“For the First Time as a Leader, I Wasn’t Alone”
By Whitney Shaw
When I joined TEC Canada, I wasn’t just seeking executive coaching, networking, or guidance—I needed a lifeline. On the surface, I was a young executive at a public company with big responsibilities, but beneath the success, I wrestled with doubts: Do I belong here? Am I enough? My leadership journey wasn’t traditional—no business school credentials, no straight climb up the ladder—and I carried that weight into every decision.
It was a vendor, a TEC Canada member themselves, who saw through my doubts and said, “You need to check this out.” At first, I didn’t think it was for me. But walking into my first TEC meeting, something shifted.
I remember feeling like I had to prove I deserved to be there. Yet, within minutes, I realized I wasn’t an outsider. For the first time, I wasn’t alone in my struggles. The room was filled with people who had felt the same isolation, the same imposter syndrome. Instead of judgment, I found understanding. Instead of competition, I found collaboration.
For the First Time as a Leader, I Wasn’t Alone.
Being part of TEC didn’t just help me lead better; it helped me redefine what leadership meant. These weren’t surface-level conversations. They were raw, honest discussions with people who had weathered the same storms. They helped me see my blind spots, strengthen my skills, and confidently embrace my role.
I’ll never forget the moment I realized: I have to pay this forward. That’s why I became a TEC Chair: to help other leaders in Edmonton find what I found.
Empowering Edmonton’s Business Leaders: Who I Work With
Running a business is hard. Let’s be real—it can feel suffocating.
If your company makes $500,000 to $5 million in revenue, you know the feeling: you’re the strategist, the operator, the recruiter, and the problem-solver. You’re doing it all, and yet you’re wondering if it’s enough. That’s where my TEC Small Business Group comes in.
The leaders I work with aren’t afraid to admit they don’t have all the answers. They’re curious, growth-oriented, and ready to step out of the isolation to see what’s possible.
What Edmonton Business Leaders Experience in TEC Groups
Your first TEC meeting will probably feel like a leap of faith. You’ll walk into a room full of seasoned leaders and think, what am I doing here?
I’ve been there. Here’s what happens next: you’ll realize you’re surrounded by people who genuinely care about your success. You’ll see how quickly those nerves disappear once the conversations start.
Time and again, I’ve witnessed that pivotal moment when a new member sees the group rally around their challenge. It’s powerful. One person’s vulnerability unlocks trust for everyone else.
In our meetings, we don’t just talk about business; we dive into what’s holding you back as a leader and create actionable steps forward. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs aren’t about revenue—they’re about rediscovering your confidence.
Our meetings are a mix of casual camaraderie and serious problem-solving. We share challenges that others wouldn’t understand—but here, they do. The group is intentionally diverse, with members from industries like marketing, industrial services, and HR, and you get perspectives that challenge your thinking in the best way. That’s where the breakthroughs happen.
Why TEC Isn’t Just Another Networking Group
Networking groups are about shaking hands and swapping business cards. TEC is about rolling up your sleeves and doing the work. It’s about real transformation—not just for your business, but for you as a leader.
One member of my group landed a contract that fundamentally transformed their business. Another found the strength to navigate a personal crisis, leaning on the group when they felt most alone. Then there’s the member who said, “I finally feel like someone understands what it’s like to be me.”
These aren’t just stories—they’re the reality of what happens when leaders come together in a space where they can be vulnerable, supported, and challenged.
More Than Executive Coaching in Edmonton: Why TEC Is the Best of Both Worlds
Coaching is powerful. I’m an executive coach myself, and I’ll be the first to tell you it’s an incredible tool. However, TEC Canada offers something more.
It combines the personalized insights of one-to-one coaching with the collective wisdom of a confidential peer group. It’s one thing to a deep dive into an issue with a coach; it’s another to workshop an idea with a room full of leaders who’ve been where you are and can offer perspectives you’d never consider alone. That combination is where real confidence is built.
Let’s Transform Leadership in Edmonton Together
You don’t have to shoulder the burden alone if you’re a business owner in Edmonton. Imposter syndrome and isolation don’t have to hold you back. TEC isn’t just a network—it’s a lifeline. It’s a community of leaders who truly understand your challenges, offering meaningful connections and opportunities that can transform both your business and your life.
If this resonates with you—if you’re ready to step off the island and into a room of peers who genuinely get it—let’s connect. Reach out today, and let’s begin transforming your leadership journey.
I look forward to meeting you soon and seeing you experience the impact for yourself.
About the Author
My journey in the corporate world has been both challenging and fulfilling. Overcoming setbacks early in my career, I rose to lead large-scale transformations, mergers, and multi-million-dollar transactions. I first encountered TEC when I became a Vice President of a publicly traded company at 27. With the guidance of my loyal TEC Chair and cohort, I navigated the challenges of that role by leaning into my strengths and values.
Today, as an accomplished business leader, I care deeply about supporting others in achieving their goals, which led me to become a Certified Executive Coach (CEC) and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). I bring 15+ years of experience driving growth and innovation, building high-performance teams, and creating environments where people can develop and thrive.
Beyond my professional career, I am an active community member, serving on the board of directors of several organizations in both the private and non-profit space.
As a TEC Canada Chair, I bring my expertise and insights to help CEOs and business leaders navigate the challenges of running and growing their businesses. My coaching and mentoring style is a key driver of success for my members.
On a personal note, my husband and I are avid travellers who love seeking out live music and great food. We also have a soft spot for rescue dogs—most recently, we adopted Sven, a resilient one-kidney wonder, through Alberta Homeward Hound. Each year, I immerse myself in local events like the Edmonton Folk Fest and Edmonton Fringe Fest.
