At the age of 8, Cellie’s Gonsalves family emigrated from Bombay, India to Dar es Salaam, East Africa. In 1965, she relocated to England and attained a business degree. She married Tony and they have two children and four grandchildren ages 16 months to 6 years.
Her successful track record of building market share, developing, and implementing innovative solutions was achieved in the following roles: In Canada, as Senior Vice President at HSBC Canada; Vice President at Royal Trust; Senior Manager at Bank of Montreal and Colgate Palmolive, and in the UK as Marketing Manager at The Co-op.
In 1998 she got out of the corporate rate race and started her own business. Cyberflowers.com went live in November 1998 and flourished into an international business.
Cellie has been an Executive member of the Inaugural International Goan Convention, Federation of Goans of Ontario, International Goan Organization and Canadian Goan Christian Group.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Although my youth was shaped by my days in Dar es Salaam, England satisfied my quest for education, and idyllic Goa is now our winter escape. Canada’s multi-cultural policy enhanced my cultural awakening and also afforded me tremendous opportunities to join the mainstream, so I happily call Toronto home.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
I have lived life to the fullest, but nothing compares with the pride in my family. Being married for almost 50 years, having two wonderful smart successful children, amazing son and daughter-in law, and four too spectacular for words grandchildren, make me proud and humble at the same time.
3) What inspires you?
I am inspired by the good work and achievements of others and I am proudest of my efforts to make a positive difference in every challenge I am faced. I am truly elated when I can see that my efforts have had a positive impact on so many in our community.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Being a female in a male dominated business world was incredibly challenging. I had to work that much harder to prove myself and be recognized for my achievements while striking a balance between family and career.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My Mom is my greatest influence and I owe my success to her. She taught me the value of determination and how to be frugal. She raised four children while practicing nursing, managing the home and finances, and tutoring children in grade school. She is truly incredible.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
The best aspect of my current role is working with people and making a positive impact on my community. Knowing that I am being true to my deep Catholic faith and giving back to the nation to which I feel so indebted is what keeps me motivated each day.
7) And the worst?
Fundraising. To scale up, a non-profit organization needs money and there is never enough of it. I know that overcoming a reluctance to ask people for money is a critical part of every social enterprise leader’s role, but I find this to be the most difficult aspect of non-profit leadership.
8) What are your long term goals?
I aspire to develop and implement initiatives in under-served communities in Canada and India. My long term goal is to help individuals recognize their talents; to foster their skills; to provide them with the toolkit to be self motivated and pay it forward and to have fun in whatever I do.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
We need to recognize that the US is moving towards a new model of global engagement rooted in self-interest. In response, Canada must become more focused and resolute. Our agenda must comprise of a strategic partnership aligned with American interests, including targeting China’s unfair trading practices and mitigating national security risk.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Barack Obama. I am inspired by his ability to successfully overcome obstacles, by his peace-keeping initiatives, by the books he has authored and his outstanding speeches. He is intelligent, innovative and has an infectious personality, and in my opinion is responsible, trustworthy, courageous, respectful and caring.
