In this episode, Bart sits down with Janet Drysdale, Interim Chief Commercial Officer at CN, to explore her career journey through progressively senior roles and how communication has been the key differentiator at every level. Janet reflects on the different skills required at each step of a career, and how even today, in a new senior role, it’s critical that she continues to hone her ability to influence, listen, and inspire.

She shares how the demands of communication shift as your career grows. Early in your career, you need the courage to share your opinion, as you advance, you need to learn to say “no” quickly and decisively. At more senior levels, it becomes essential to translate complexity into clarity, become an exceptional listener, and empower others to speak up and share their voice.

Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this conversation weaves together Janet's insights and experiences to reveal the communication skills that matter most and how they can fuel your success.

Show Notes:

00:12 Show intro

00:47 Introducing Janet

02:14 Why communication has been important for Janet's career

03:11 Communication is the single most important skill

03:54 Communication in the early years of Janet's career

05:01 Early career very FACT-focused

05:23 But what do you think about the facts

06:39 Was there a moment when she had to step up and lead

06:49 Nobody could argue with facts but suggesting solutions was scary

07:57 The beginning of real conversation is when you put yourself out there and get feedback

08:51 Investor relations role

10:59 Communication helps build relationships

12:54 Influencing the C-suite level

13:03 The way you communicate matters

13:48 Tailoring communication to the room

14:41 Bart recalls a time when they worked together

16:51 Sometimes you need the facts not the story from people

19:31 Understanding the why and how they're telling the story

20:16 Helping others find their communication styles

21:22 Bart asks her for a story of helping a team member

22:44 People in the room who want to talk but are too shy

23:56 Reinforce the behavior

24:18 The importance of listening

26:42 The finance team also needs to learn to communicate

27:33 It doesn't matter what your role is communication is key

27:56 The downside of a "maybe"

28:24 If you're going to have to say "no" don't string it out with "maybe"

29:48 Communication is also to build trust and respect

30:24 What skills is Janet still working on

31:27 Thank Yous

31:58 Show outro