Amanda Johnson
VP Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer
Intact Insurance Ireland
Q1. What’s one change you’re seeing in the business world right now that you think leaders should be paying much more attention to?
If there is one change, I believe leaders should be paying much more attention to,
it is the growing importance of building resilience. Building resilience which has evolved from being a recovery mechanism to becoming a genuine competitive advantage. The challenges facing organisations today are no longer isolated events. Climate-related disruptions, cyber threats, geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility and shifting employee and customer expectations are becoming increasingly interconnected. In this environment, success is not determined solely by how efficiently a business operates during stable periods, but by how well it can adapt, respond and recover when conditions change.
Resilience also extends beyond the organisation. At Intact Insurance, our purpose is to help businesses, people and society prosper in good times and be resilient in bad times. Businesses thrive when the communities around them are strong, connected and prosperous. By investing in people, supporting local communities and leading with purpose, we create a virtuous cycle where community resilience strengthens business resilience.
We are proud to support our community and education partners such as Barnardos, Sanctuary Runners, The Hares Corner and the University of Limerick. In addition, we recently launched our Broker Partnership Fund, a new initiative that will match successful charitable donations made by broker partners therefore amplifying the charitable support brokers are already providing in the communities they serve.
Q2. What are Irish and Canadian businesses (or business people/colleagues) particularly good at and what could they learn from each other?
At their core, both Irish and Canadian organisations embrace shared values and similarities in how they approach business, recognising that long-term success is built on trust, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing the right thing. This shared focus on people creates workplaces where collaboration thrives, diverse perspectives are valued, and meaningful connections drive better outcomes.
Both Irish and Canadian organisations bring a strong international mindset while remaining grounded in their communities. There is a certain grit and determination in how we operate to just get things done. We have great ability to pivot and not get distracted by the noise but remain focused on the shared ambition.
Leaders are often recognised for their humility, authenticity, and willingness to listen, leading through influence and example rather than hierarchy. This approach fosters inclusive cultures where people feel empowered to contribute, innovate, and grow.
Q3. What has most changed your own approach to leadership over the course of your career?
One of the biggest ways my leadership style has evolved throughout my career is my understanding that change is not something to be managed occasionally, it is a constant. That’s what makes it interesting. If we want to remain relevant and competitive in businesses, we need to be adaptable, resilient and willing to embrace change and understand that adversity brings opportunity.
I have also learned that there is no single leadership style that works in every situation. During periods of significant transformation, people need a leader who can provide vision, create momentum and help them see the opportunities ahead. At other times, a different style might be required, understanding what your people and customers need and adapting your approach that serves them best.
What has remained constant for me, however, is the importance of values-based leadership. During times of uncertainty, people look to leaders for clarity, consistency and trust. I have found that connecting change to a clear purpose and communicating openly the why behind decisions builds confidence and engagement. Though strategies and priorities may evolve, values provide an anchor and a code for how we lead.
Q4. What’s the best piece of career or business advice you’ve ever received and do you still follow it?
Be yourself. Authenticity is at the heart of effective leadership as long as you are willing to grow and learn. Bring your best self to work every day and have the confidence to stay true to who you are. I love the quote by Maya Angelou “do the best you can until you know better, when you know better do better”. The greatest value we can bring is our unique perspective, experience and strengths and to ask for help when we need it and to help others in return. When people see authentic leadership and see who you are, they feel empowered to contribute authentically themselves, creating stronger teams, greater trust and a more inclusive culture.
Q5. Away from your day job what’s something your professional network might be surprised to learn about you?
Outside of work, I’ve always had a fascination with genealogy and history. I’m endlessly curious about where we come from, the stories that shaped us and the generations whose sacrifices created the opportunities we enjoy today. Looking back through family histories and studying Ireland’s past gives me a real appreciation for the resilience, determination and spirit of those who came before us. It also serves as a reminder that progress is often built over generations, not years, and that every generation has a responsibility to leave things better than they found them.
I am really interested in the history of Irish people who emigrated to Canada in the mid 1800’s and how Canada embraced them with open arms. As many Irish people often say, Canada gave them a chance not only to build a life, but to belong.