A dedicated healthcare professional with a wealth of experience and a relentless drive for personal and professional growth, Gail Courneyea is the President & CEO of Angels of Flight Canada Inc. With 18 years of service in a hospital Intensive care setting as a Registered Nurse, Gail has honed her skills in providing critical care to patients in challenging environments, including ground ambulance transfers to tertiary hospitals.
However, faced with the prospect of transitioning to air ambulance care without any prior experience, Gail embarked on a courageous journey of self-education and skill development. Determined to excel in her new role, she pursued comprehensive training in Aeromedical Care and obtained her Private Pilot’s license, overcoming her fear of flying in the process.
Despite encountering limited job opportunities in her chosen field, Gail’s entrepreneurial spirit and background in small business led her to establish Angels of Flight Canada Inc. The company’s mission? To provide qualified and skilled Registered nurses to hospitals across the province, facilitating the safe transfer of patients over vast distances while allowing bedside nurses to remain in their respective hospitals.
Outside of the workplace, Gail symbolizes resilience, determination, and a commitment to continuous learning. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of self-belief, perseverance, and seizing opportunities for growth and innovation.
A Compassionate Nurse and Devoted Family Woman
Gail is a dedicated and passionate registered nurse, known for her unwavering commitment to helping others. With a positive and practical outlook on life, she approaches every situation with a common-sense mindset, always seeking immediate solutions when faced with challenges. This approach extends to both her professional endeavors and her roles as a mother and wife, where she prioritizes her family above all else.
Gail’s strong family values and close-knit relationships serve as the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and decisions. She understands the importance of keeping loved ones close and is always there to support them, regardless of their age or the circumstances they face.
In her profession as a nurse, Gail’s adaptability and empathy shine through, particularly in today’s ever-changing and unpredictable world. She recognizes the increasing challenges posed by health concerns and travel restrictions, as well as the profound need for families to reunite during times of illness, injury, or tragedy. Gail’s innate understanding of these complexities allows her to provide compassionate care and support to both patients and their families, offering comfort and reassurance during the most difficult times.
Journey with Women Entrepreneur Canada
Gail recognizes the importance of continuous growth and development as a female leader in today’s business landscape. She understands that while progress has been made, there are still challenges that women face in male-dominated industries. To overcome these obstacles and thrive in her professional journey, Gail turned to women’s business organizations such as Women Entrepreneur Canada.
These organizations provided Gail with invaluable knowledge, support, and alliances, enabling her to navigate and excel in a business world where women are often underrepresented. Through these connections, Gail gained insights, mentorship, and a supportive network of fellow female leaders who shared similar experiences and challenges.
As she reflects on the current landscape of leadership, Gail observes a concerning trend where integrity takes a backseat to financial gain among many emerging leaders, regardless of gender. She recognizes the importance of ethical leadership and believes that integrity should be a foundational principle in business.
Gail’s experiences and observations underscore the importance of organizations like Women Entrepreneur Canada in empowering women leaders and fostering a culture of integrity and collaboration in the business world. Through knowledge sharing, support networks, and alliances, these organizations play a vital role in shaping the future of leadership and promoting values-driven business practices.
Commitment to Integrity, Respect, and Family Support
As a dedicated professional, Gail adheres to the established standards set by regulatory bodies, maintaining consistency in her approach to both the workplace and personal life. She holds honesty and fairness in high regard, recognizing their importance in fostering trust and integrity in all interactions.
In her role as a leader, Gail deeply values her staff, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and professionalism in carrying out their duties each day. She understands the importance of fostering a supportive and respectful work environment where her team feels valued and appreciated for their contributions.
Outside of work, Gail treasures her family and their unwavering support throughout her 35-year career. Their encouragement and understanding have been instrumental in her success, providing a strong foundation from which she can confidently navigate the demands of her profession.
Philosophy of Vision, Adaptability, and Support
As a leader, Gail shoulders the responsibility of providing her staff with a clear vision of the company’s goals and objectives, ensuring that each team member understands their role in contributing to the organization’s success. She recognizes and appreciates the value that each individual brings to the table, fostering a culture of appreciation and empowerment within the workplace.
In her role, Gail remains vigilant in anticipating trends and changes in the workplace, ready to implement necessary adjustments to maintain the company’s competitiveness and relevance in a dynamic environment. She understands the importance of adaptability and agility in responding to evolving challenges and opportunities.
Despite the inherent challenges present in today’s world, Gail maintains a positive and supportive work environment for her team. She leads by example, demonstrating resilience and optimism in the face of adversity, inspiring her staff to persevere and excel despite the obstacles they may encounter.
In a profession where there is no routine and services are provided around the clock, Gail and her team rise to the occasion, handling complex medical cases and medical flights with professionalism and dedication. Their ability to successfully navigate such challenges is a testament to their expertise, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to excellence. And when they achieve success, they rejoice together, celebrating their collective accomplishments and reinforcing their sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Guide to Leadership
Gail’s advice to someone stepping into a leadership position for the first time is rooted in the importance of fostering a supportive and empowering environment for their team. She emphasizes the value of taking the time to listen to staff members, acknowledging their perspectives, concerns, and ideas. By actively listening, leaders can gain valuable insights into the needs and experiences of their employees, fostering trust and open communication within the organization.
Additionally, Gail encourages new leaders to provide support and encouragement to their team members. Gail’s own experience emphasizes the significance of prioritizing employee satisfaction and retention. She notes that some of her team members have been with the company since its inception, highlighting the impact of creating a positive and nurturing work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute their best efforts.
