Industry leader named first female executive-in-residence at Edwards

Former IBM Vice-President Shelly Lowe (BComm'88), a respected global transformation executive, has been named executive-in-residence at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Edwards School of Business.

With more than three decades of leadership experience, Lowe is returning to her alma mater to inspire and mentor future leaders as the first female to hold this position since its inception in 2013.

"I’m deeply honoured to take on this role," said Lowe. "As the first female executive-in-residence, this is not only a meaningful way to give back but also an opportunity to support and inspire others to achieve success in business."

Lowe’s career at IBM spanned over 30 years. Predominantly anchored in sales leadership roles across software, hardware and services, and spanning a diverse number of industries, she gained broad functional expertise by leading organizations in operations, strategy, and marketing and communications, as the chief marketing officer for IBM Canada. She went on to serve as vice-president of enterprise and commercial business for Canada and the Caribbean. She later became vice-president of global markets for Australia and New Zealand, leading teams in the Asia-Pacific region until her retirement.

"We are thrilled to welcome Shelly Lowe as the first female executive-in-residence at the Edwards School of Business," said Dr. Marjorie Delbaere (PhD), acting dean of Edwards. "Her leadership and experience will be an incredible asset to our students, faculty and the broader business community."

Beyond her corporate success, Lowe is equally committed to community and board service. She currently serves as chair of the Toronto Children’s Chorus and vice-chair of Special Olympics Ontario, in addition to serving on several board committees. In 2024, she earned her Institute of Corporate Directors, Director (ICD.D) designation from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, further enhancing both her governance and leadership credentials.

Building on her extensive career at IBM, Lowe attributes many of her leadership insights to the complex challenges she faced, particularly in solving clients’ problems and building the organizational capabilities to do so. Whether it was transforming an under-performing organization or building bridges between organizations to drive better client outcomes, these experiences helped shape her leadership style, which is rooted in collaboration, strategic thinking, and driving value through meaningful connections.

"I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about the team you manage, when one of your company’s core values is ‘Dedication to your client’s success’," said Lowe. "It’s about seeing the bigger picture and building bridges between people and organizations to solve complex challenges. There are problems that cannot be addressed in isolation, and that is where true impact happens."

Another key element that shaped Lowe’s leadership approach is the role of negotiation in business. Drawing from her extensive background in sales, she learned to navigate challenges not only through strategic insight but by securing the right resources and skills required to succeed.

"Negotiation is not just about closing a deal with a client," said Lowe. "It is about aligning teams, finding the right skills, and building the case for support when resources are limited. You have to be able to advocate for what your team needs to succeed."

As executive-in-residence, Lowe is focused on bridging the gap between the classroom and the business world. By leveraging her skills and experience, she aims to not only support faculty and students but also enhance the broader business community’s connection to academia. As a facilitator in Edwards Executive Education, she looks forward to engaging with various professionals across the business landscape.

"The role of an executive-in-residence is about how we create value—bringing together students, faculty, and the broader business community in a meaningful way," Lowe said. "It’s about preparing students for business leadership and corporate governance, while also fostering collaboration that benefits everyone involved. Through executive education, we’re also reaching leaders already in the field, extending our impact well beyond the classroom."

Lowe emphasizes the importance of building strong foundational skills that can withstand the pace and complexity of today’s business world. She points to problem-solving, negotiation, communication, curiosity, and adaptability as essential qualities for future leaders.

"The ability to solve problems, negotiate effectively, and communicate are vital daily tools," said Lowe. "But it’s curiosity and adaptability that will keep you growing and ahead of the curve in an ever-changing landscape."

Reflecting on her time leading organizations at IBM, Lowe said navigating complex structures often came down to aligning goals between units and finding common ground to solve problems collaboratively. She credits her success to a leadership approach centered on creating value for all stakeholders.

"In business, there is a vast difference between value claiming and value creation," said Lowe. "Value claiming is when you see the pie as fixed and compete for a larger share, often at odds with others. But value creation is about expanding that pie by finding ways to create more opportunities so that everyone’s share grows. I approach every challenge with a mindset of creating more value, because when we all succeed together, we all win."

Lowe advises students to stay ahead by embracing emerging technologies and gaining business experience through co-op programs, both helpful in adapting to the rapidly changing business landscape.

"The business world is investing heavily in technological solutions, from creating AI-driven tools to enhancing customer experiences," said Lowe. "Students should take advantage of opportunities to learn about these technologies and gain real-world experience through co-op programs to stay ahead in the job market."

When it comes to career development, Lowe advises students to be deliberate, ambitious and open to change.

"Firstly, find a company that aligns with your values and passions. To step into leadership, consistently deliver more than what is expected, be clear about your goals, and make sure the right people know the impact you are making," said Lowe. "Focus on creating value, building strategic relationships, and seeking out opportunities to collaborate. Embrace change, take risks and look for ways to grow. The roles of tomorrow may not even exist today, so stay adaptable and never stop learning."

Ultimately, Lowe sees her role as executive-in-residence as an opportunity to create lasting value for students, faculty, and the business community alike, preparing future leaders in business and effective stewards in the boardroom.

"My goal has always been to make a difference, and in this role, it’s about creating value for students, faculty, and the business community," said Lowe. "Success for me is measured by how well I help these groups achieve their goals and prepare for future success."

Shelly Lowe joins Marvin Romanow, former CEO of Nexen, and Scott McCreath, former Senior Investment Advisor at BMO Nesbitt Burns, as an Edwards Executive-in-Residence.

Article originally published at https://edwards.usask.ca