Mackie L. Vadacchino is the CEO of Bioforce Canada Inc., maker and supplier of A. Vogel, a line of clinically-researched, fresh plant-based products that offer Canadians a natural alternative to prescriptions medications.

What is the mandate of A-Vogel health products?  

A. Vogel has a long-standing history of developing high quality, science-based remedies, which began in 1923 in Basel Switzerland when health products were first sold by the company’s founder and namesake, Alfred Vogel – a phytotherapist, naturopath and a pioneer in natural health. 

Today, A. Vogel natural health products are sold in 30 countries worldwide and still meet Alfred Vogel’s exacting standards; an important factor in the company’s reputation for excellence among natural health products. 

What does a typical Thursday look like for you, starting from when you wake up – to heading to bed?  

I try to follow our founder, Alfred Vogel’s principle to follow nature’s example and try to find the balance between tension and relaxation, between activity and rest, between intellectual and physical activity. 

Following his principle is easier said than done, but with that said, on Thursdays I make a huge effort to go to the gym. So in order to get everything into my day I’m up at 6:00 am and head out by 6:30. I work out, shower, get ready, have some breakfast and get to the office by 9:00 am.  Once at the office I do a walk around to say good morning to everyone on our team.  All our people are so devoted and dedicated that it is a pleasure to see their smiling faces.   

Once I finish my rounds I head up to my office, open my computer where I have many emails already waiting for me.  Since our head office is in Switzerland it means that everyone from my boss to the research department to QA and marketing have a three hour jump on us by the time our day starts. Plus we also have a few early birds in the Canadian team too (especially in Ontario), so my inbox is filled with information.  I try to get to urgent emails and then I am usually booked for meetings either with my management team, marketing team or a client meeting in the late morning.   

Once I finally make it back to my desk I eat a quick lunch and try to catch up on additional emails I may have received throughout the morning. In the afternoon, I work on preparing presentations for clients or for my employees.  We have regular National Sales Meetings or conference calls with our reps across Canada. Meetings with suppliers are usually scheduled for late afternoon and then back to emails!!  I easily receive 100 or more emails a day, but I do find emails an efficient way to get information to many people right across Canada (and the world). For an International company like ours it is truly an invaluable tool. I try to leave the office by 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. I am truly blessed to have a completely supportive husband who is also a great chef.  I am lucky enough to come home to a good nutritious dinner prepared from scratch and with low sodium alternatives like Herbamare.  This…Alfred Vogel would approve of! My husband and I have been married for 27 years, but we still seem to have lots to yak about when we get home.  We then try to watch some TV together or I might read my paper. Since I am a real night owl, I often get back on the computer to stay current on emails. (Our Vancouver and Calgary gang is still working!!). Finally, after all the catching up is complete I am off to bed where I read a few pages of a good book and fall into a nice deep and restful sleep. 

What was your first job out of school?

My very first job was as a Bank Teller.  Since I lost both my parents at the age of 13, I had to go out to work right after high school. But from this job I met Morty Brownstein; owner of Brown’s Shoe Shops and got a break to become a shoe buyer for the number one fashion shoe retailer in Canada.  

What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?

I would have to say being a good, active listener for both my clients and employees is extremely valuable.  Decision making/problem solving skills are also key as things move so fast at our company that there isn’t much room to waste time; and finally…persistence and determination to get things done. 

What do you love most about your career?

Everything!!   Over the years I have had a chance to work in many industries and do many things.  All have contributed to me being able to now be in the best job in Canada.  A. Vogel has an incredible human oriented philosophy and values that truly meet my own.  The people that work for A. Vogel, be it in Canada or any of the 30 countries around the world are all REAL people with incredible integrity and respect for each other.  Our products are of the highest quality made only from fresh, organic and natural plants.  Who could ask for anything more in a job!!  

In recent months, what are you most proud of?

Following in the footsteps of the previous Canadian CEO who had been with A. Vogel for over 12 years, I am proud to have been able to pick up where he left off; be accepted by the team; and taken A. Vogel to new, higher growth levels.  

Do you have any warnings?

Don’t be lured into a job for money alone. Look for a place that really reflects your values and philosophy and respects you for who you are. Success and money will flow from it naturally.  

If you could try a different career on for a year, what would it be?

Probably politics.

There is so much to be done and so few women in politics now.  I really feel that more women should and must get involved if real change is to happen.  Just as we influenced the business world so much over the last 30 years because of our involvement and sheer numbers, it is a must for us to get involved in politics to bring true change to our world.