While beginning her professional life as an emergency telecommunications officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and ambulance communications, Erin Donahue found herself at the frontlines of crisis management. “When you called 911 for an emergency, you got me on the phone,” she says, describing the critical, high-pressure environment where split-second decisions could mean the difference between life and death.
This early exposure to intense situations taught her the importance of clarity, quick thinking, and empathy - skills that would become invaluable as her career evolved. Today, Erin serves in a leadership role with the Ontario Government, supporting senior executives in leadership development and leading the provision of services to support our communities.
Her position is both strategic and operational, requiring her to wear many hats, from program delivery to advisory support to issues management. Her portfolio spans leadership development, organizational design, human resource structure, policy work, direct client services, and issues management - a position she describes as ‘duties as assigned’ that keeps her consistently engaged and challenged.
She emphasizes that her work is about service.
"Every decision we make shapes how we engage with our community."
Whether streamlining processes or developing future leaders, her goal remains the same: to better serve Ontarians.
A Philosophy Rooted in Service
Erin's dedication to public service was instilled in her from an early age by her family.
“My parents taught me that giving back and helping others is non-negotiable.”
Growing up in a supportive household where community involvement was a core value, she internalized the idea that true success is measured not just by personal achievement, but by the positive impact we have on others.
This philosophy has guided her through various roles, from frontline emergency services to strategic leadership in government. Each position reinforced her belief in the power of service. “When I transitioned from emergency communications through to government leadership, I realized that helping others could look vastly different but still be incredibly impactful,” she says.
Her current focus on leadership development reflects an understanding that strong leaders create stronger communities. She asserts,
“By investing in leadership programs, we’re not just building individuals; we’re shaping the future of public service.”
This ripple effect, where empowering one leader can positively impact countless others, drives her passion.
Lessons from a Multifaceted Career
Her career path is marked by its variety and depth. She has held roles in policy, human resources, crisis management, social services, education, and organizational design. This diversity has made her a versatile leader, capable of addressing complex challenges with a holistic perspective.
One of the defining features of her professional journey is her commitment to continuous learning. Over the years, she has pursued certifications in crisis intervention, adult education, and financial accounting, among others. "The more you know, the more areas you can effectively support," she says, adding that her broad educational background allows her to adapt to the changing needs of her roles and her teams.
She admits that her transition from frontline emergency response to high-level organizational strategy was not without its challenges.
“Leadership requires you to navigate uncertainty. I’ve made my share of mistakes, but I’ve learned that it’s not about avoiding them - it’s about how you recover and grow.”
She also challenges the common misconceptions about government work. She acknowledges that
"Government is often described as running at a slow pace. But there's a lot of decision-making, consideration, and pieces to a big puzzle that have to go together to get that finalized product."
Whether serving in education, policy, legal work, frontline service, or organizational design roles, she has witnessed the intricate process of government decision-making and the dedication of public servants.
"Being on the internal side of things, I can see the talent, knowledge, and evidence-based decision-making that goes into every action, reaction, or interaction. It is very, very rewarding to see how all of those things come together and thousands and thousands of people feed into that to make sure that we land on something that makes sense for everyone."
For her, public service transcends immediate outcomes, focusing instead on creating enduring positive change.
"Every decision that you make, every piece of paper that you process, every single phone call that you answer, is shaping how we engage with our community; it's shaping the future of our community."
Building Tomorrow's Leaders
Today, her work involves developing comprehensive leadership programs that support active and aspiring executive leaders and managers. This includes working with volunteers, securing funding, building teams, and creating a vision for leadership development within the government structure. "It was one of those stars-aligned programs," she shares about a recent successful initiative.
"We had the right buy-in from our executive and our senior leaders... We had stats to back up and validate why we needed to invest and focus our attention on this. And then we had the audience that realized, 'Hey, somebody is investing in me. I am going to invest in me as well.'"
The program was not just about professional development; it was a statement of our commitment to our people. “When employees see that their organization is investing in them, they’re more likely to invest in themselves,” she explains. These programs are cornerstones of leadership development, equipping future leaders with the skills and confidence to excel and reach their full potential.
Vulnerability and Community Engagement
Erin’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in authenticity and vulnerability. A recent keynote speech at a women’s leadership event highlighted this. In it, she shared personal stories about her experiences with divorce, parenting a transgender child, and overcoming health challenges.
“These are topics we don’t often discuss in professional settings. But by sharing my story, I hoped to create a space where others felt comfortable being their true selves.”
