Alumni Excellence – Spotlight on: Penny Wise, MBA ’91 VP – Global Public Policy & Communications, 3M Former President (Managing Director), 3M Canada
During a recent visit to the Schulich School of Business, graduate Penny Wise (MBA ’91) took the opportunity to reconnect with our Alumni Network, enjoy a lunch with Dean Zwick, and meet with members of our Marketing and Communications team. In these conversations, she shared not only the lessons she has learned during her career journey but also her genuine passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders, offering valuable advice on leadership and business strategy. As Vice President of Global Public Policy & Communications at 3M and former President (Managing Director) of 3M Canada, Penny has played a key role in shaping the company’s impact both in Canada and globally. Yet, it’s her openness, care, and unwavering commitment to supporting others that truly set her apart. Recently named the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Leader of the Year, Penny’s down-to-earth approach and dedication to lifting others up make her an inspiring role model for aspiring business professionals.
A Path of Professional Evolution and Change
“When I joined 3M in 2000, I never imagined my path would unfold this way,” she says with a smile. Penny started in the Consumer Business Group as the marketing lead for the Filtrete™ and Command™ product lines. With a background in hardware, having worked with brands like Home Depot and Lowe’s, it was a natural fit for her.
Over the years, Penny’s role at 3M evolved in ways she hadn’t anticipated—spanning marketing, sales, and brand leadership. Her journey took a pivotal turn when she joined 3M’s Six Sigma Black Belt program. “It was daunting at first, but looking back, those two years were invaluable,” she reflects. “I gained so much insight into the breadth of our business, met incredible people, and saw firsthand how 3M’s entrepreneurial spirit drives innovation.”
After that experience, Penny took on a corporate marketing role, where she influenced high-profile projects, including 3M’s sponsorship of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. “It was a dream project for any marketer,” she says, recalling attending the opening ceremonies and watching a Canadian win gold.
Later in 2010, she relocated to the global head office in St. Paul, Minnesota, and took on a global role in 3M’s International Marketing Group, where she helped shape strategies and build global marketing teams.
In 2014, Penny took on one of her proudest achievements—leading the brand refresh as 3M’s Chief Branding Officer. “We introduced the tagline “3M Science. Applied to Life. ™” to capture how our work makes a real difference in people’s lives,” she explains. The impact of that message is still felt today.
By 2020, she was back in Canada as President (Managing Director) of 3M Canada, helping guide the company through the challenges of the pandemic. Today, as Vice President of Global Public Policy & Communications, Penny’s focus is on government relations, sustainability, and branding—new spaces that continue to ignite her passion for 3M’s broader impact.
Reflecting on her career, Penny sees it as a series of unexpected but rewarding turns.
“I thought my career would be linear, but 3M has shown me that growth often comes from embracing change and stepping into new challenges.”
“That’s the advice I give my mentees now: stay open to change and trust the process. It’s made all the difference for me.”
The Power of Building High-Performing Teams
“One of the most important lessons I’ve taken from my experience at 3M is how essential it is to build a high-performing team and surround yourself with experts.” She continues, “It’s about bringing in people who are the best in their areas, setting clear goals, and then removing obstacles for them. My role is to create the environment where they can thrive, even if that means having the tough conversations when necessary. The results are always better when we empower the right people with the right resources.”
Lead with Authenticity
When asked about authentic leadership and its impact on building high-performing teams, Penny shared her reflections on why this approach has become so essential, particularly since the pandemic.
“The pandemic,” Penny explained, “gave everyone the chance to embrace authentic leadership, something that had often been undervalued in the past.” As an empathetic leader, Penny values diverse perspectives and actively listens to her team, even if not all feedback is acted upon. “Understanding diverse viewpoints helps address the broader needs of the organization and gets you to a better, stronger outcome,” she explains.
“Authentic leadership is about more than just listening—it’s about showing genuine care for team members, regularly checking in, and not being afraid to show emotion when it matters. Before the pandemic,” she observed, “leaders were expected to be tough, almost unemotional. But during that time, people appreciated honesty and vulnerability—admitting when you don’t have all the answers builds trust.”
