“I went to Concordia for the hard math and learned about innovation, strategy and diversity; how an engaged workforce can change a company. You’re stronger as a team than as an individual.”
Corporate lawyer Valery Zamuner juggled an MBA while having her second child. Equilibrium is key, says Zamuner, who is now senior vice-president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Alimentation Couche Tard, a leader in Canada’s convenience-store industry, with a market cap of C$46 billion, and 15,000 stores worldwide.
Charged with building the company’s legal team while playing a pivotal role in advising management on the legal side of mergers and acquisitions and governance, Zamuner’s motto is: "Find a solution, make it happen."
Proudest moment
“As WSP Global’s former chief lawyer and Stingray’s senior vice-president of mergers, acquisitions and strategic initiatives, I could easily talk about a $4.5-billion acquisition that was good for the company and shareholders. But I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built and the friends I’ve made in my career. That’s my biggest achievement. I can call someone I worked with 15 years ago, and it’s as if we parted yesterday.”
Career challenges
“Juggling spouse, friends, family, and the increasing workflow of a demanding career – as a lawyer it’s not a 9-to-5 job. Being a woman in a man’s world is a challenge. We still need to make space for women in leadership.”
The MBA lessons
“I went to Concordia for the hard math and learned about innovation, strategy and diversity; how an engaged workforce can change a company. You’re stronger as a team than as an individual.”
On the pandemic silver lining
“We’re grateful to store employees who kept going as Couche-Tard, an essential service, remained open. We increased front-line workers’ pay. We cut travel, expanded communication and became closer. It’s been difficult because of the risks, but overall we think we will come out stronger.”
Words of wisdom
“Stay open to opportunities. You have to know yourself and be comfortable with your choices.”
Giving back
“Involved with Mères avec pouvoir, an organization that helps young mothers go back to school, find work, low-cost housing, etc. Help a mother get back on track, and you’re helping her children, the community and society.”