Books
TESTIMONIALS
“This is a beautiful and practical book filled with examples on regenerative leadership and how to live the 7th generation principle.”
Helle Bank Jorgensen, CEO Competent Boards
Regenerative means ‘’ life affirming’’, a system which generates thriving life. Mary Garden shows how the same regenerative principles can be applied both to an ecological system, such as a farm, and to a human system, such as a business or an organization. Under regenerative management, both generate abundance, resilience and thriving life.”
Ananda Fitzsimmons, Board Chair, Regeneration Canada
Northern Grit: Stories About Women Leaders in Canada’s Public Service, by Ingrid Bergmann & Mary Garden, will be available in Fall 2025. To receive alerts regarding when and where this book will be available to purchase, please add your name to the list below.
TESTIMONIALS
“Northern Grit is a gem. It is elegantly organized to serve as an illuminating side of the desk manual for leadership challenges and innovative solutions and paths forward. It will particularly appeal to younger women with public service aspirations, but it is also an inspiring chronicle for anyone interested in the habits of trust building empathetic leaders motivated by the public good.” David Johnston, Governor General Canada (2010-2017)
“ Having spent more than 30 years in public service, particularly in the early part of my career, I didn’t see many people who “looked” like me. As a woman of colour and an aspiring leader, I often felt I didn’t belong. Northern Grit will make readers realize that they are not alone, that their story lives in many others, and from those stories, readers will find solutions, opportunities, knowledge, and power.” Meeta Gandhi, General Manager, Corporate Services Town of East Gwillimbury, Ontario
"Ingrid and Mary have captured the essence of what truly matters to public sector leaders. Whether you are new to the sector or a seasoned professional, I hope that you will be as inspired as I was by these stories. Enjoy finding yourself in Northern
Grit!" Carol Bellringer, Auditor General, Province of British Columbia (2014 - 2020), Province of Manitoba (2006 - 2014 )
“ Ingrid Bergmann and Mary Garden have written a modern book on the way in which the public service works today through the lens of the women who work within the system. It should be required reading for all new career public servants. “ David Zussman, former CEO of the Public Policy Forum
“In a world where facts are increasingly hard to find, stories from the heart and built on experience must be told, recorded and shared. Let these stories be a testimony that the path to diversity in leadership is still not easy, but strengthens our communities and drives meaningful change.” Tabatha Bull, President & CEO, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
“ This book is a vital resource, offering timeless wisdom and practical lessons for those aspiring to lead with integrity, courage, compassion, and strategic vision in an era of transformative change. Its depth and diverse perspectives provide a rare glimpse into the decisions and strategies that shape impactful public service. “ Trish Mandewo , Coquitlam City Councillor , BC