Rose Muhr
*Presented in English followed by a Q&A
I was in corporate sales my entire professional life. In my younger days, I worked in the Entertainment industry for Sony and Paramount – the Film Studios. After that I transitioned to the Houseware industry and worked for companies like Danesco, Delonghi and Newell Brands – mostly large consumer product companies. I held sales manager and key account manager roles.
Throughout the last 20 years, I battled 3 different cancers – all the while trying to work full time in sales – a career that is demanding and has little tolerance if any for weakness. It was not an easy road. After my last bout of illness in 2021 when I came back to my most recent large company, I knew in my soul that I could no longer do what I had been doing. There was a shift in my soul and my priorities. I wanted to finish my life well and with meaning. To me that meant more than just earning more money and rungs on the corporate ladder.
My character has always been somewhat philanthropic. I have sponsored 3 children with World Vision for over 20 years now – the 3rd one added about 4 years ago. I donate to many charities that I find meaningful, worthy, and aligned with my values. In my interactions with World Vision over the years, I always admired how they dealt with me as a donor. I get updates on all my children and their communities. They were able to get a soccer ball to one of my children in Ecuador that some friends had dropped by their offices. I saw that even though they are a global organization, they operate on a very personal and micro level. I was very impressed with them.
Over the years I rarely saw openings in Montreal. While I was still on medical leave recovering from my 3rd cancer, there was an opportunity on the Corporate Engagement team, and I applied. I knew I was a long shot with no fundraising experience, but I shared my heart and hopes with the hiring manager(s) and I got the job!
It is now my responsibility during tough economic times to go out there and share from my heart that I believe I work for a great organization that is impacting the lives of children and communities every day for better.
In my free time I play tennis in the summer, paddle board, kayak, ride a bike and spend every minute I can outside enjoying the warmer temperatures. In the winter, I cross country ski and downhill ski a bit. I love to travel and take many pictures. I’m single – no husband or children so I spend time with my parents and friends!
Dinner 6 p.m. at the Casa Grecque, 7218 Newman Blvd. LaSalle. Presentation available via zoom at 7 p.m. Please email us at info@lakeshorekiwanis.ca for a link to join the meeting!