A force to reckon within the legal and corporate world, Radha Curpen has successfully drawn her path as a leader in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) law. Group Head of McMillan’s ESG and Sustainability practice and the firm’s National Client Relationship Ambassador, Curpen has not only shaped policy and governance but also redefined leadership as a South Asian woman in a traditionally male-dominated space.
Fueled by supportive parents and a passion to pursue law, Curpen started her journey as an Associate at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP in Winnipeg, Manitoba, after gaining an LLB degree at the Université de Moncton. She soon persuaded her firm to venture into environmental law, which was not only a pivotal decision for the firm but also set the stage for an influential career for her. “Persistence and determination have been key, as I always adopt a ‘yes, and’ rather than a ‘no, but’ approach,” she shares.
A strong voice for ESG frameworks in Canada, Curpen strongly believes that sustainability and corporate profitability are not mutually exclusive, rather independent, as opposed to what many think. “The demand for ESG information is accelerating, pushing us towards sustainability, including financial sustainability,” she says. Explaining further, she says that today, organizations are assessed by their commitment to human rights, climate action, and social work, and not just by financial metrics.
Beyond ESG, Curpen’s proficiency in crisis management has positioned her as a trusted advisor to multiple corporations navigating high-stakes challenges. She emphasizes the role of empathy and resilience in corporate leadership, saying, “Empathy and care provide stakeholders with reassurance and maintain team morale.” Her innate ability to stay composed under pressure while also nurturing collaboration within team members makes her an incredible leader in a time when we are seeing rapid corporate transformation.
Radha Curpen’s impact extends far beyond legal expertise—she is a catalyst for change in corporate governance, diversity, and sustainability. Her leadership style exemplifies how women can navigate and transform traditionally male-dominated industries, ensuring that the future of corporate leadership is both non-partisan and sustainable.