Her Story
About Joannah
Joannah Hollis serves as Senior Investment Officer with the Government of Canada, a role she has held for two years. In this capacity, she focuses on international business development, governmental relations, and facilitating foreign direct investment by representing Canada in the southeastern United States and helping companies recognize strategic opportunities for international expansion. Her career spans two decades, beginning with co-ownership of commercial properties ranging from industrial to mixed-use office space and residential development since 2008. This experience, combined with her passion for international relations, has honed her ability to connect the private sector with government and diplomacy. She attended Georgia Military College and Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, following an all-girls boarding school education that first exposed her to diverse international cultures.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Joannah
01What do you attribute your success to?
My faith. Secondly, to resilience, resourcefulness, and a genuine interest in life. My natural instinct for seeing connections - between people and entities - and a sincere desire to facilitate that introduction has made me a trusted partner in creating value for both sides. Above all, I believe you can remain grateful for the immense strides made while still yearning for more fulfilling experiences. My appetite for an impactful life full of success is painfully strong.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Show up. The Woody Allen law of success is that 80% of success comes from just showing up. My mom drilled this into me and has lead by example in my adult years. Many meaningful lessons have come from me being willing to step into rooms even when I didn't know if I'd fit in. And it was okay in several instances to not fit in but I have honed the ability to graciously blend into any environment. Navigating your career can oftentimes seem like one big process of elimination, but having the courage to follow through on your curiosity may cost you in the short term, but pay dividends long term.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Follow your passion and stay vigilant. Know that resilience doesn't always have to be loud or dramatic, and sometimes it's best to just quietly continue the path, develop coping strategies, build relationships, protect your credibility, and remain open to that next season of life you're actively creating. Take chances. Do it afraid. Pivot if necessary. When you believe in yourself, even when few others realize how incredible you are, greatness is destined to find you if you just keep going.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in international relations right now is uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies and rapidly changing technologies make long-term decisions complex for companies. Yet that uncertainty creates tremendous opportunity for a business to re-evaluate where they operate, how they secure their supply chains, and which markets do they truly want to operate in and who is connected well enough to help them sort through the noise.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust is the absolute foundation, and I place high value on discretion, loyalty and kindness. I am drawn to substance over status, although I do not believe achievement and authenticity have to be mutually exclusive. I value a life in which vocation and personal desires are integrated rather than competing interests. Undertaking work that is consequential and demanding is a privilege; doing it alongside capable people who make up a mix of those I have had the opportunity to lead and from whom I can study, is where I feel my values shine the brightest.
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