Glori Meldrum

MARIE SAINT PIERRE black Vair dress with mesh overlay - $720
UNITED NUDE Leona wide straps and geometric block heel - $375
DYRBERG/KERN multilayered long chain necklace - $125
DYRBERG/KERN short chain ball pendant necklace - $110
DYRBERG/KERN double earrings - $120
DYRBERG/KERN small ball bracelet - $250
DYRBERG/KERN ball ring - $165
AGL Sara large leather bag - $675

MARIE SAINT PIERRE Quincoces double jersey jacket - $990
MARIE SAINT PIERRE a cropped double jersey pants - $680
IRIS SETLAKWE detachable collar printed top - $215
EILEEN FISHER Art tumbled leather ankle cuff sandal - $325
HILLBERG AND BERK long silver chain and ball necklace - $365

SCHYIA moto leather jacket - $880
IRIS SETLAKWE multi colour top with cut out back - $225
SARAH PACINI slim cropped pants - $360
COCLICO Everlast clog in grey washed leather - $545
HILLBERG AND BERK necklace with rose gold balls and silver pave rings - $175

We meet exceptional women every day. Girl Bosses is our chance to share a few of their stories, their memories, their advice and their humour. Please enjoy.

THE INTERVIEW

What is the best advice ever given to you?

From as far back as I can remember, my dad always told me that I could accomplish anything I wanted. You might need a bit of a backgrounder on my dad to understand the impact of that statement. As many close friends, casual acquaintances and the odd passer-by can attest, he’s endearingly unfiltered. He prefers to ‘tell it like it is’—no embellishments, insincerities or even sugar coating on his cereal. So while other kids might shrug off encouragement from their parents, I believed my dad when he told me that I could accomplish anything. I absorbed that advice and made it my truth. It gave me the courage and confidence to take risks, embrace challenges and own who I am and what I want to achieve. So, thanks dad.



Looking back, what is the best advice you would give to yourself at age 25?

I would give myself a high five on some of my 90s fashion choices, which are making a wild comeback. And then I would give myself a few pieces of sage advice that I think apply to any and everyone. Live a life of service, because the greatest joys are those that come from helping others. Lead from a place of love, not fear. Nothing great can be accomplished when you’re shrouded in fear, and everything amazing comes from a place of love. Finally, love who you are. Also, drink lots of water and wear sunscreen.



Who have been the influential people in your life?

That would undoubtedly have to be my husband, Gary. Starting with our cross-country move over two decades ago, to raising four children, maintaining a thriving business (yes—we work together too!) and so much more in between, he has been my go-to person for over 23 years. He lifts me up everyday and has been a model of true and unconditional love. So much of what I’ve accomplished personally, professionally and philanthropically has been rooted in the foundation of our relationship.

I also have to give an enormous shout-out to the children of the Be Brave Ranch and the Little Warriors family. Starting Little Warriors and building the Be Brave Ranch were journeys that were not without challenges, but the minute things got tough, I reminded myself what I was working for. Advocating for, helping protect and working to help heal kids have become the biggest driving influences in my life. Seeing the kids at the Be Brave Ranch smiling, playing and finding the strength to heal—there’s nothing more influential or inspirational than that.

What are your favourite qualities in another person?

I love people who are authentic and transparent. While certain fun surprises are great, I value the ease and comfort of knowing who I’m with and having trust in their intentions. I also really appreciate those with generous spirits. There’s something really beautiful about people who are willing to give of themselves to bring joy to someone else. I’m lucky that I get to see that everyday with Little Warriors and the Be Brave Ranch.



What is your idea of happiness?

Besides vacationing in Hawaii, for me real happiness is all about loving yourself and truly loving others. That’s the root of lasting contentment and joy. And being happy means being grateful. So I try to find something I’m grateful for (and to giggle about) every single day.


What is your idea of misery?

Misery for me is the life I used to live. There was a time when I wasn’t putting myself first, didn’t practice self-love and led my life from a place of fear. I think many people can get stuck there. And it’s not a fun place. Fortunately, I was able to rise above that dark time, and it has been the fuel for my fire in many instances since then.



What talent would you like to be gifted with?

I honestly would love to learn how to dance. Unfortunately, that’s not in my cards. Unless there are some really amazing and patient dance teachers out there…


If you could be any historical figure, who would you be?

Mother Teresa. I love that she spent every one of her days living in love, being in service and making a difference in so many people’s lives. She’s the embodiment of selfless service. I’m just in awe of that.


What is the dress code for success?

I have an eclectic style and love funky, unique, one of a kind pieces. But everything I wear has to be comfortable. That’s key, especially when I’m raising four kids, running a business and working with my charity. That’s my personal style. But I think the overall dress code for success is to be yourself in the way you dress. Own your style. I certainly try to.


How important is image

When it comes to image, your only choice is to be who you are. Dress in what you love and what makes you feel good.



Short Bio:
With a business mind, a passion for advertising and a heart full of ambition, Glori packed her suitcase in the mid 90s and traveled over 4,000 km, from Nova Scotia to Edmonton, to forge her career and build a better life. She quickly cemented her position in Alberta’s business landscape, founding g[squared]—a full service marketing and advertising agency — when she was just 23 years old. Two decades later, g[squared], and its tight-knit group of creative masterminds, continues to deliver strategic and integrated solutions to clients of all forms. Led by Glori’s clear focus and let’s-get-it-done-and-get-it-done-right mindset, g[squared] has a reputation and a knack for knocking it out of the ballpark for a range of local, national and international clients.

But Glori didn’t stop there. In 2008, she realized a higher calling and a lifelong dream when she founded Little Warriors: a national, charitable organization that is committed to the awareness and prevention of child sexual abuse. As a survivor herself, Glori was determined to educate adults on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to this devastating crime. To date, Little Warriors has helped protect an estimated 167,310 children.

In 2014, Glori took her vision one step further and built the Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch. This facility provides child sexual abuse survivors and their families with dedicated and intensive multi-modal therapy. As the first and only sexual abuse treatment centre of its kind in the world, the innovative Be Brave Ranch gives kids the critical support they need to grow into happy, healthy adults. Today, Glori continues to simultaneously raise her family, grow her business and provide vital advocacy for children across North America.

Her hard work and pioneering spirit have not gone without recognition. Glori has been awarded with many personal and professional accolades throughout the years like the Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.