Mary A. Tidlund
Inspirational Speaker, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Author
Speaking Engagements
I am an inspirational speaker who has had the pleasure of speaking at events across North America and Europe. My areas of expertise and topics I speak about include: “The Power of the Purse”, global philanthropy, women in philanthropy, conscious leadership, diversity as an asset, navigating career transitions, adoption and finding our birth families, and taking time to nourish ourselves.
To inquire about having me speak at your next event (virtual or live), please contact me through the below link.
Photo: Nicole Eclair
“The Power of the Purse”
One of the women got up for her appointment and I noticed she left her purse behind. It was unusual for rural women here to carry a purse; most carried a bit of money in the top of their kanga tucked next to a breast, or at their waist. And then to leave it behind?
When the woman came back after her appointment, I noticed the purse was empty. Maybe it was sort of her version of my mom’s purse. Mom brought it to church, but it never had more than a couple of tissues and maybe her one tube of lipstick. Maybe the Tanzanian woman next to me carried a purse less for practicality, and more as a sign of prestige. Nobody knew what you had in your purse, only that you had one. That, I thought, was a universal concept. Your purse was a symbol of what you could do in the world, but what was inside held all the power.
What do we do with our own power to benefit others?”
Speaking Engagements
Memoirs of a Wildcat
Leadership Coaching and Mentorship
Leadership Coaching and Mentorship for Executives and Entrepreneurs
Bringing together expertise in both business and philanthropy, this coaching and mentorship offering supports executives, founders, and professionals in strengthening leadership skills, navigating complex challenges, and building meaningful connections.
Through personalized guidance, mentorship focuses on strategic growth, leadership development, and fostering high-impact collaborations. Coaching sessions provide practical tools and insights to help leaders refine their vision, build upon their natural strengths, and drive lasting impact.
This program also serves as a conduit for valuable connections—linking professionals, resources, and opportunities to support both business success and broader social impact.
Individual and coaching opportunities are available. Please contact me to see if we may be a good fit.
About Mary
My name is Mary A. Tidlund. I was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and was adopted at the age of eight by a loving Calgary family. Along with three other adopted children, I shared my childhood with at least 45 foster children that my parents nurtured and loved. Later in my life, I reunited with my birth families.
After completing a science degree in geography, I began a 15-year career in the oil industry. I co-founded and became President and CEO of a publicly-traded oil exploration and service company in Arcola, Saskatchewan. While in Arcola, my businesses grew to include drilling and trucking companies, a clothing store, an art gallery, a restaurant, and a saloon.
An industry downturn led me away from the oil business to international travel and my roots in charitable service. I founded the Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation, which financially supported and participated in over 90 programs at home and overseas. Key initiatives included delivering volunteer medical clinics and workshops; constructing schools, medical facilities, and playgrounds; providing educational sponsorships; and implementing water filtration and microfinance projects. At the heart, we focused on empowering women and children to be able to provide for themselves and create self-sustaining programs that have broad community impact.
I hold board, director, trustee and membership positions with a number of organizations dedicated to the financial empowerment of women, including the Grace Institute Foundation, New York, Women Moving Millions, The51 and SHEInnovates. I am a former director of Women Moving Millions, The Grace Institute and Tostan, and a former Advisor with with the O’Brien Institute for Public Health. I currently hold public board, director and committee positions with Valhi Inc. and CompX International Inc. and I am a trustee with the Grace Institute Foundation.
Over the years, my work has been recognized with an In Award, Harry Jerome President’s Award, the Black Achievement Awards for Humanitarianism and Lifetime Achievement, and the Woman of Vision Award with Global TV. I was a finalist for a Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award, a nominee for the Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur Award and a Member of the Order of Canada.
It is a privilege to work with individuals and organizations that want to make the world a better place. I am grateful to be able to share my skills and experiences with you. When I’m not working, you can find me skiing, hiking, birding or playing tennis in the Canadian Rockies.
Contact Mary
