For Heather MacLean, HBA ’89, pride runs deep as her sons, Griffin MacLean Manley (HBA ’26 candidate) and Charlie MacLean Manley (Ivey AEO status), continue the family’s Western and Ivey legacy.
“I didn’t push them toward Ivey – there was no pressure – they chose this on their own. That’s the proudest part for me,” said MacLean during a recent campus visit to help her sons settle in. “They did it all on their own – got the marks, worked hard, and earned it. I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
That sense of connection traces back to MacLean, whose time at Ivey in the late 1980s shaped her career and continues to influence her family today.
A legacy rooted in integrity
After graduating in 1989, she worked for Ivey’s Executive Education program at Spencer Hall, supporting senior leaders who came to campus for case-based learning. Seeing executives work through the same cases she studied underscored the value of Ivey’s approach.
Her career spanned consulting and sports marketing before she became President of ProSpeakers.com, a national speakers bureau representing some of Canada’s most inspiring voices in business, politics, and sport. Through every stage, the influence of her Ivey education was clear.
“The biggest lesson that stayed with me was integrity – it was drilled into us at Ivey,” she said. “You’re more than just your résumé; you’re trusted. Those core principles of integrity, trust, and giving back have guided me in both business and life.”
In her current role, MacLean works with leaders who embrace change, take risks, and do things differently – hallmarks of the adaptable, principled leaders shaped at Ivey.
Griffin’s journey
Drawn to Western for varsity squash, Griffin also wanted a program combining STEM and business courses – and Western and Ivey’s dual-degree options stood out.
Now in his fifth year of an HBA/Software Engineering dual degree, he also represents Western in squash and has captured two NCAA doubles championships. He sees direct parallels between sport and Ivey’s rigour.
“The biggest parallel between squash and business is hard work and dedication. You put in hours of training or studying without immediate results, and then it all comes together in one big moment – a tournament win, an exam, or even that LinkedIn post about a new job,” he said.
Building a global perspective
Griffin has also embraced global learning opportunities, working in Germany one summer and recently completing an internship at HSBC in Hong Kong – both giving him firsthand insight into different markets and business cultures. Germany offered a precise, relationship-focused style, while Hong Kong was fast-paced and demanding.
He credits these international roles with building adaptability and a global perspective that will strengthen his career readiness, where he hopes to eventually pursue a career in finance.
The Ivey case method also prepared him to thrive globally.
“Ivey gave me an excellent foundation for international experiences. The case method and regular opportunities to present helped me build confidence in diverse settings – sometimes even giving me an edge compared to peers from other schools," he said.
Now entering HBA2, he’s energized by new opportunities, pointing to guest lectures and industry connections as upcoming highlights.
Charlie’s path
Hearing about his mom’s and brother’s experiences at Ivey made Charlie eager to continue the family tradition. He began his Economics degree at Huron University College this fall while holding Ivey AEO status. The case method is a particular draw because it matches the way he learns best – by analyzing and applying, not just listening.
“All throughout high school, I was on the debate team, and participated in business competitions – which is similar to the Ivey case method,” he said.
He was also nominated as a Schulich Scholar, a recognition of his academic excellence and leadership potential.
This past summer, Charlie also completed an internship with KPMG, where he gained first-hand experience in a fast-paced consulting environment. The role sharpened his analytical, problem-solving, and teamwork skills and confirmed his interest in combining finance with consulting in his future career.
Ivey’s ability to attract students from diverse disciplines is another factor he believes will shape him into a stronger leader.
“What excites me about Ivey is the diversity in the classroom – people from business, engineering, health sciences, and the arts all bringing different perspectives. That’s where the real leadership learning happens,” he said.
Shared passions on and off the court
Beyond their ties to Ivey and Western, sport is a shared interest. MacLean captained Western’s Women’s Squash Team, Griffin has competed internationally and twice won NCAA Div 1 doubles titles, and Charlie has played provincially and nationally, although his true passion is downhill mountain biking – competing in the prestigious Crankworx Festival at Whistler. This year, MacLean also captured the national age-category at the Canadian Squash Championships, marking another family milestone on the court.
“I didn’t beat my mom until I was 13 or 14 – her mental game was stronger, and she could always get in my head,” Griffin said.
He jokes that the roles have now reversed, and he helps coach his mom during matches.
They also joke that “cold calling” is a family tradition – a nod to the Ivey classroom – and MacLean looks forward to them all eventually wearing Ivey’s symbolic rings.
Looking ahead: A return on investment
For MacLean, family ties to Ivey and Western are less about tradition and more about trust in the School’s values and outcomes.
“It’s a return on investment,” she said. “You see the work that Ivey is doing and how critical it is in our society today – creating leaders, analytical thinkers, and people with a broad worldview. With today’s global challenges, we need new leaders and new thinking. Ivey is more than a business school; it’s shaping the next generation. I’m proud to see my kids be part of that.”
