Northern Grit: Stories about Women Leaders in Canada's Public Service

by Ingrid Bergmann, Mary Garden

Northern Grit offers a compelling look at leadership through the lived experiences of women who have shaped government at all levels. Drawing from real interviews and years of executive coaching, the book reveals the challenges, strategies, and emotional realities of public sector jurisdiction.

Structured around key career strategies and vital actionable skills, Northern Grit weaves together vivid stories and practical advice on topics like political acumen, mentorship, conflict navigation, innovation, and inclusion. Each chapter ends with a “Coach’s Corner,” offering reflective exercises to help readers apply insights to their own leadership journeys.

Northern Grit is a celebration of courage, resilience, and the power of diverse voices. It challenges old assumptions and shows what it truly means to lead with integrity in today’s complex public sector. Perfect for aspiring and current public servants, educators, and allies, this book provides inspiration and practical tools for navigating public service—and for empowering the next generation of leaders.

344 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Graeme Williams]

Northern Grit: Stories about Women Leaders in Canada's Public Service promises to be an inspiring and insightful exploration of leadership, resilience, and innovation. Ingrid Bergmann and Mary Garden showcase the remarkable journeys of women who have navigated the complexities of Canada’s public service, breaking barriers and shaping policy with determination and integrity.

Through candid storytelling, the authors illuminate both the triumphs and challenges faced by these leaders, offering readers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of government from a female perspective. The narratives celebrate grit, strategic thinking, and perseverance while highlighting the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy.

This book is poised to become an essential resource for aspiring leaders, public servants, and anyone interested in gender equity and leadership in government. With its combination of compelling stories, practical insights, and inspirational examples, Northern Grit has the potential to leave a lasting impact on readers while contributing meaningfully to conversations around women in leadership.

[Crystal]

Honestly, this was not for me, and it's probably because I misunderstood what the book was supposed to be. I assumed that it would be true stories of female leaders and how they navigate the public sector. What it is is a series of fictionalized scenarios allegedly based on true stories to help shape people entering the public sector.