I focus on empowering the women I work with by ensuring they feel seen, supported, and valued at every stage of their journey.
Teresa Macklem, Director of HR & Talent Acquisition, Canada East
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March 8, 2026
Giving to gain: Passing the torch to the women of GLS
In most professional circles, we are taught that to get ahead, we must "take"—take opportunities, take credit, take the lead. But at GLS, we operate differently, we invest in one another. This is the core of this year's International Women’s Day 'Give to Gain' theme: a philosophy that suggests our strength comes from what we share.
In the context of gender equality, giving isn’t a subtraction of resources, but an intentional multiplication. It’s an experienced leader entrusting a junior team member with a project that pushes their boundaries; a manager giving visibility to a quiet win; or a colleague sharing the "unwritten rules" that help a newcomer find their footing.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, we sat down with two leaders—Teresa from Human Resources and Stacey from Marketing—to see exactly how the 'Give to Gain' ripple effect has shaped their careers and the teams they lead today.
A lesson from Teresa: From observation to empowerment
The way we lead is often shaped by the examples we’ve seen in action. For Teresa, a turning point came from working with our former Vice President of Human Resources, a leader who could navigate high-level challenges while maintaining strong professional relationships.
"She demonstrated that HR can challenge respectfully, ask the hard questions, and still build and maintain strong relationships," Teresa explains. "Watching her lead showed me that influence comes from preparation, clarity, and courage."
Today, Teresa uses that same philosophy to support the women on her own team. Her leadership style is built on a combination of strategic clarity and genuine empathy. She prioritizes listening and celebrating contributions to ensure that her team feels confident in taking initiative.
"I focus on empowering the women I work with by ensuring they feel seen, supported, and valued at every stage of their journey," she says. By making it clear that their voices matter, she helps them navigate challenges and step into new opportunities.
A lesson from Stacey: From advocacy to autonomy
While Teresa speaks to the power of mentorship, Stacey reminds us that giving often comes from the gaps we ourselves experienced. Reflecting on her decade-long journey at GLS, Stacey notes that when she started, the landscape for women in leadership looked very different.
"I didn’t have many examples ahead of me," Stacey says. "Early in my career, I had to advocate strongly for the recognition and opportunities I had earned." That experience now fuels her commitment to ensuring a smoother path for those following in her footsteps.
Stacey has turned those early challenges into a culture of visibility and trust. "I empower my team by providing them with ownership over their work and trusting their judgment," Stacey notes. "To me, empowerment isn't just supporting their success today—it’s actively shaping them into the leaders of tomorrow." With trust and autonomy provided, Stacey gains a high-performing, confident team that is ready to lead GLS into the next decade.
The advice: Trust your voice
For Teresa and Stacey, the most immediate way to 'Give to Gain' is by passing on the lessons they’ve learned. Their messages for women entering the industry are remarkably aligned: your perspective is your most valuable asset.
Teresa encourages women to lead with action:
"Seek opportunities to contribute early, ask thoughtful questions, and don’t wait for permission to share ideas—influence is built through action and confidence. Ultimately, combine curiosity, courage, and connection—and you’ll create a career that’s both impactful and fulfilling."
Stacey’s message is rooted in conviction:
"Trust yourself. Your perspective matters more than you think. In a male-dominated industry, a woman’s point of view is not a weakness; it’s an asset. "
She also encourages women to bring their full personality and creativity to their roles—even in industries not traditionally seen as glamorous. “You can stand out, make an impact, and still be yourself."
Trust yourself. Your perspective matters more than you think. In a male-dominated industry, a woman’s point of view is not a weakness; it’s an asset.
Stacey Yunger, Director of Marketing & Communications, North America
This International Women’s Day, Teresa and Stacey’s stories remind us that gender equality isn’t a finish line we cross alone—it’s a commitment to ensuring that success is never a limited resource to be guarded, but a spark to be shared.
This 'Give to Gain' philosophy is how we keep that spark alive:
- By giving mentorship, we gain a culture of shared strength.
- By giving ownership, we gain a pipeline of future-ready leaders.
- By giving our authentic voices, we gain a more innovative business.
Just like using your own flame to light another’s torch, giving to gain doesn't mean having less for yourself. In the journey toward gender equality, it simply makes the room a little brighter.