AWC Fall / Winter Issue | 2025

6 7 Advancing Women Conference Fall/Winter 2025 | East Denise Faguy Anne Miner is the President and Founder of The Dunvegan Group, Ltd. a company specializing in business retention; she is an Executive Coach and Mentor as well as teaching Leadership in the Business School at Conestoga College. Anne’s presentation was about GRIT - a key factor in leadership, achievement, and long-term success. Anne noted that Leadership journeys are often challenging and uncertain, and grit helps individuals stay focused and committed even when progress feels slow or obstacles appear overwhelming. Anne invited the audience to reflect on an important question: why do they continue to pursue their goals, especially during difficult moments. She shared that Psychologist Angela Duckworth defines grit as passion and perseverance for pursuing long-term goals. It’s long-term commitment, the ability to keep showing up for something that matters long after the initial motivation has faded. Anne reminded attendees at AWC East that leadership is rarely a straight path. Instead, it is shaped by experiences that test patience, resilience, and confidence. She shared that Grit is not one thing, but a combination of things. • G is for a growth mindset, “A growth mindset says I can learn, I can improve, I can figure this out.” • R is for resilience. “Resilience is the capacity to recover and bounce forward after your set back, not going back to who you were before the set back, but growing into who you are becoming.” • I is for Integrity. Integrity is acting from your values consistently and courageously, even when doing so is inconvenient or costly. • T is for Tenacity. Tenacity is that steady, determined follow through, the kind that allows you to stay committed to your long-term goals and finish what you started. Firsthand experiences shared by attendees after her WOMEN WITH GRIT INSPIRE LEADERSHIP GROWTH GRIT: WHAT IS IT? WHY DO WE NEED IT? WHO HAS IT? HOW TO GET IT? presentation during the question and answer session underscored Anne’s message further. One participant shared that she was facing major monetary loss due to flooding, as her farm was surrounded by a river. Despite the hardship, giving up was not an option. She explained that the words shared during Anne’s session were exactly what she needed at that moment. Her story highlighted how grit helps people endure challenges that feel beyond their control and continue working toward their goals. Another attendee shared that Anne’s presentation made her realize that grit is not a short-term concept, but a longterm journey. She noted that while presentations can spark inspiration, ongoing mentorship and community support are also essential for lasting growth. Anne concluded the session by reminding conference attendees that while leadership journeys may be difficult, no one has to walk them alone. Through shared experiences, supportive communities, and a commitment to growth, women can continue building resilience and shaping meaningful futures together. PHOTOS/COVER PHOTOS: Adam Stephenson, Captivate Photo + Cinema, St. Catherines, Ontario Publisher Iris Meck 888-248-4893 x 279 MANAGING EDITOR Denise Faguy 888-248-4893 x 293 DESIGN Tanya Myers ADVERTISING SALES Iris Meck 888-248-4893 x 279 Farms.com Canada Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, it products or services, nor does Farms.com make any claims or guarantees as to the accuracy or validity of advertiser claims. The publisher shall have no liability for the unintentiaonal omission of any scheduled advertising. AWC Spotlite on Women ~ Quality Seed Since 1881 ~ Great Seed Is Just the Start, The Real Difference Is the Team Behind It. www.stokeseeds.com │ T: 1-800-263-7233 │ Follow us on: Success in the field is built on more than seed, it’s built on partnership. Our team works alongside growers with honest guidance, trusted agronomy, and a commitment to being there when it counts most. Nurul/stock.adobe.com

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