am leaving this city and region in better shape that I found it. This means attention to creating benefits for society, not just buildings and hard structures.

What are you most proud of?

I am so proud of the successes of the mentees, former staff and students, family and friends who I have coached or supported over the years. While only they can take credit for their successes, it is with great pride that I get to witness their growth and accomplishments.

I am also proud of the recognition I have received for my leadership roles, internationally, professionally and in my