Women in the Financial Industry

Creditworthy: navigating success as a woman in the financial industry
Across generations, women are facing unique challenges in the workforce. This year’s conference will explore common challenges and strategies for success as a woman in the financial industry. Expert speakers will take a deep dive into topics such as ending negative self-talk, taking credit where credit is due, mentorship and leadership storytelling. The event will also feature expert panels on topics including how corporations show their commitment to a diverse workforce and the experiences of women across generations.

Women in the Financial Industry will cost $249 plus tax to attend.

Women in the Financial Industry - Toronto

*Please note agenda is subject to change*

8:35-9:05 a.m.
Coffee and registration

9:05-9:10 a.m.
Opening remarks

9:10-9:35 a.m.
Icebreaker: It was the best advice, it was the worst advice
This session is a chance to network with other women in the financial industry and share the best and worst piece of career advice you’ve been given. There will also be an opportunity to discuss case studies on women in the financial industry.

9:35-10:15 a.m.
Opening keynote: The tallest poppy
Employee satisfaction and productivity are major issues in workplace studies and some research has focused on professional women. But very few studies have looked at the relationship women have with their co-workers and superiors and how that relationship affects not only their productivity, but their emotional and psychological well-being. The tallest poppy remedies that. It looks specifically at working women across Canada from all demographics and professions and how their psychological health and workplace performance are affected by their interactions with both colleagues and supervisors. The results are discouraging and should be a wake-up call for companies and leaders across the country. An immediate change is needed to support women in the workplace, to encourage their accomplishments and shift the culture of toxic workplaces. This session will examine the results of the tallest poppy and include an interactive question and answer period with lead researcher, Rumeet Billan.

Speaker:
Rumeet Billan, chief learning architect, Viewpoint Leadership Inc.



10:15-10:45 a.m.
Networking break



10:45-11:25 a.m.
Unconscious bias and imposter syndrome: Evidence, challenges and strategies
This session will explore how to recognize and overcome unconscious bias and imposter syndrome. Going beyond anecdote, Fiona Rawle will examine data and evidence for both of these phenomena. She’ll investigate strategies for overcoming unconscious bias and imposter syndrome and challenges inherent in doing so, drawing on examples from diverse fields, including finance, medicine, science, academia and music.

Speaker:
Fiona Rawle, associate dean, undergraduate, University of Toronto Mississauga


11:25 a.m.-12:25 p.m.
Corporate commitment to women panel
In this session, business leaders will share their journeys to the top and what their workforces do to encourage more diversity. How do they build a business case that it pays to have women in senior roles? How do they navigate being some of the few women in leadership positions? Panellists will discuss strategies, policies and tactics that work and don’t work and how they think the financial industry needs to evolve to ensure more diversity — moving beyond gender to other forms of diversity as well.

Speakers:
Tanis Feasby, vice-president and head of brand and marketing, RBC Wealth Management
Lori Landry, chief marketing officer, Sun Life Global Investments
Maria-José Perea, vice-president business solutions and marketing, Desjardins
Kelly Roberts, vice-president, national accounts, Fidelity Investments
Karin Zauderer, executive vice-president, head of marketing Americas, PIMCO
Moderated by Melissa Shin, editorial director, Advisor’s Edge and Investment Executive

12:25-1:25 p.m.
Lunch

1:25-1:55 p.m.
Finding power through process: How to manifest success by putting ideas into action
When inspiration causes creative forces to work within us, ideas begin to formulate and we can feel our energy rise. This excitement brings us to the fields of possibility. Frequently, however, we will put those ideas on a back burner or on a future “to do” list or even ignore them completely because we are too busy with everything else we are managing. Or perhaps we are afraid. Not every idea can be turned into a successful outcome, but in a world where differentiating ourselves is so important, what if we learned how to explore those ideas for just long enough to take action? In this presentation, Azlen will share lessons learned from her personal journey of self-discovery and empowerment achieved through acting on ideas, being vulnerable and taking risks.

Speaker:
Karen Azlen, chief executive officer and founder, Introduction Capital

1:55-2:55 p.m.
Creditworthy: navigating success as a woman in the financial industry
This session will feature the results of original research on hundreds of women and men from both the retail and institutional sides of the financial industry and how they navigate success, with a focus on the experiences of women. The research covers topics ranging from negative self-talk, taking credit for a job well done, receiving feedback, mentorship and navigating leave. It will also dig into people’s views on career progression. Alongside this research, successful women in finance will share their comments, insights, experience and lessons learned along their career paths.

Speakers:
Tuula Jalasjaa, founder, The Women's Collection
Cindy Reid-Shelton, co-founder and president, Felix Group
Kim Shannon, president and co-chief investment officer, Sionna Investment Managers
Moderated by Yaelle Gang, editor, Canadian Investment Review

2:55-3:25 p.m.
Networking break

3:25-3:55 p.m.
Fireside chat: Getting on board
Other countries are ahead of the game when it comes to including more women on boards. This session will look at where Canada stands in comparison to other countries and explore the benefits of, and barriers to, diversity on boards. It will also explore how women can get themselves on boards, drawing on best practices and personal experiences of how to strategically find opportunities, make yourself stand out and add value at the board table.

Speaker:
Maureen Jensen, chair and chief executive officer, Ontario Securities Commission
Moderated by Melissa Shin, editorial director, Advisor’s Edge and Investment Executive

3:55 p.m.
Closing remarks and cocktails

Event Location

The Women in the Financial Industry, Toronto, will take place at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, set in the heart of downtown.

Visit the Fairmont Royal York website for more information

Address:

100 Front St W, Toronto
ON M5J 1E3
(416) 368-2511

With further inquiries about event logistics, please contact Wendy Morrison, Conference Editor.

2018 Conference coverage

Find all the coverage of 2018 Women in the Financial Industry Corporate Commitment to Women Panel held in Toronto