The feedback she received was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing gratitude for her openness. “We all have stories, and sharing them helps us connect on a deeper level,” she says. This emphasis on human connection underscores Erin’s approach to leadership.
“Being vulnerable doesn’t make you weaker; it makes you more relatable and authentic.”
By fostering an environment where people feel seen and valued, she is helping redefine what it means to lead. This leadership approach also transfers to her understanding of community engagement.
"My definition of community engagement is everyone feeling seen, heard, valued, and that they have a place."
This philosophy extends across various communities - cultural, workplace, or geographical. She emphasizes that successful community engagement manifests when "People show up because they want to and because they feel this sense of pride and obligation, not because they were told but because it aligns with their value system."
7 Keys to Success in Public Service
Erin offers these words of wisdom for those in public service, emphasizing practical strategies for career development and personal growth:
Master Communication Skills
Communication is at the heart of every government role, she emphasizes. "Whether you’re talking to senior executives, local officials, or the public, you need to communicate clearly and professionally and with the people at the heart of the message."
Be Authentic
One of her most powerful messages is about authenticity. “Government isn’t a cookie-cutter environment,” she says. “There’s room for you to be yourself while contributing meaningfully.”
Start Small in Community Engagement
Erin advocates for focusing on meaningful, smaller-scale initiatives. “Helping one person profoundly can sometimes be more impactful than trying to help a hundred superficially,” she advises. She encourages anyone new to government work to prioritize quality over quantity to maximize true, lasting impact.
Lean Into Mentorship
Being a mentee and mentor has been a cornerstone of her career. “Mentorship is about paying it forward,” she says. “When you help others grow, you contribute to a cycle of empowerment. You also equip and empower them to do the same for others.”
Stay the Course
For those contemplating leaving public service, she offers a reassuring perspective. “There will be moments where you wonder why you’re in this field,” she admits. “But hold on for the moments when everything aligns - the impact you’ll see will remind you why you stayed.”
Embrace Mistakes and Growth
"It's okay to make mistakes," she emphasizes. She advises learning from mistakes and sharing those lessons with others to prevent similar missteps.
Focus Your Impact Strategically
"You can 100 people with little impact, or you can help one person with a monumental impact that changes the scope and quality of their life for the remainder of it." She advocates for choosing select areas where you can give ‘110%’ rather than spreading yourself too thin.
Building a Legacy of Pride and Impact
For Erin Donahue, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the legacy she is building.
“Every decision we make, every program we implement, is a building block for future generations.”
This long-term perspective fuels her dedication, knowing that her contributions will have a lasting impact. She emphasizes that,
“Public service is about more than just policies and procedures. It’s about people - creating a sense of belonging and ensuring that every individual feels they have a place in their community.”
She takes immense pride in her work, finding fulfillment in the knowledge that she is shaping a better future for all Ontarians. She views public service as an opportunity to contribute to something larger than oneself. She draws a powerful parallel to historical progress.
"We reflect on what was created 25, 50, and 100 years ago by the decisions of those that came before us. In 25-50-100 years, people will be reflecting on our decisions. Let’s build something beautiful that shapes what comes next for our communities in the most positive of ways. We might not see the results of it, but it can be monumental. Let’s make them proud of what we create. "
Professional Development Resources
To support ongoing growth in public service leadership, Erin recommends these resources:
The OPS Leadership Network connects public service professionals in Ontario, fostering collaboration, professional development, and knowledge sharing. Its goal is to equip leaders within the Ontario Public Service with the tools and networks needed to address challenges and deliver better outcomes for citizens.
Tomorrow's Ontario Public Service focuses on shaping a modern, innovative, and inclusive public service to meet the evolving needs of Ontarians. The initiative emphasizes adapting to emerging challenges, fostering diverse leadership, and leveraging technology to drive efficiency and impact.
Accountable Leaders by Dr. Vince Molinaro, explores how organizations can build strong, accountable leadership cultures that drive performance and engagement. The book offers actionable insights and tools for leaders to embrace accountability and empower their teams.
Radical Candor by Kim Scott provides a framework for effective leadership through candid, caring communication. The book emphasizes the importance of balancing empathy with directness to build strong relationships, foster teamwork, and achieve results.
Malcolm Gladwell is a renowned author, speaker, and journalist, best known for his thought-provoking books that explore the intersection of sociology, psychology, and cultural phenomena. His works, including The Tipping Point, Outliers, Blink, and Talking to Strangers, delve into how small shifts in thinking and behavior can create significant change.