Caroline Codsi, Founder & Chief Equity Officer- TBCY

Caroline Codsi, Founder & Chief Equity Officer, Women in Governance

Growing up in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War
Moving internationally eight times before adulthood

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Overview

In this inspiring episode of TBCY’s Leaders Who Care series, Caroline Codsi, Founder & Chief Equity Officer of Women in Governance, shares her powerful journey from war-torn Lebanon to becoming a leading advocate for gender equity and corporate inclusion in Canada. Her personal resilience, experiences as an immigrant and single mother, and global advocacy for women’s leadership offer valuable lessons for both personal and systemic transformation.

01:46: Who Is Caroline Codsi?

Growing up in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War
Moving internationally eight times before adulthood
Leaving Lebanon at 17 to pursue her education independently in Paris
Learning resilience, independence, and self-belief from her family
Embracing challenges that shaped her character and leadership style

05:28: How Did Caroline Break into the Corporate World in Canada?

Navigating Canada’s corporate world as an immigrant
Rising to become Executive Vice President at a leading medical company
Founding Women in Governance to address gender inequality in leadership
Recognizing that Western societies continue to face systemic workplace inequities

09:39: What Is Women in Governance, and Why Was It Founded?

Responding to alarming statistics: only 12% of board seats were held by women in 2010
Developing programs for mentoring, training, and leadership development
Recognizing that systemic barriers are rooted not in women’s capabilities but in workplace cultures and policies
Launching the Parity Certification, modeled on rigorous audit standards such as ISO

12:25: What Is the Parity Certification, and How Does It Work?

Developed in partnership with McKinsey & Company
More than 150 major organizations certified across various sectors
Conducting a detailed self-assessment covering more than 80 questions on hiring, retention, promotions, and pay equity
Measuring progress through year-over-year benchmarking and continuous improvement
Recognizing participating organizations at public gala events

17:20: How Does the Current Social and Political Climate Affect DEI in Canada and the US?

Observing the backlash against DEI in the US, with some organizations retreating from previous commitments
Examining the role of values and patriotism in Canada
Recognizing that women influence approximately 80% of consumer purchasing decisions
Emphasizing the importance of businesses maintaining genuine commitments to equity and inclusion

21:00: Why Does Diversity Matter for Business Success?

Bringing essential and complementary perspectives into decision-making
Guarding against groupthink and encouraging innovative solutions
Improving decision-making and positively influencing financial performance
Recognizing diversity beyond gender and ethnicity to include age, background, experience, and skills

25:35: What Has Caroline Learned from Speaking Around the World?

Speaking in countries including Dubai, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Japan, France, and Iceland
Observing significant cultural differences in approaches to gender equality, from Iceland’s leadership to Japan’s continuing challenges
Exchanging advocacy, ideas, and lessons with audiences around the world
Emphasizing the value of experiencing and understanding diverse cultures and practices

29:09: Can Single Mothers Thrive Professionally and Raise Successful Children?

Caroline’s experience as a single mother and business leader
Involving her children in charitable work to foster empathy and responsibility
Challenging the myth that children of working mothers are disadvantaged
Encouraging single mothers to pursue both professional success and meaningful parenting while instilling strong values

RESOURCES

Learn more about Caroline Codsi: LinkedIn

ENJOYED THIS PODCAST?

Caroline Codsi helped build a Parity Certification—a gender-equity standard developed in collaboration with McKinsey & Company. More than 150 major organizations have used the certification to measure progress, identify gaps, and drive meaningful workplace change.

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Profile

Caroline Codsi is the Founder and Chief Equity Officer of Women in Governance, dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and workplace inclusion.
Her journey from war-torn Lebanon to building a successful life and career in Canada reflects extraordinary resilience, courage, and determination.
Drawing on her experiences as an immigrant and single mother, Caroline advocates for removing systemic barriers and creating more equitable opportunities for women in leadership.