Mary A. Tidlund
Inspirational Speaker, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Author
Speaking Engagements
I am an inspirational speaker who has had the pleasure of speaking at events across North America and Europe. My areas of expertise and topics I speak about include: “The Power of the Purse”, global philanthropy, women in philanthropy, conscious leadership, diversity as an asset, navigating career transitions, adoption and finding our birth families, and taking time to nourish ourselves.
To inquire about having me speak at your next event (virtual or live), please contact me through the below link.
Photo: Nicole Eclair
“The Power of the Purse”
One of the women got up for her appointment and I noticed she left her purse behind. It was unusual for rural women here to carry a purse; most carried a bit of money in the top of their kanga tucked next to a breast, or at their waist. And then to leave it behind?
When the woman came back after her appointment, I noticed the purse was empty. Maybe it was sort of her version of my mom’s purse. Mom brought it to church, but it never had more than a couple of tissues and maybe her one tube of lipstick. Maybe the Tanzanian woman next to me carried a purse less for practicality, and more as a sign of prestige. Nobody knew what you had in your purse, only that you had one. That, I thought, was a universal concept. Your purse was a symbol of what you could do in the world, but what was inside held all the power.
What do we do with our own power to benefit others?”
Speaking Engagements
Memoirs of a Wildcat
Philanthropic Consulting
Philanthropic Consulting
I founded a global charitable foundation and operated it for 20 years, working with hundreds of volunteers and multi-stakeholder initiatives. Now, I use my experience to help guide those who are interested in starting and developing charities, foundations, and philanthropic endeavours.
I offer one-on-one consulting services as well as small group retreats and workshops in the beautiful Canadian Rockies on the following subjects.
Fund Development:
I have built relationships with, and raised millions of dollars from, thousands of individuals as well as private and public foundations and corporations. I will teach you how to engage all your stakeholders, including board members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers, and how to keep them engaged and contributing long term. I will help you create an effective board, evaluate your current fundraising, and determine how to maximize your fund development.
Program Development:
I will coach you on how to build multi-stakeholder partnerships locally and globally. Once built, you’ll learn to evaluate the programs these partnerships support, ensuring they grow into effective programs that empower people and communities to become self-sustaining. Lastly, I will help you measure the effectiveness of programs and how to recognize when it is time for change.
Volunteerism:
I have mobilized hundreds of repeat volunteers—both within Canada and globally. Learn how to recognize individuals who will become supportive volunteers, and create volunteer groups that will be effective and engaged long-term. I will share support systems and guidelines that will ensure you get the most from your volunteers and, at the same time, allow them to have rewarding and memorable experiences.
Impactful Giving:
I offer strategic advice on the “How To” of impactful giving. We’ll work together to design your objectives and build the bridge between them and the recipients’ wishes. It’s an equal exchange of different values. We will then review your strategies and evaluate the impact your philanthropic dollars will have—on both you and your recipient.
Starting a Foundation or Charity:
Leveraging my experience from creating and running a foundation and governing on multiple boards, I will coach you through the complicated process of starting a foundation or charity. We'll develop your mission and create a roadmap to help you achieve your long-term goals and create a sustainable organization from the beginning.
I work with a small handful of dedicated change-makers. If you are ready to dive in and explore your philanthropy or evaluate your organization to create more impact, I would be pleased to start a discussion with you. Please contact me through the link below.
About Mary
My name is Mary A. Tidlund. I was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and was adopted at the age of eight by a loving Calgary family. Along with three other adopted children, I shared my childhood with at least 45 foster children that my parents nurtured and loved. Later in my life, I reunited with my birth families.
After completing a science degree in geography, I began a 15-year career in the oil industry. I co-founded and became President and CEO of a publicly-traded oil exploration and service company in Arcola, Saskatchewan. While in Arcola, my businesses grew to include drilling and trucking companies, a clothing store, an art gallery, a restaurant, and a saloon.
An industry downturn led me away from the oil business to international travel and my roots in charitable service. I founded the Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation, which financially supported and participated in over 90 programs at home and overseas. Key initiatives included delivering volunteer medical clinics and workshops; constructing schools, medical facilities, and playgrounds; providing educational sponsorships; and implementing water filtration and microfinance projects. At the heart, we focused on empowering women and children to be able to provide for themselves and create self-sustaining programs that have broad community impact.
I hold board, director, trustee and membership positions with a number of organizations dedicated to the financial empowerment of women, including the Grace Institute Foundation, Grace Institute New York, a member of Women Moving Millions, The51 and SHEInnovates. I am a former director of Women Moving Millions and Tostan. I also currently hold public board, director and committee positions with Valhi Inc. and CompX International Inc., and I am an Advisor with the O’Brien Institute for Public Health.
Over the years, my work has been recognized with an In Award, Harry Jerome President’s Award, the Black Achievement Awards for Humanitarianism and Lifetime Achievement, and the Woman of Vision Award with Global TV. I was a finalist for a Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award, a nominee for the Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur Award and a Member of the Order of Canada.
It is a privilege to work with individuals and organizations that want to make the world a better place. I am grateful to be able to share my skills and experiences with you. When I’m not working, you can find me skiing, hiking or birding in the Canadian Rockies, or trying to find the best bakery or restaurant in Calgary and Canmore (or wherever I happen to be) has to offer!”
Contact Mary
