On November 4, The Globe and Mail welcomed Dentons Canada CEO, Beth Wilson, as a panelist for its Business Transformation: Tactics for Growth in a Shifting Economy event. Along with Jaqui Parchment of Mercer Canada Ltd., Ray Reddy of Ritual Technologies Inc. and Tim Faveri of Maple Leaf Foods Inc., the panel explored and discussed their experience surrounding four transformation priorities: racial inclusion and diversity, sustainability, digital strategy and social purpose.

Here are Beth’s key takeaways from this engaging discussion:

• Purpose and impact are extremely important in a crisis. Providing people the opportunity to give back in the midst of a crisis can provide hope and inspiration while alleviating the sense of helplessness that many may be feeling.
• There is a stronger calling for businesses in the corporate sector to engage impact as a core part of their business strategy. Future employees are paying close attention to whether community leadership or social purpose and impact are being embedded into the business strategy in meaningful ways.
• It is important to implement multi-sector solutions in tackling social issues. Only when government, not-for-profit, academia and corporate Canada come together can we truly drive fundamental and lasting change.
• Take the time to consider the essence of your business and move beyond philanthropy. Identify what your business adds to society, and tie any community engagement efforts back to your purpose and your core business—and then provide the opportunity and permission for your people to engage.
• Use today’s climate as an opportunity to accelerate your business strategy. As we shift to new ways of working, business leaders can harness their people’s openness to change in order to incorporate new behaviours and new technologies – perhaps well in advance of what you originally thought possible.

You can read more about the event and watch the panel discussion on The Globe and Mail’s website.

About Dentons

Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.com