When Tracy Robinson needs to decompress, she jumps out of a plane. Not the hobby you might expect in a corporate CEO, but it does say something about her fearless brand of leadership.
“Surprisingly, skydiving has a lot in common with leadership,” says Robinson. “The first thing I learned was trust. Before you even think about jumping, you have to trust the people around you — the instructors, the equipment — everything.
“It’s the same in leadership — you rely on your team, trusting that they’re skilled and ready to help tackle challenges.”
Taking over the helm at CN three years ago was a bit like that leap of faith.
Before joining CN, Robinson had spent seven years as head of TC Energy’s Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines and Coastal GasLink, after 27 years at Canadian Pacific Railway in various roles and serving as vice-president of TC Energy.
All of that was after she studied business at the University of Saskatchewan and went on to a variety of roles in Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton and Montreal, including marketing, strategy and operations, customer service and finance. She also earned a master of business administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
“The challenge is to grow every year — to do something better, push harder and have a bigger influence,” says Robinson. “That’s the gift for all of us who invest in people, that you’re building something that’s going to have a lasting impact long after you are gone.”
Robinson’s strength in building and inspiring teams is just one reason she is receiving the U of A’s Canadian Business Leader Award, given to individuals “who have demonstrated leadership, business acumen and success, an entrepreneurial spirit, integrity, and a commitment to the community.”
“I’m passionate about lifting others — helping them grow and pushing them to expand their influence,” she says. “This award reflects the collective effort of the teams I’ve had the privilege of leading, and it serves as a testament to the power of mentorship, collaboration and shared success.”
The recognition follows her ranking in 2023 at 80th on Fortune’s list of Most Powerful Women.
“Tracy Robinson is an exemplary business leader in modern Canada,” says Vikas Mehrotra, dean of the U of A’s Alberta School of Business. “Her role as CEO of CN puts her in the centre of a vital supply chain route within North America.”
In addition to improving its operational efficiency, Robinson has also prioritized CN’s sustainability, says Mehrotra. “It invested in fuel-efficient locomotives and adopting new technologies, including renewable fuels, to improve operational efficiency in an environmentally friendly manner.”
Her advice to business students, or those just embarking on any career, is the same she offers her daughters, she says.
“If you’re going to do something, really step into it, make it your own and leave your mark. Whatever path you choose, fully commit to it. Don’t be afraid to take ownership of your work and put your personal stamp on everything you do.”
And don’t be afraid to fall, she adds. “The experiences you gain from both wins and failures build character and prepare you for future roles. Often, it’s the toughest moments that teach you the most valuable lessons, helping you grow and develop resilience for the road ahead.”
Looking back over her many accomplishments, Robinson returns to the skydiving metaphor.
“You get this incredible sense of clarity and perspective. It’s a great reminder to step back, see the bigger picture and be open to new ideas. That experience really hit home for me — sometimes you have to lean into discomfort to grow, both personally and as a leader.”
About the Canadian Business Leader Award
Each year since 1982, the Alberta School of Business and its Business Advisory Council have presented the Canadian Business Leader Award to a Canadian of distinction. CBLA recipients have demonstrated leadership, business acumen and success, an entrepreneurial spirit, integrity and a commitment to the community. The selection committee is made up of members of the Business Advisory Council, as well as faculty and alumni.
The award will be presented to Robinson at the annual CBLA dinner — a University of Alberta signature event, attended by hundreds of members of the Alberta business community — on March 5, 2025, in Edmonton. More than 100 students will be able to attend thanks to individual and company sponsorships.
If you would like to attend the event, watch for more information on the CBLA website.
Purchase your tickets today