Trionne Phillips

Director, Operational Excellence

World Vision Canada

Short biography:

Trionne Phillips is a transformative and customer-focused leader, with a career showcasing 15+ years of exceptional performance guiding teams to navigate landscapes of evolving operating models, increased uncertainty, and changing consumer behavior and preferences. Since 2014, Trionne has served with World Vision Canada and has held a broad range of roles. Currently, Trionne leads the Operational Excellence department which includes Shared Services, Supporter Care, and Strategic Sourcing and Procurement.  Prior to joining World Vision, Trionne held roles in program management and communication with organizations including the Australian Agency for International Development, the Ministry of Finance, Port of Spain,  and consultancies with organizations such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and Caribbean. Trionne is a constant learner and has recently completed the McGill-HÉC Montréal Executive Masters in Business Administration. She also holds a Master of Science in International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of West Indies.  When she is not at World Vision Canada, Trionne enjoys coaching and mentoring young, professional women and volunteering on the National Board of Directors of the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Trionne also enjoys gardening, walking or hiking in nature.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your professional career?

Although I have enjoyed great success in attaining revenue, retention, and service targets as well as in achieving operational efficiencies, my biggest accomplishment has been to consistently and successfully lead teams through ambiguity and change. Often achieving and exceeding targets requires teams to move out of their comfort zone or to stretch themselves beyond their perceived limits. Over the years, I have honed my skills in vision casting, change management, and communication to help teams overcome resistance to change and embrace a culture of resilience.

Why did you choose to do the McGill-HEC Montreal EMBA program?

I chose the McGill-HÉC Montréal EMBA program because I felt it would give me an edge in business through a program focused on managerial mindsets. In addition, the program offered other attractive advantages. For example:

  • The program is well recognized, not only in Canada but around the world.
  • The program is delivered by a first-class faculty.
  • The program not only addresses the fundamental issues that leaders and businesses face in today’s environment, but it also seeks to equip participants with the tools needed to face future challenges.
  • The McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA offers the flexibility to work during the program, which allowed me to immediately put into practice what I learned.

How has the EMBA program impacted you and your career?

The program has achieved its objective of transforming my mindset as a leader. In fact, my biggest takeaway is a deep understanding of myself, my strengths and limitations as a leader, and strategies on how to use these to add value to my organization.

What did you enjoy most about your EMBA experience overall?

The best thing about this experience was developing enduring relationships with executives from varying backgrounds and experiences whom I now call friends. Thanks to the EMBA, I am part of a tribe that is the 2023 cohort: a tribe that I can turn to for advice and counsel and who in turn can depend on me to support them. My professional network has expanded exponentially and the thought leadership that I have been exposed to throughout the program has already started shaping my leadership approach in a positive way.

What advice would you give to someone considering embarking on the EMBA?

Just do it! Take the leap, trust the process … it’s worth it … you’re worth it!