Confessions of a Leader: What I Wish I Knew

Sandra E. Martin is The Globe and Mail’s Standards Editor, a role that seeks to ensure The Globe’s journalism is of the highest quality and that the organization is accountable to readers.

Trust in media is under constant scrutiny, so the Standards Editor plays an important part in explaining The Globe’s policies and protocols to customers.

Sandra addresses complaints regarding accuracy or bias, as well as any questions arising from The Globe’s use of artificial intelligence, supporting The Globe’s commitment to transparency about how we see the benefits and risks.

Previously, she served as The Globe’s Head of Newsroom Development, as well as Editor-in-Chief of MoneySense. She has also been an instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism.

A former Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Living, Sandra also is a two-time National Magazine Awards finalist, a repeat NMA judge, and a two-time NMA host. She sits on the board of directors of Canada’s National History Society and SABEW Canada.

Sharon Avery is President & CEO of Toronto Foundation, where she has led a shift toward more inclusive, participatory, and equity-focused philanthropy since 2016. Under her leadership, the Foundation has expanded beyond grantmaking to include social finance, primary research, and public-interest advocacy, with a strong focus on building social capital and strengthening civic trust.

Previously, Sharon served as Chief Development Officer at UNICEF Canada and spent nearly a decade at SickKids Foundation, where she helped pioneer new fundraising and partnership models.

A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Radio and Television Arts program, Sharon began her career in communications and youth programming — experience that continues to shape her collaborative leadership style and belief in the power of storytelling, public dialogue, and community connection.

Marci Ien is a former Canadian politician, journalist, and television personality who has built a remarkable legacy in both public service and media. Known for her unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice, Marci became a powerful force in Canadian politics and a role model to communities across the country.

In 2020, Marci made the bold move from broadcasting to politics, running as the Liberal Party candidate in the Toronto Centre by-election. The riding, previously held by former Finance Minister Bill Morneau, elected her to the House of Commons on October 26, 2020. Just a year later, she was appointed Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.

Before entering public life, Marci was one of Canada’s most respected journalists and broadcasters. She began her career at CHCH-TV in Hamilton before joining CTV News in 1997. As co-anchor of Canada AM, she helped wake up the nation each morning with warmth, insight, and thoughtful reporting. Later, as a co-host on The Social, she brought heart and clarity to conversations about culture, current events, and everyday life. Over the years, she interviewed world leaders, entertainment icons, best-selling authors and top athletes, bringing their stories to life with curiosity and compassion.

Her excellence in media and advocacy earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Harry Jerome Award from the Black Business and Professional Association and an Honorary Degree from Humber College, recognizing her impact as a trailblazer and change-maker.

Ru Taggar, RN, BSc.N, MSc.N, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing and Health Professions Executive at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. She provides executive oversight for professional practice nursing teams and other regulated health professions across the hospital. Additionally, she oversees a number of clinical programs including the Integrated Surgical Program (ISP), the Hurvitz Brain Sciences program, Tory Trauma program, DAN Women and Babies program and the Holland Bone and Joint program. In addition to her extensive leadership roles, Ms. Taggar serves on the Board of Directors at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, guiding strategic initiatives and advancing healthcare excellence within the organization.

Christina Kramer leads the Chief Administrative Office (CAO), which plays a key role in bringing CIBC’s purpose to life for stakeholders, and partnering closely across the bank’s connected team to accelerate and enable the execution of its client-focused strategy. Her areas of accountability include Enterprise Capabilities and Organizational Agility, Infrastructure Modernization, Enterprise Real Estate, Communications, Brand, Community Investment, Client Experience, Corporate Governance, Client Complaints, Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), as well as CAO teams across the enterprise.

Since joining CIBC in 1987, Christina has held progressively more senior executive roles within CIBC’s retail and business banking, technology, operations, and human resources groups. Most recently, she was Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, Technology, Infrastructure and Innovation, championing the bank’s use of data and adoption of AI. Prior to that, she was Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, Personal and Business Banking.

As she steps into her new role, Christina will also assume responsibilities as co- chair of the CIBC Foundation. Christina was a director on the board of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation for nine years, and was also formerly an Executive Sponsor of CIBC’s Run for the Cure, leading Team CIBC to raise $30 million during that time. She is also the recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, and was inducted into the WXN “Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada” Hall of Fame.

She is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University.

Christina Basil was appointed Vice President, Communications & Government Relations in January 2024. Ms. Basil joined 407 ETR in April 2019 as Manager, Communications and was promoted to Director, Communications & Government Relations in September 2021. Ms. Basil has over 15 years of experience in corporate communications and oversees public affairs and strategic communications for 407 ETR, including government and stakeholder relations, advertising and sponsorships, issues management and internal and external communications.  

Prior to joining 407 ETR, Ms. Basil held various roles at Toronto Hydro where she produced award-winning projects to advance customer and stakeholder awareness of strategic initiatives. During her time as primary spokesperson for the utility, she delivered numerous interviews for top tier media outlets. 

Ms. Basil holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), a post-graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications from Seneca College, and a Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from the University of Toronto’s University of St. Michael’s College. She is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).