In the 180th episode of "The Leadership Project," we had the honour of delving into the captivating life and career story of Vera Quinn, the CEO and President of Cydcor. Vera's remarkable journey of perseverance, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership reinforced powerful lessons that can serve as motivation for aspiring leaders everywhere.
A Humble Beginning
Vera Quinn's story begins in Toronto, where she grew up as the child of immigrant parents from Yugoslavia. Her father, a car mechanic, epitomized the entrepreneurial spirit, starting his own shop in a community filled with Yugoslavian immigrants. Despite the language barrier and personal tragedy — losing his wife when Vera was just four — her father’s resilience shone through.
From fixing cars in customers' driveways to eventually partnering with Shell Canada, her father's hard work and dedication made a lasting impression on Vera. She observed how he handled the business's varying demands, built relationships with customers, and exemplified responsibility and commitment. These invaluable lessons laid the foundation for her future endeavours.
Navigating Personal and Professional Setbacks
Vera's early exposure to hardship continued to shape her. The death of her mother and the subsequent family dynamics taught her about the human capacity for love and resilience. Her father remarried another widow, bringing together a blended family. This experience provided her with insights into the importance of commitment and partnership.
“I look at my father and stepmother, and I see incredible resilience. When they made the commitment, they made it work, irrespective of the hardships,” Vera explains. This resilient mindset would later become a cornerstone of her professional philosophy.
Forging a Career Path
Vera's professional journey began with answering a newspaper ad that promised, "Have fun, make money." What started as a summer job knocking on doors to sell promotional certificates soon became a profound learning experience in sales, rejection, and personal growth. She committed a month to master the role, and through rigorous effort, she became proficient in sales.
“This was my introduction to the entrepreneurial spirit. No one asked what I was doing at 2 PM; the onus was on me. This idea of controlling your inputs and outcomes became a foundational lesson,” says Vera.
Rising Through the Ranks
Her skill in sales and leadership did not go unnoticed. Vera moved on to recruiting and eventually entered the corporate world with Cydcor. Despite initial doubts about her lack of formal business education, she committed three years to learning under seasoned business leaders.
“I had the opportunity to be the apprentice. I surrounded myself with experienced leaders, absorbing their advice and practices,” she recalls.
Through persistent learning, taking on various roles, and continuous self-improvement — be it through internal company experiences or classes at renowned institutions like Pepperdine, UCLA, and USC — Vera equipped herself with the necessary skills to lead. This rigorous preparation culminated in her stepping into the CEO role at Cydcor, where she now oversees a multi-million dollar business.
The Lessons in Leadership:
Many allies struggle with knowing where to start. Dr Luthra outlines seven behaviours that can help transition from passive to active allyship:
Stimulus, Choice, Response: One of Vera’s key leadership philosophies is centred on controlling one’s responses to external stimuli. “You have the responsibility to choose your response. This choice, I believe, determines the quality of life,” she asserts.
Resilience Overcomes Obstacles: Vera emphasizes not making permanent decisions based on temporary emotions. She advocates for pushing through tough times and making decisions from a place of stability rather than despair.
Lifelong Learning and Mentorship: Vera underscores the importance of apprenticeship and continuous learning. “Whether it’s business, marriage, or personal goals, find those who excel in what you wish to achieve and learn from them,” she advises.
Paying It Forward
Beyond her business accomplishments, Vera is committed to philanthropy, particularly aiding children. She is deeply involved with the Liberty Children’s Home in Belize, providing support and resources to children in need. Additionally, she actively mentors young women in business, drawing from her experiences to inspire and guide the next generation.
A Final Thought:
Vera Quinn’s journey from humble beginnings to the heights of corporate leadership embodies the principles of hard work, resilience, and continuous growth. Her story stands as a testament to the potential within each of us to overcome adversity and achieve great things through dedication and learning.
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