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Catherine Zahn

President & Chief Executive Officer, CAMH

Sector: Non-Profit Sector
Discipline: Health/Community Services
Year: 2014

Catherine Zahn

President & Chief Executive Officer, CAMH

Magic Moment: As a newly minted physician, I was posted at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. I met two brilliant women – fellow residents – who became lifelong friends (Dr. Kathy Siminovitch and Dr. Carol Sawka). It was a thrill to meet not one, but two women who contributed enormously to my learning and personal growth. We have become mutual mentors/mentees to each other. I think of them whenever I hear The Lovin’ Spoonful tune: “Do You Believe in Magic”.

Key Influence: My Physician-in-Chief at UHN, Dr. Michael Baker has been a stalwart mentor for many years. He taught me my major leadership lessons: a) statemanship, b) generosity, c) bias to action, and d) how to be a mentor myself! He regularly chastised me for “not being presidential” and he was a true “sponsor” for my career – opening doors for me and championing me as a leader.

Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Research and innovation are not luxuries; they are critical investments in our people and our economy. Ontario research hospitals provide a 3:1 return on investment made in them. Right here in Ontario we have the third largest biomedical research cluster, bringing high quality jobs to our cities, attracting highly skilled talent and improving care. Governments at all levels must support these important health and economic drivers.

Secret Talent: No secrets – what you see is what you get!

On Championing Others… Always make time to role model for women as potential leaders, mentor and coach them. Consciously watch for my own biases and commit to gender equity on my teams. Try to be true to my own core value of generosity and provide opportunities for others

One word that captures you: Sturdy