Women in Leadership Spotlight | Claire Alford
The GEL Group at Teranet is excited to launch a new Women in Leadership series, spotlighting the inspiring achievements and perspectives of leaders across our organization. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive and empowering workplace for everyone.
Highlighting the voices of women in leadership not only celebrates their contributions but also helps us learn from their experiences and broaden our understanding of leadership.
In this edition we are thrilled to highlight our very own Claire Alford, General Manager, Teranet Manitoba.
Leadership Journey
Can you share your journey to becoming General Manager at Teranet Manitoba? What inspired you to choose this career, and how has your path evolved over time?
I started my career at MTS and due to the size of the organization was able to learn and grow in multiple roles and multiple functional areas. I have extensive experience in Marketing, Sales, and Operations in a competitive environment. I chose to leave Bell MTS to broaden my experience in another industry. Due to the breadth of my experience the Operations Director position at Teranet Manitoba was a perfect fit. After a short time in the director position, due to my performance I was awarded the acting General Manager position and subsequently confirmed as the General Manager.
Leadership isn’t exactly something I chose—it’s more a role I naturally fell into. What I enjoy most is to guide, support, and empower others in their pursuits, whether it’s helping them problem-solve, brainstorm ideas, or gain new knowledge. Really caring about the people who work with you and wanting the best for them is the key to leadership.
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what have been some of the most challenging moments you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?
Women face challenges such as bias, unequal opportunities, the pressure to prove themselves, and less compensation than their male counterparts. Overcoming these obstacles for me involved a mix of resilience, mentorship, and finding allies who support inclusivity.
Leadership Style
How would you describe your leadership style? How has it influenced the culture and performance at Teranet?
My leadership style is best described as empowering. I focus on guiding conversations, offering clarity, and helping others make informed decisions. Rather than dictating answers, I encourage exploration, critical thinking, and creativity. I lead with humility, this approach influences the culture by fostering collaboration, engagement, and growth. When people feel supported and encouraged, they tend to approach challenges with more optimism and resilience.
Challenges and Triumphs
What has been your most rewarding accomplishment as a leader, and what were some key factors that led to that success?
One of the most challenging obstacles at Teranet Manitoba specifically is building and maintaining trust. I feel I have earned credibility with the entire team over the 6 years that I have been here, through my behaviour, continued support of the employees and my transparency to the team.
The triumphs I have had throughout my career that are the most rewarding are watching team members succeed, grow and take on new challenges.
Advice to Aspiring Leaders
If you could go back and give advice to your younger self at the start of your career, what would you tell her? Is there anything you wish you had done differently, and how do you think it would have shaped your journey?
Never forget that leadership is about people, not just results. Take time to understand your team—what motivates them, what worries them, and what they need to thrive. Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Growth takes time. Don’t rush to be impressive; aim to be consistent, kind, and real. Most importantly, feedback is a gift – give and receive it well.
