CEO of Federated Co-operatives Limited, Heather Ryan, headlines the 2025 Dean's Speaker Series
Heather Ryan first joined Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) in 2013 as director of human resources advisory services. She was appointed vice-president of human resources in 2015 and later stepped into the role of vice-president of supply chain during the pandemic. In May 2022, she became chief executive officer of FCL. Ryan is an alumna and former sessional lecturer at Edwards. She earned her Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation in 2002 and was recognized as a Fellow CPHR in 2024.
When reflecting on success, Ryan emphasized three guiding principles: giving it your all while still finding
balance, understanding and protecting your moral compass, and knowing your lane and when to veer out of it. She noted that her greatest lessons have come from challenging and difficult times, believing firmly in the strength that emerges from adversity. For Ryan, success is like writing a book where it takes time, intention, and relentless effort. Ryan shared that work-life balance is not always realistic and that it is more about integration, making choices every day, and accepting that it will not always be perfect. For instance, she noted that relationships do not always need to be 50/50. Sometimes one person can give 20 per cent and the other could pick up the remaining 80 per cent. She explained that sometimes there are times when both are running low and can not meet at 100, and that’s when kindness and understanding matter most.
While working at POS Biosciences, Ryan worked three days a week but faced the stigma that she “wasn’t working hard enough” because she was working part-time. Around that same time, while interviewing for a sessional lecturer position at Edwards, she experienced an important moment of clarity. She realized that she was being overly critical of herself while trying to do it all in her personal and work life.
Ryan acknowledged the constant pressure that many professionals place on themselves to give 100 per cent at work, home, and relationships. For instance, when her father became ill, she struggled with the demands of working for a large organization while caring for him. She mentioned that she was fortunate enough to have a leader who supported her and allowed her the flexibility she needed. But even then, Ryan still put pressure on herself to ensure she was there for her family and her team. When her father passed, she felt immense gratitude for being present in those final moments with him.
“When we’re being pulled in different directions, we need to be where we know we should be,” Ryan said. “It’s not about balance, it’s about making choices every day, and choosing what’s right for you.”
One of the hardest lessons Ryan learned was that trying to make everyone happy is impossible. She admitted that earlier in her career, she made a difficult decision to leave a job she loved because the organization’s ethics were starting to falter. Ryan did not want to compromise her moral values and while it was a difficult decision to leave, it was ultimately a liberating decision that allowed her to stay true to her integrity. She emphasized that it is possible to achieve success in business, hold meaningful roles, and build a great career while staying true to your principles.
Ryan pointed out that while it is important to excel in your core responsibilities, growth often comes from stepping outside of your role. She encourages professionals to remain curious, adaptable, and open to learning. Throughout her career, Ryan said that growth came from leaders who encouraged her to take on roles she initially felt unprepared for. For instance, even though she was unfamiliar with supply chain operations, she leaned on her people skills to make an impact. Ryan explained that her ability to communicate, understand relationships, and build trust helped move projects forward.
At FCL, individuals are responsible for their specific areas but also accountable for the federation. If something affects the broader organization, professionals are encouraged to weigh in and share concerns. However, she cautioned against overstepping or criticizing just for the sake of it. She referenced “constructive friction,” noting that respectful challenge is essential. Ryan’s message is understanding your lane to provide contributions but being able to veer out of it with purpose and respect to help drive collaboration.
In conclusion, Ryan emphasized that true success is a balance of personal fulfillment, professional growth, and ethical integrity. Ryan encourages others to define success for themselves which may provide as a valuable exercise for reflection and gratitude.
If you want to get involved with Edwards or want to stay up to date with future events, please contact Brooklyn Zenkewich, Development Coordinator, at alumni@edwards.usask.ca.
Watch Heather Ryan’s full talk on the Edwards YouTube Channel.