Few CEOs and corporate board members start their careers as speech pathologists. But Alice Laberge worked in that profession for a couple years in the 1970s.

She wanted to earn a master’s degree, and realized that if she followed her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology with a similar master’s, it would limit her options.

She chose instead to pursue an MBA for the flexibility she believed it would offer, and she was soon dazzled by finance work.

Laberge started working as a finance analyst at MacMillan Bloedel Ltd., and worked her way through several promotions to become the company’s chief financial officer. Weyerhaeuser acquired MacMillan Bloedel in 1999 and Laberge helped with the transition.

Laberge joined banking software company Fincentric Corporation in 2000 as its chief financial officer. She became its president and CEO in 2003 where she stayed until mid-2005.

“I had some opportunities to join some really interesting boards and I wanted to spend more time with my family,” Laberge explained of her departure. “I couldn’t do it all.”

Laberge joined the Royal Bank of Canada’s corporate board soon after she left Fincentric. She is also a director for Catalyst Paper Corp., Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, the United Way of the Lower Mainland and the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.

What professional achievement are you most proud of?

Completing my MBA at the University of British Columbia in 1981 when I had no previous business experience.

What’s the greatest barrier you’ve had to overcome in your career?

Having enough time to do everything I wanted to get done considering that I also have a family and three children.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?

Former MacMillan Bloedel Ltd. CEO Tom Stephens

What network or organization has most helped you in your career?

It was never any formal network. I’ve had an informal network of business associates who have become my friends.

What has been your toughest decision?

In my last full-time position as CEO at Fincentric Corp., it was laying people off.