For Penny, being an authentic leader also means having the courage to make the right choices, even when faced with opposition. “At the end of the day,” she said, “you need to be able to sleep at night, knowing you did the right thing.” Authenticity, she noted, is also far more sustainable:
“Pretending to be someone else is exhausting. Staying true to yourself is not only easier, but it’s the foundation of long-lasting leadership.”
Embracing Challenges: Overcoming Doubt & Discovering Potential
Penny also reflected on her educational journey as a series of surprising turns, with moments that reshaped how she saw herself and her goals. “It started in grade four,” she says, recalling when a teacher convinced her she was “terrible at math,” leading to years of dread and self-doubt about the subject. “I carried that feeling for a long time,” Penny admits, convinced that math just wasn’t for her.
When she entered university at Glendon College, Penny initially planned to major in history and minor in French. But fate had other plans when a calculus class was the only course that fit into her schedule. Despite her long-held math anxieties, she decided to give it a try. “It ended up being my best grade that year,” she said, attributing her success to an energetic professor who brought the subject to life. “There was finally a story to tell with math, and it helped me think in new ways,” she shared. This experience led her to switch her focus to a math degree and later pursue an MBA at the Schulich School of Business.
Her time at Schulich was a turning point, though not without its challenges. Without a business background, Penny initially struggled with subjects like management accounting. “Looking back, I realize I should have engaged more,” she reflects. “But in the end, the MBA taught me how to think strategically, communicate clearly, and structure ideas—skills that helped me in ways I didn’t even realize at the time.”
Penny’s journey underscores the importance of embracing challenges and trusting in one’s potential. “So many people, especially women, face similar struggles,” she says, recalling how often women reach out to her about their own experiences with math and STEM. “I want to help others avoid feeling small or inadequate because of one negative experience, especially in subjects like math.” This commitment to fostering confidence extends to her parenting, where Penny has made a conscious effort to support her daughter and son in ways not everyone is supported. “I wanted to make sure my kids never felt discouraged the same way, I did” she adds.
For Penny, education isn’t just about discovering what you want to do; it’s also about learning what you don’t want to do. “I think sometimes education teaches you just as much about what isn’t right for you as what is,” she reflects. It’s a lesson she’s carried with her throughout her career and life.
Her story is a reminder that education isn’t just about finding one’s career right away; it’s about growing, adapting, and finding new ways to apply your skills, no matter how winding the path may be.
Reconnecting with Schulich: Giving Back and Building Community
Penny has recently reconnected with the Schulich alumni network, and she is enjoying the experience. “It has been great catching up with people I haven’t seen in years,” she said. A standout moment came at the WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada Gala, where Penny was honoured as one of the top 100 women in 2022. While there, she ran into an old classmate. “We had a quick chat, and it sparked a real effort to reconnect.”
Penny’s recent visit to Schulich reminded her just how special the alumni community is. Her lunch with Dean Zwick and Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director of Advancement & Alumni Engagement was a highlight. “We had such a great conversation about everything from the economy to how MBA programs have evolved. The building might look different, but the Schulich spirit is still the same.”
Reflecting on her own career, Penny is passionate about giving back and helping others. “If I can help just one person overcome their challenges or figure out their career path, that’s a win,” she shared. “Now, my job is to make it easier for others to succeed.” She sees mentoring and supporting others as a core part of what the Schulich alumni community is all about. Christina Niederwanger, Executive Director of Advancement & Alumni Engagement, couldn’t agree more:
“Penny’s commitment to mentoring and empowering others is exactly what the Schulich alumni network is about. She’s an incredible role model for our community.”
For Penny, reconnecting with Schulich isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about lifting-up others and paying it forward.
Join the Schulich Global Alumni Network
Alumni of the Schulich School of Business are part of a dynamic and diverse community of business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Our Schulich Global Alumni Network connects over 35,000 alumni across 90 countries, offering valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and collaboration.
Explore the scope of our global community and connect with our Chapter Ambassadors to stay engaged with the latest events, initiatives, and engagement opportunities in your region. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, reconnect with fellow Schulich alumni or pay it forward to your alma mater, the Schulich Global Alumni Network is here to support your continued success.