Spotlight-worthy in every sense, three remarkable leaders step into focus as we explore the paths that shaped their influence. MJ DeCoteau, Linda Kuga Pikulin, and Melanie MacKenzie reflect on the unexpected turns that led them to where they are today, how personal style can be a tool for self-expression, and the legacy they hope to leave woven into future generations of female leadership. The result: insight as inspiring as their impact.
Please tell us about your organization.
Rethink Breast Cancer is a Canadian charity with a global following. We are known for making positive change and rethinking the status quo when it comes to breast cancer. Our small but mighty team has built an enormous community, and we offer support, education programs and advocacy to help young people concerned about and diagnosed with breast cancer live better and live longer. We’re all about creating spaces to support, listen, heal and rethink breast cancer together.
What path brought you to where you are now, and what surprised you most along the way?
Losing my mom to breast cancer at a young age, feeling that impulse to “do something” and seeing a gap in the breast cancer space – all inspired me to start Rethink. I’ve been looking back lately on Rethink’s past 24 years (a big anniversary is on the horizon) – all the progress in the breast cancer space, and all we’ve done, and I’m surprised by how organic it’s all been.
But Rethink is a movement.
It started with my personal story of losing my mom at a young age, but we’ve built a community, one that we’ve supported, listened to, and collaborated with to address urgent gaps and make positive change.
How has fashion played a role in your self-expression or confidence over the years?
In my 20s, I watched Fashion Television and Fashion File religiously. I loved the clothes, but I loved the personalities, the characters, the energy and theatricality of it all. I grew up in a rough and tumble household with three older brothers. Maybe that played a role in my gravitation towards more feminine styles – I love a ruffle, a big bow, a statement sleeve and sometimes a little too much sparkle. Not all at once though. Just a nod. A little “rethink” added in. And a well-tailored outfit is my instant confidence booster.
My love of fashion played a big role in launching Rethink! Collaborations with the fashion industry is what put us on the map!
What legacy do you hope your leadership leaves behind and what advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Rethink have been leaders in the breast cancer space as friendly disrupters. When it comes to advocacy, we’re known as changemakers.
I embrace a forward thinking, collective leadership model. Our purpose is what drives me. I love a challenge. I try to be self-aware of my strengths and Rethink strengths and collaborate with others who compliment those but share the same goals and values. That’s helped us have so much impact.
So, I’d remind the next generation of female leaders that strength comes from self-awareness and resilience. Know what you bring, know where you need partners, and don’t let fear of imperfection keep you from taking bold, necessary steps. Mistakes will be made. Keep going!
Please tell us about your organization.
The ROOM organization offers women the opportunity to build networks and we also offer them curriculum that supports their professional development.
What path brought you to where you are now, and what surprised you most along the way?
My career journey actually started as an entry level sales representative when I was recruited by PepsiCo. I had the opportunity to work for PepsiCo for 29 years, and my last assignment was the President of PepsiCo Beverages Canada. When I transitioned from Pepsico, I had the privilege of leading three other companies as the President and am currently the President of the ROOM organization.
I think what surprised me the most along the way was my own personal resiliency. If you think about when I started my career back in the 80’s there were very few women, so the ability to be able to celebrate my triumphs while at the same time navigating through my setbacks was pretty critical during that time period. I would also say that anyone that is building a career in a corporation needs to develop the ability to be resilient.
How has fashion played a role in your self-expression or confidence over the years?
Fashion has been a hallmark of building my personal brand image. When I started my career, I don’t think that I spent very much time thinking about fashion. I spent most of my time focusing on delivering results and taking advantage of career opportunities that would expand my horizons and position me for larger roles in the future. But as I began to move into larger roles, I began to think about fashion.
I knew that I was someone who delivered great results. I knew that I had great work experiences, but I really wanted the opportunity to illuminate who I was as an individual and as an executive. And, when I began to focus on fashion, it really gave me an opportunity to build my own personal authenticity. And, I always, at that point in time, focused on the job that I wanted not the job that I had.
What legacy do you hope your leadership leaves behind and what advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
People are the greatest asset that any company has. And, despite all of the technology that we have used over the years to improve our efficiencies and drive innovation, despite the introduction of AI that will transform businesses, there is no greater asset than people.
So when I think about my own legacy, the relentless focus that I have had on building organizational capability and building talent, that is what I hope that my legacy will be. For the next generation of leaders I would say this. The women of my generation and even generations before me have probably opened the door about this much. The women in the next generation need to kick the door open. They need to go for it. Because this is your time to lead.
What path brought you to where you are now, and what surprised you most along the way?
I am a Sr. Director with Alvarez & Marsal Canada’s Corporate Restructuring practice. My career journey took several twists and turns.
I studied sciences at university paying my way through school by working multiple jobs. One that stands out was at a local marine business that I convinced to hire me as their bookkeeper without any formal experience, later convincing them to train me in the boat brokerage business. By the time I returned to school that fall, I changed my major to business, eventually becoming a CPA.
After several other sharp turns in the path, I became the fifth employee in Alvarez & Marsal’s new Canadian practice, almost twenty years ago. The rest, as they say, is history.
What continues to surprise me is how quickly the best laid plans change and how rewarding that change can be if you remain open to new opportunities and are willing to pivot.
How has fashion played a role in your self-expression or confidence over the years?
Fashion has served as a visual reflection of my evolving personal brand over the years. The right outfit is not about labels or trends, but rather about how you feel when wearing it.
Early in my career, I realized that armed with the right outfit I felt more confident entering a room which otherwise might have been intimidating. I also still remember the first Smythe blazer I purchased for myself – from Andrews in fact. What a sense of pride and accomplishment that gave me!
Today, a beautifully cut blazer, an elegant silk blouse and a structured, monochromatic look have become part of my personal brand. That outfit positions me as a serious professional, setting the stage for me to deliver my message before ever speaking a word. It allows me to enter a room feeling polished and strong while still unapologetically feminine.
What legacy do you hope your leadership leaves behind and what advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
I’d like to be remembered as someone who created her own momentum, brought others along with her, and showed that leadership is not about having all of the answers, but remaining open, resilient, and willing to build a door where none exists.
My advice to the next generation of female leaders is:
First – Don’t wait for permission. If an opportunity isn’t handed to you, create one.
Second – Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I believe in the saying that growth lives just outside of your comfort zone. Say yes to things that stretch you. Take that meeting, raise your hand, and enter the room with your head held high.
Third – Engage with all kinds of people and build genuine relationships wherever you go. Some of the most transformative opportunities will come from the most unexpected connections if you’re willing to open the door when they come knocking.
