Meet Siobhan Calderbank

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Siobhan Calderbank a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Siobhan, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I developed my work ethic from my mother, who has always been my greatest role model. From a young age, I watched her work two jobs to support our family. Even after long shifts, she always came home with a smile and made time for me and my siblings. As our family grew and the responsibilities increased, so did her commitment to both her career and education. While working full-time, she also pursued her Master of Arts in Education, which eventually led to multiple promotions. Despite her busy schedule, she never compromised on being present for us—whether it was helping with homework or getting us ready for school—she always found time.

One day, I asked her, “Why do you work so hard? Why don’t you do a little less so that you can rest a little more?” Her response has stayed with me throughout my life. She told me, “Even if no one else knows I did less, I would know. And God is always watching. So always do your best.” That wisdom shaped my perspective. I learned that work ethic isn’t about doing just enough; it’s about personal integrity, which means giving your best even when no one is looking.

This mindset has carried through into my own life, especially during times when I faced impossible challenges—whether that meant working without the necessary resources or pushing through demanding projects with tight deadlines. It’s not just about succeeding for others, but rather proving to myself that I can rise to any occasion. That same resilience helped me when I pursued my Master of Arts in Leadership while raising my one-year-old daughter and six year old son. It was incredibly difficult, but I was determined to succeed, not just for myself, but also to set an example for my family, as my mother did for me and our family. I’m proud to say I graduated with honours and have continued to excel in my career, thanks in large part to the values she instilled in me.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Siobhan Calderbank, and my passion is helping people and organizations transform, grow, and thrive. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in leadership roles that focus on Talent Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development, Learning, Change Management and DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion). My career has spanned industries, from corporate environments with over 10,000 employees to smaller, more agile teams, but the common thread is my commitment to people and culture.

What excites me most about the work I do is the opportunity to shape the future of leadership and create environments where individuals feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. I am particularly passionate about fostering inclusion and diversity, building leadership capabilities, and helping organizations navigate change. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing leaders and employees shift their mindset and behaviour to achieve higher levels of performance and engagement. It’s the ripple effect that drives me! When you can inspire one person to lead differently, that impact extends to their teams, the organization, and even their communities.

A key highlight of my journey has been founding Butterfly Ladies Mentoring Program, where I focus on developing the careers of women, particularly those from underrepresented and marginalized groups. I believe in creating opportunities and support systems for women to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Alongside this, I’m working closely with my daughter to establish the Crown bursary and scholarship awards that provide financial assistance to those in need, ensuring that more women have access to education and career opportunities. This initiative is deeply personal to me, as I am committed to leaving a legacy that empowers future generations.

In addition to my professional work, I’m also an active speaker and writer, contributing to leadership and organizational development dialogues and content. I’m currently working on a chapter to be included in a book that highlights 25 Global Impact Leaders where I share insights from my personal journey, focusing on my work ethic, inclusion initiatives, and the power of resilience. Being able to share these stories and connect with others who are on their own leadership journeys is incredibly rewarding.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue working on initiatives that promote leadership excellence, especially as the world of work continues to evolve. Whether it’s through launching new leadership development programs, driving strategic talent initiatives, or speaking at conferences, my mission is to make a lasting, positive impact on both people and organizations.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that have had the most profound impact on my success are Optimism, Integrity, and Kindness. These values are not only the foundation of how I lead my life, but they are also the principles I work to instill in my children.

First, Optimism has been a driving force in my life. No matter the challenge, I have always believed that there is a solution or a positive outcome waiting to be uncovered. It’s about focusing on what’s possible rather than dwelling on obstacles. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate this mindset. Optimism isn’t about ignoring difficulties; it’s about having the confidence to know that with effort and faith, things will improve. This attitude has helped me persevere through countless tough situations, both personally and professionally.

Secondly, Integrity is a non-negotiable. It’s about being honest with yourself and others, keeping your word, and standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s difficult. In my experience, integrity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of all meaningful relationships—whether in your personal life or at work. For those just starting out, I would advise you to always do what’s right, even when no one is watching. Over time, people will recognize your consistency and character, and that will open doors in ways you might not expect.

Lastly, Kindness has been a guiding value throughout my life. I believe that true success comes from how we treat others. Kindness fosters collaboration, builds strong teams, and creates lasting connections. It’s also a reminder that success doesn’t exist in isolation—we rise by lifting others. For those early in their careers, I encourage you to lead with kindness. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, offering a kind word, or simply listening, these small acts create a “butterfly effect” or ripples that can have a far-reaching impact.

Incorporating these values into your journey will not only help you succeed, but also ensure that you do so in a way that feels authentic and rewarding. These qualities have shaped my path and continue to guide me in both my personal and professional decisions.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The book that has played the most meaningful role in my development is Maya Angelou: Poems. I still remember being 13 years old, saving up my babysitting money to order it through Scholastic Books and waiting for weeks for it to arrive. Her poems spoke to me in a way that no other literature had at that point in my life, and they continue to inspire me today. Two of my favorite poems are “Phenomenal Woman” and “Still I Rise.”

Maya Angelou’s work resonates with me on a deep level because of the way she captures resilience, strength, and the beauty of self-worth, particularly from the perspective of a Black woman. In “Phenomenal Woman,” I found a message of confidence and empowerment, a reminder that we should celebrate our uniqueness and value who we are, regardless of how the world perceives us. This has stayed with me as a guiding force throughout my personal and professional journey—to embrace being myself and encouraging others to do the same.

“Still I Rise” is another poem that holds a special place in my heart. It’s a powerful declaration of resilience and reminds me to be strong in the face of adversity and challenges. It captures the essence of rising above setbacks and hardships, which is something I’ve drawn upon in moments where I needed that extra motivation to keep going, both as a leader and as a mother.

Maya Angelou’s poetry has taught me the importance of self-love, resilience, and most importantly, lifting others as we rise together. Her words continue to inspire me to lead with authenticity, grace, courage and strength, no matter what challenges life brings.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Derrel Ho-Shing Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,