How Jodie Found Her Leadership Style Through the Edwards Graduate Certificate in Leadership Program
My name is Jodie Semkiw, and I am the Executive Director of a non-profit organization - Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service. We provide social, emotional and psychological support for people in distress, as well as provide intensive community support for people in Saskatoon to access and secure long term housing.
Tell me about your education and career path.
I began my education journey several years ago at the College of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan, now known as Edwards School of Business. After that, I went on to pursue a Social Work degree, and then most recently, went on to become a proud graduate of the Graduate Certificate in Leadership (GCL) program. As part of my career path, I knew I wanted to take on more of a leadership role in my organization and began looking for programs that would fit my needs. Edwards was top of my list. I knew that I would learn so much, meet many interesting people, and that I would be supported throughout my program.
What does leadership mean to you?
Having grown up on a farm in West-Central Saskatchewan - leadership, community and service were guiding principles in my family. I have carried that forward with me in my career, choosing to work in the non-profit sector. Leadership for me is about relationships. Leadership is about showing up for those around me every single day, especially the hard days – knowing when to listen, when to ask questions, or when to act. Being a leader in the non-profit community is important for not only sustainability but also growth in the field.
What are the characteristics of a good leader?
A good leader is someone who approaches challenges with curiosity, humility and generosity. A leader empowers others to problem solve and be creative when tackling challenges. They put people first. An essential habit of an effective leader is to listen not just to hear but to understand. There is no one size fits all to being a good leader, but I think being open to difficult conversations, diverse opinions, and having insight into what we don’t know, are important building blocks.
How has your time at Edwards helped to grow your skills as a leader?
Having had the opportunity to learn more about my own leadership style and approach, I have been able to build on that and lead with more confidence when problem solving and making decisions. After completing my Graduate Certificate in Leadership at Edwards, I better understand my personal values and how I apply those in my daily life.
Talk about your experience in the Edwards Graduate Certificate in Leadership Program.
Edwards helped reignite a passion, not only for my work within my organization, but also to be a part of creating systemic change here in Saskatoon. My experience with the staff and faculty at Edwards was very supportive, from the admissions process to the knowledgeable professors right through to the graduation process. I always felt like a valued member in class discussions and there was always opportunity to ask questions which I really appreciated.
The GCL provided me with a broader perspective and awareness of how to build effective teams, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and the fundamentals of organizational culture. Not only did I learn many concepts, strategies and best practices through this program, but it also reinforced some of the things I was already doing in my practice, including highlighting the importance of creativity, working collaboratively, and being solutions focused.
What kind of impact has this had on your personal life and family?
Many of the concepts that I learned at Edwards are all applicable to a family structure. Time management, teamwork and managing challenges are all pieces I learned at Edwards and have strengthened my personal life. I love being a mom and it is the root of everything I do. I want to set an example for my daughters. I encourage them to get out of their comfort zone and be open to growth and possibilities. It is important to have dreams and take steps towards those goals. It is important to me that my kids understand that learning is a lifelong journey.
What would you say to people considering this program? What can they expect from this experience?
For anyone considering this program, I would say that it is an investment in you. It will challenge you, broaden your perspectives and open doors to new opportunities. You can expect to have excellent professors who are knowledgeable in their fields. The GCL program at Edwards really is for anyone and everyone, no matter where you’re at in your career.
Ready to take the next step in your educational journey? Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Leadership program here.