Women's History Month Spotlight: Caird Urquhart

Name and occupation:

Caird Urquhart, President of Newroad Coaching, Life Coach and Author

What do you love most about being a woman?

I love that I have the freedom to wear whatever I want; one day pants, the next day a dress. In the same vein I like the fact that I can battle it out in the boardroom and still have my chair pulled out for me.

Have you had to deal with much sexism in your industry?

In my industry being a woman can actually work in my favor. Many of my clients are men. The world they walk in is full of locker room bravado. It is hard for them to be honest with their male counterparts about their fears and anxieties. Having a female coach in their back pocket gives them an outlet to express themselves without feeling judged. I can also give them a female’s perspective when needed.

Do you belong to any organizations catered to women business owners?

Canadian Association of Women Entrepreneurs and Executives

http://www.cawee.net

Company of Women

http://www.companyofwomen.ca

Women in Film and Television

http://wift.com/

Who or what inspires you most?

I am inspired the most by my 10 nieces and nephews. They keep me current and remind me of all the fun parts of life. They also have a way of getting me to do things I might otherwise be afraid to do.

I must add that I am also inspired by nature. The simplest gestures like a bird’s morning song or the annual blooming of a flower never cease to amaze me. Witnessing nature’s perfection makes me want to be a better human being.

Something about you that would surprise us:

By choice, I have never been married and I don’t have any children.

Advice for women entrepreneurs:

Don’t forget that men were built to provide and problem solve. It’s in their DNA. So let them. I believe to be successful in business as women we need to have some good men on our team or at least advocating for us. Sometimes I feel that women believe that winning in business means beating the men. Not true. To win in business means surrounding yourself with the best people, male and female who can help you achieve your goal.

Website and social media links: