From one generation to the next: An Indigenous business leader and her son create a family tradition at UBC Sauder
UBC Sauder School of Business alum Laurie Sterritt is highly regarded in corporate Canada and Indigenous communities for her business leadership and entrepreneurial talents. The founding CEO and Managing Partner of Pathways Executive Search earned a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree at UBC Sauder and today her son, Derian Lenett, is following in her footsteps. The mother and son reflect on their academic journeys and passion for entrepreneurship.
Laurie Sterritt is a member of the Kispiox Band of the Gitxsan Nation in northwestern B.C. Growing up, her goal was to attend university despite the financial hurdles she faced.
“I knew I wanted to study business; however, having grown up in poverty, I was left to my own devices on how to make it happen,” she recalls. “So I worked two jobs and pieced together a university transfer transcript. An administrator at UBC Sauder gave me a chance and conditionally admitted me. I was the first person in my family to get a degree.”
Driving change and advancing the careers of Indigenous business professionals
While earning her degree, Sterritt also started a family and had three children by the time she graduated. Balancing a busy home life and work life, she gained experience in corporate strategy, business development, operations and community engagement. After several years working for an executive search firm, Sterritt launched her own company, Pathways Executive Search.
“We place Indigenous and diverse business professionals at the most senior levels of boards, companies, governments and non-profit organizations in Canada and internationally,” she explains. “The level of responsibility is quite daunting some days, but my confidence is grounded in the business fundamentals that I gained at UBC Sauder.”
The next generation brings energy and fresh ideas
Like his mom, Derian Lenett is passionate about harnessing business as a force for good. He was attracted to UBC Sauder’s BCom program because of its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. So far, his academic interests include finance, brand creation, real estate and Indigenous economic reconciliation.
“My circumstances are very different from my mom’s,” explains Lenett. “My parents both have business degrees, and they’ve modelled what it takes to be successful. They work very hard and do what they love. I'm striving to do the same.”
Lenett is also embracing the intellectual challenge issued to UBC Sauder students to Think Outside – a school motto defined as practicing unconventional thinking, exploring different perspectives and developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
“I’m learning so much, but one of the most meaningful parts of my program is being immersed in a diverse network of students and staff,” he says. “It’s exciting being part of a tight-knit community that celebrates people from all different backgrounds.”
Addressing reconciliation through Indigenous student participation
Laurie is thrilled her son chose UBC Sauder for his undergraduate studies. As a member of the school’s Faculty Advisory Board, she would like to see more bridges built between the school and Indigenous youth in both urban and remote communities.
“We’ve come a long way – I was one of only two First Nation students in the Commerce program at the time,” she says. “There are so many resources available now, such as scholarships, coaching, Elder supports and student and professional networks. These connections and support systems help facilitate the transition from high school to university and from university into the professional world.”
UBC Sauder is committed to fostering meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities in alignment with UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. These commitments include improving Indigenous access to educational opportunities through initiatives such as the Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education, which will be a prominent feature of UBC Sauder’s new flagship building, currently under construction.
According to Laurie, business and education are critical drivers in advancing truth and reconciliation in Canada.
“It is crucial to acknowledge the role we can all play in empowering Indigenous communities to fully participate in the economy while also restoring Indigenous cultures and influencing society at large with traditional Indigenous teachings,” she says. “In doing so, our whole world will be better off.”
Sharing a passion for designing business solutions to uplift communities
Having watched his mom achieve so many career milestones, Lenett is contemplating his own entrepreneurial journey.
“My mom’s business degree was the first step in preparing her to make a positive impact as a business leader,” he says. “I’m excited to follow a similar path. Wherever my career leads me, I see myself creating opportunities for others to live well and build stronger communities.”
His advice to Indigenous youth considering university is to connect with educators and community members who can help define goals and map out a strategy.
“Success isn’t a straight line,” he says. “Finding the right path for you, showing up and putting in the work every day makes achieving your goals easier and opens up more opportunities.”