In Own It! Canadian author and litigator Sylvie Rodrigue draws on her own personal struggles to inspire women to embrace their success and passions with confidence.
With a career defined by conviction, courage and unwavering belief in personal agency, Sylvie Rodrigue is known for her sharp legal mind and deeply reflective voice.
Rodrigue speaks candidly in an exclusive interview with City Life about what it means for women to truly own their lives — professionally and personally. Her perspective is rooted not only in success but in her own lived experience: the moments of discomfort, risk and self-doubt that shaped her into the leader she is today.
Rodrigue champions intentional decision-making, urging women to define their own goals and actively steer their paths forward rather than waiting for opportunity or permission. She believes that real growth happens outside of comfort zones, where fear becomes a catalyst rather than a constraint.
Even after years of practice, Rodrigue acknowledges that doubt still arises — but she reframes it as fuel for growth. Own It!: Lessons Every Woman Should Know offers powerful insights and reminders aimed at the next generation of women. One of those insights is that confidence is not fixed but can be built, choice by choice, on a foundation of trust in one’s own abilities.
Q: Tell us a bit about your childhood and anything you feel shaped you into the person you are today.
A: I was adopted as a baby and have never known my true origins, which has often caused deep insecurities. While my adoptive family didn’t have much, I do have some beautiful childhood memories. At the same time, growing up with limited means often left me feeling like an imposter among my peers. In response, I pushed myself to be first in everything — to get the highest grades and to prove both to myself and to others that I belonged. With each accomplishment, my confidence grew, and that’s how I knew I could one day become a lawyer. Leaving home at 16 was another defining moment in my life. It forced me to become independent and resilient at a very young age. It allowed me to understand the importance of being the master of my own destiny. That said, I don’t see my story as extraordinary. So many women face far tougher challenges and still find ways to persevere, grow and succeed. If anything, my experiences have reinforced my belief in the strength and resilience women carry.
“WRITING THIS BOOK BECAME A WAY TO PROCESS THAT MOMENT, TO REFLECT AND TO RECLAIM MY VOICE. IT WAS BOTH THERAPEUTIC AND LIBERATING.”
Q: What was the No. 1 reason you wanted to write this book?
A: When I was approached to write Own It! I was at one of the lowest points of my life, and I wanted to walk away from everything, including the responsibilities I had worked so hard to earn. But with the encouragement of my husband, I realized I had one more lesson to learn — and to share. Writing this book became a way to process that moment, to reflect and to reclaim my voice. It was both therapeutic and liberating. In the end, Own It! became the book I needed during that time, and it’s the one I hope will help other women when they need it most.
Q: Can you share actionable insights and takeaways from the book that our readers can bring into 2026?
A: One of the key strategies from Own It! is to overcome self-doubt by shifting your inner dialogue. This won’t happen overnight, but daily practices can help you get there. Start with “gratitude journalling” — it’s simple but powerful. Writing down three things you’re proud of or grateful for each day trains your mind to focus on your strengths instead of your fears. I also encourage women to do at least one uncomfortable thing each week to practice stepping out of their comfort zone. This helps you identify what challenges or triggers you have and develop the confidence and strategies to respond effectively. You can never overestimate the power of planning. I highly recommend writing down your personal and professional short-term, medium-term and long-term goals, and the actions you’ll take to achieve them. After you’ve done this, identify the “white noise” you heard. Classify these thoughts into pessimism/negativity, jealousy or genuine concerns, and for each identify at least one mentor, ally or resource you can lean on for support.
Q: What is the main takeaway from your book?
A: I want readers to know that you are capable of more than you think — even in the face of adversity, fear or self-doubt. You can overcome imposter syndrome, confront intimidation and achieve success without waiting for validation or permission. Own It! is about stepping fully into your power, trusting yourself and leading with confidence, no matter your job or profession.
