What does it take to become the first? With Concordia University Chancellor Dr. Gina Cody
What does it take to become the first?
In this bonus live episode of The Brand is Female, Eva Hartling sits down with Dr. Gina Cody, engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, Chancellor of Concordia University, and the first woman in Canada to earn a PhD in Building Engineering.
Recorded live at the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, this conversation traces Dr. Cody's remarkable journey from arriving in Canada from Iran with just $2,000 to building one of the country's leading engineering firms and becoming one of Canada's most influential champions for women in STEM.
But this episode is about much more than career milestones. Dr. Cody reflects on the mentors who changed her life, why kindness is one of the most powerful leadership skills, how she overcame fear and self-doubt, and why being "the only woman in the room" became an advantage rather than a limitation.
She also shares her philosophy on leadership, lifelong learning, balancing ambition with family, and the importance of giving back once you've achieved success.
Whether you're an engineer, entrepreneur, student, or leader, this conversation offers timeless lessons on courage, resilience, generosity, and building a career with purpose.
In this episode, you'll learn:
-Why courage isn't the absence of fear—it's acting despite it.
-How to turn obstacles into opportunities.
-The leadership power of listening, humility, and kindness.
-Why women belong at the forefront of engineering and innovation.
-How Dr. Cody defines success after a lifetime of achievement.
Today’s episode is part of a mini-series highlighting the journeys of inspiring women in engineering, presented by Gestion FÉRIQUE and Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE. Visit ferique.com for more!
Follow The Brand is Female on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale