Mona Hale
Don’t let her petite frame fool you. Mona Hale never backs down from a challenge. In fact, she’ll tell you a challenge is what drives her the most. Her reputation for defining, implementing and communicating visions and strategies made her an attractive catch for Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC). After an impressive career spanning two decades in the corporate sector and serving on a number of non-profit boards, Mona joined EEDC as CFO and VP of Finance in April 2008.
To say she has shaken things up at EEDC would be an understatement, but her fresh insight was more than welcomed by staff and senior management. “I’ve learned to never accept the status quo,” Mona says from her brightly-lit office in Edmonton’s World Trade Centre. “Having diversity in thought and ideas is always beneficial to an organization.” Whether EEDC is updating internal processes, streamlining corporate governance or planning for future growth, she is likely the person driving it.
Committed to life-long learning, Mona not only encourages her staff to learn from her she also wants to learn from them. “I understand the power of mentorship first-hand and I hope to give that back to others.” This explains her enthusiasm for the Women’s Leadership Foundation (WLF), which she co-founded in 2005. WLF is an organization dedicated to the professional leadership development of women.
“We wanted to create a learning and development experience that was fun, motivating and engaging,” Mona reflects. “The WLF conducted forums which emphasized the importance of critical thinking, but also reminds women to not forget the importance of self reflection and laughter.” It’s about encouraging others to create the life they want in both their career and in the community.
Discovering Mona has an adventurous side to her personality isn’t surprising, but one still can’t help but admire her gusto. “Life is a journey and I try to live it with no regrets,” she says. “I made a promise to myself that I would try something new each year.” Whether it’s a heli-hiking trip with friends, a trip to Africa with a non-profit group or expanding her career experiences, there is no doubt Mona lives her life to the fullest.
Mona hasn’t always taken the safe route in her career. At one point, this accountant led an operational team for a large national organization. “I wasn’t an expert in the various fields of discipline in the group; but applying sound business principles and good communication skills enable success no matter what the role.
“Early in my life, I decided no-one could define my success but me,” Mona says. “I realized the power of authentic leadership and how important it was to always be me.” She encourages this same level of authenticity and openness in her staff, and knows they expect no less from her. “The best leaders are passionate about the environment they create, and that’s something you cannot fake. With hard work and a team that is constructive and self-assured, I know we can accomplish anything.”
These genuine and hard-working qualities are applied not only to Mona’s career and personal life, but to the community as well. She is passionate about corporate social responsibility and supporting the community we live in. She is a member of the Edmonton Capital Region United Way Board and was delighted when EEDC’s United Way committee beat its own records and doubled the amount raised in the organization in 2009.
While her accomplishments to date are impressive, Mona is looking forward to the challenges around the corner. She is excited about Edmonton’s potential and is committed to making EEDC’s vision of Edmonton becoming one of the world’s top mid-sized cities by 2030 a reality. √
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What an inspiring artical about a wonderful person. Mona, I did not know all of this about you. I am impressed and will think about all the things that you say.