It’s no accident that people in the business world are sometimes known as “suits” — that’s the typical uniform after all. Ruth Kelly, on the other hand, has no intention of blending in with that crowd.
Kelly stood out from the pack when she launched Alberta Venture magazine in 1997. She has since built Venture Publishing Inc. into a successful independent company. The 53-year-old magazine dynamo and former chair of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce jokes that she really had no choice but to become a publisher and forge her own career path.
“My undergrad degree is in Honours English with specialization in experimental Canadian poetry and [John] Milton,” Kelly explains. “I had to start my own business because I’m essentially unemployable.”
Her passion and dedication to Alberta business have won her several accolades, including the Woman of the Year award in 2008 from the Canadian Women in Communications.
“The more you get to learn about business, the more you realize that creativity is the very crux and crucible of everything we do,” she says. “You can see where the creativity comes in, whether you’re repairing windshields or making magazines or building technologies for the oilsands sector.”
Kelly’s creative flair goes beyond her publications. She is famously unfazed by the idea of wearing short skirts, kimono sleeves or stiletto heels, and she’s very frank about the importance of personal style.
So, you started out as a poet?
I’ve never had any formal business education. When NAIT awarded me an honorary degree in business I was thrilled, because I finally thought I had some credentials to do what I do. When I went to university, I had the feeble hope that I would become Canada’s best and brightest poet and/or playwright, and it was quickly revealed to me that I did not have the talent or the capacity to do that. I still love reading any kind of poetry, literature or fiction. I am a voracious reader.
Do you feel you’ve left some of your creativity behind in entering the business world?
Qualitatively, I don’t believe it’s better to do one kind of writing over another kind of writing. I think that if you are functioning at your best self, that in itself should be fulfilling. This is my best self: I would have been a mediocre poet, but I’m actually quite a good publisher.
Do you have any personal icons or heroes?
It’s funny, I have to say I don’t cotton to the idea of heroes. If you’re looking outwards, then you’re not considering who you are internally. I like to think that we should each be our own hero and celebrate our own strengths.
However, from a fashion point of view, there are some people locally that I truly admire. Elexis Schloss has got more panache than any woman I know. She is one of the founders of [Sorrentino’s] Compassion House and is very community-minded. I admire many things about her, the least of which is her wardrobe. And her shoes. And her jewellery.
I think Heather Klimchuk, the minister of Service Alberta, is really brave. It’s hard for women in politics to continue to be distinct, and Heather has done that. She has not let anybody take those beautiful, vibrant outfits away from her. Lynn Mandel also has great flair, and she can dress anything up. I’ve seen her look fabulous in just a black sweater and pants because she carries herself so well.
How does your style reflect your personality?
It is somewhat eclectic and hopefully not too darn serious. Overall, I think it’s a little bit edgy, and that’s OK for me. I work in a media company, so I’m allowed to be fairly bold in my choices. Frequently, I’ve had hair that’s been dyed very bold shades of red, and my clothing is not meant to fade into the background. If you think about the business world and all the business activities I’m involved in, I walk into any room and it’s usually about 90 men and 10 women, so it’s important for me to establish myself as my own person.
Post new comment