Meet Jo-Anne Poirier, the President and CEO of Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) Canada. With over 40 years of experience in the for profit, charitable and not-for-profit sectors, Jo-Anne is a true leader in her field.
Jo-Anne loves leading teams and making a real difference in people's lives. Since 2014, she's been at the helm of VON Canada, which provides vital home and community support services to over 10,000 people every day across Ontario and Nova Scotia. She leads a team of approximately 10,000 employees and volunteers who are all working together to improve care and enable people to remain healthy in their own homes and communities, where they want to be.
Known for her ability to drive change and growth across different sectors, Jo-Anne works closely with other leaders to make positive changes in healthcare and social systems. She is also actively involved in her community and serves on several boards.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
I come from a family of five children. At 13, I decided I no longer wanted to wear my sister’s hand-me-down clothes, so I asked my parents for permission to get a job after school. With their permission, I went to work for a chiropractor after school - my first exposure to working with a professional who helps people in pain. I learned to do whatever needed to be done: developing x-rays, setting up rooms, and preparing clients for their appointments. It was during this time that I developed the belief that showing up "on time" for work meant showing up early.
If you think back on leaders who inspired you in your career or leadership style, who were they and why were they inspiring?
My father, who was always kind and gentle, had a wonderful way of inspiring people. He worked in education in executive positions. He truly cared about people and built strong relationships. Early in my career, I worked in the environmental services department of a municipal government. Although I wasn’t an engineer, I was the first and only woman at the management table. My boss and mentor, Bob Pickard, inspired me with his ability to build meaningful relationships. He was a true leader - understating his own successes while highlighting those of his team. He simply brought out the best in people around him. His humility and strong leadership abilities taught me a great deal.
What motivates you every day?
Working alongside smart and caring people. Ride-alongs with volunteers and staff have allowed me to see first-hand the impact and difference our team makes in the lives of our clients through our programs and services. With over 6,000 staff members, including nurses, personal support workers, Meals on Wheels volunteers, Adult Day Program facilitators, and those running exercise programs for seniors, our team touches and improves the lives of many people every day. We can’t forget the critical back office staff who support front line workers in every they do. I’m inspired every day by the caring devotion our staff demonstrate towards their clients and each other.
What do you want to change in the world and why?
I want people to live at home for as long as possible, giving seniors greater autonomy and dignity. We also advocate for our clients at the policy level with government promoting the best possible quality of life for seniors by supporting the option to live at home - versus an institutional setting.
I want people to live at home for as long as possible, giving seniors greater autonomy and dignity.
What is the purpose and vision of VON Canada? And how has being clear about your purpose and vision benefited you and your company?
Live life to the fullest. At VON, we take a people-centered healthcare approach, focusing on both our clients and our team members, including volunteers. Regardless of their personal circumstances, we want to support and enable people to live their lives to the fullest.
We want to support and enable people to live their lives to the fullest.
What one piece of advice would you give other CEOs and leaders regarding leading with purpose?
Be true to yourself - be authentic. Whatever your industry sector, you have signed up because you’re passionate about the purpose. CEOs are "on" 24/7, so the work needs to feel rewarding, not draining. This authenticity will attract others to you and to the organization.
What one question would you like to ask other purpose-led CEOs?
Why do you do what you do?
You chose that role or job for a specific reason - what motivated you to take it on? The answer to this question is not only fundamental it is inspiring us all to continue doing what we do.
One question from the CEO we interviewed before you, Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat for Humanity GTA.
What are you learning about attracting and retaining great people if you can't pay private-sector rates - especially in a city like Toronto? And how do office, hybrid, and virtual work environments factor into your ability to hire and retain people?
In Ontario, there is a wage disparity between community-based nursing and acute care nursing, so we need to make the role attractive despite the pay gap. We provide a work environment where team members can learn and grow. Those who join VON are passionate about community-based care. Our team members develop special relationships with the people they serve in clients' homes. Learning, development, support, and a sense of belonging are key—it's important that our members know they are not alone, but part of a team.
Learning, development, support, and a sense of belonging are key
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