Sheelagh Whittaker

Kumar Murty standing with calculation in the background behind him.

As the first female CEO of a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange Sheelagh, jokes that her defining achievement was becoming a professional breath of fresh air.

She started her career as a federal antitrust investigator, became a management consultant, helped the CBC launch its 24-hour news channel, and then led Cancom and the Canadian operations of EDS.

Whittaker is irrepressibly curious; meet her, and next thing you know, she’ll be asking about your childhood home or which authors you like to read. The rough and tumble of an international business career has made Whittaker more, rather than less, humble about her insight and experience.

She has written several books since retiring from the world of commerce.

Through the Glass Ceiling: Reflections on Feminism from C-Suite

Through the Glass Ceiling: Reflections on Feminism from the C-Suite is a powerful blend of personal memoir, feminist history, and career guidance. Sheelagh Whittaker shares her journey through the corporate world, facing and overcoming challenges while offering witty, funny, and valuable insights into gender equality, workplace dynamics, and personal growth.

“A snappy book on a woman who demonstrated that gender does not matter for success. As aptly put, it takes “drive, brains and a sense of humor.” I have known Sheelagh for over twenty years but this book brings to light a brilliant career of someone who succeeded in breaking down the barriers. A great read to learn how the glass ceiling can be broken.”

– Jack Mintz, President’s Fellow, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary

“Sheelagh Whittaker wittingly and unwittingly has played a significant role in cracking the glass ceiling in Canada with respect to both workplaces and society in general. Her book, essentially a memoir, provides many examples of her insightful contributions in this regard. Through the Glass Ceiling is an interesting, intriguing, and enjoyable read.”

– Ian Nielsen-Jones, Deputy Director of Investigation and Research of the Competition Bureau, President of the Ontario Lottery Corporation, and President of the Entertainment and Recreation Development for Rank Organisation Plc

“I couldn’t put Through the Glass Ceiling down – drawn in by the ‘laugh out loud’ humor and the memories it sparked of my similar ‘it seemed like a good idea at the time’ career path. What a gift Sheelagh has for distilling life and career learning into pithy practical wisdom. I will gift this pocket mentor to every woman (and some men) I know.“

– Anne Fawcett, Executive Recruiter and Community Volunteer

“Irreverent humor and practical advice abound in this no-holds-barred, no-secrets-hidden tale of a boomer breaking the glass ceiling. It’s feminist at its heart – sharing experiences and wisdom gained on life’s journey, with a Greek chorus of generations before and after – empowering us all to achieve our full potential and natural rights.”

– Sheryl Kennedy, Corporate Director, Retired CEO, Former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is Sheelagh’s personal story presented with a good dose of humor, but it is also filled with insights along the way that leave you thinking about the implications for your own journey and for some of the issues that we continue to deal with today.”

– Rhonda Lenton, Ph.D., President and Vice Chancellor, York University

Cover of "Through the Glass Ceiling" features a purple background with pale beige capitalized text. Each word is stacked on top of the next in left alignment and the "H" in "Through" and "The" form a ladder.
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