Charlene Gavel has been SaskTel’s President and CEO since August 2023, after working as the CFO for nearly 9 years prior. We had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Charlene having honest and open conversations around her experiences as a working woman and the importance of uplifting other women and celebrating their accomplishments.

Have you faced any challenges in your career due to being a woman?

“I’ve faced challenges in being a woman and living in a “guys world,” although I’m very comfortable with it now. It’s hard to get that confidence as a young woman and as a young leader when you're sometimes the only woman at the table trying to be heard and ensuring that opinions are taken seriously.”

Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day and what does it mean to you?

“I think it’s really important to celebrate International Women’s Day just to recognize all the accomplishments of so many amazing women. This isn’t about me by any means, I’m really lucky to be having this opportunity and to be doing this but there’s so many amazing women in this province and in this city that need to be recognized. I am so proud of all the women in leadership positions and doing great things at SaskTel. I think having a day to really stop and think about that and recognize all those accomplishments is really important.”

How can we encourage more women to pursue leadership roles in their career?

“It’s really important to provide encouragement, mentorship and guidance, and to be a sounding board, to talk about the challenges and how to overcome them. It’s really important to provide young women with the confidence to use their voice at the table, to talk about their opinions, to make it known what they aspire to and really provide that support and guidance along the way.”

What is the most important message you want to send out to the young women of today?

“You got this, you can do it! Have the confidence and believe in yourself and make your goals and aspirations known and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

What has been the most difficult thing about balancing your career and your personal life?

“It’s hard work being a mom and having a career. The things that I missed along the way really were heartbreaking at times because I would have an important work event that I had to be at or a deadline, but I tried to balance it as best I could. The advice that I would give young women is to give yourself a little bit of a break as you're balancing your family and career. I certainly didn’t get it perfect, but I think everything’s turned out okay.”

Who are the significant women in your life?

“I’m so fortunate, I’m surrounded by so many amazing women. My mother has been unbelievably supportive and so helpful in terms of how I’ve been able to navigate this and helping me take care of my family and always being there for me. I’ve got amazing circles of friends both professionally and personally that have encouraged me and helped me in so many ways that I can’t even begin to say how thankful I am. Whether it’s a shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic ear, professional advice, or helping me get my kids where they need to along the way. That support is so important and I’ve been so lucky to have so much of it.”

What makes you proud to be a woman?

“I’m proud to be a woman because I think we have come so far. I’m proud to be a woman because of how we care about each other and support each other and the different perspectives that we bring that are so important. I think women mentors and women friendships are really key and I’m proud that I’m part of that and I’m proud that I’m able to offer that for others.”

If you had one piece of advice for your younger self, what would it be?

“It’s gonna be okay. It’s hard work but it’s gonna be okay.”