MBA (FS) – Page 11

CEGE Connection: Celebrating our 2nd Anniversary

November 1, 2018 rbudd 2 Comments

Michelle Hunter, Rebecca & Thomas Budd, Graduation Day, Class of 2003

As CEGE Connection enters our third year of existence, Michelle Hunter and I want to express our thanks for the positive and encouraging feedback that we have received from students, graduates and professors. Our blog has been designed as a space for ongoing dialogue and shared interests, which has enabled us to be ever more connected to our readers and supporters. This coming year, we will continue to feature our remarkable alumni and the pioneering research that is being conducted at Dalhousie University.

A special thanks to Michelle Hunter who celebrated her 25 years of service at Dalhousie University, the same year as #DAL200. Her compassionate support and invaluable advice have been appreciated by all who have been privileged to know Michelle.

“Universities are deeply entwined in the lives of their community, and the history of Dalhousie has been made rich and varied by its people. Dal’s history is shaped by esteemed students, faculty, staff, and alumni – poets, prime ministers, and a Nobel laureate – and by groundbreaking discovery across two centuries of engagements with community.”

President’s Message, A 200^th Anniversary Portrait Dalhousie University.

Dr. Richard Florizone, Dalhousie’s 11^th President

John Waldron: Want a Workplace Learning Culture? Create Frictionless Learning

October 23, 2018 rbudd Leave a Comment

John Waldron, MBA (FS) Class of ‘08

Within four years, 42% of your core workplace skills will be obsolete, according to the Future of Jobs Report 2018, recently published by the World Economic Forum. One way to close the skills gap is to retrain existing employees, but among the 313 organizations surveyed worldwide, that solution ranked only third behind automating work tasks and hiring new permanent staff already possessing the relevant skills. This is a wakeup call to all employees for more skills training.

It is no longer necessary to make a case for learning in the workplace. But to be certain, the report estimates that an extra 101 days of training will be required in order for employees to close the skills gap by 2022. Unless organizations begin aggressively replacing staff or fully automating workflows, employers need to support a culture of learning in the workplace. The best way to do that is to make learning frictionless.

Learning in the workplace needs to be a lot of things: relevant, contextual and purposeful; but what often gets neglected is the learning experience, which is every bit as important as the content itself.

Frictionless learning means having learning that is on-demand and available for when employees need it; having content that is quick and easy to access. A learner shouldn’t have to go through extraneous steps or spend excessive amounts of time just to reach the content. This creates an unnecessary cognitive load, which only encourages the individual to look elsewhere for a solution, or not bothering to even look.

People are busy. And there is only so much mental energy to expend on work and life demands each and every day. How can someone embrace learning that creates so much extra friction and unnecessary cognitive demand?

If, instead, workplace learning is more accessible, then it becomes more immersive. Not in the “virtual reality” sense – immersive in that employees will engage more frequently with the content. When you have an immersive learning experience, education is pulled by the employee rather than pushed onto the employee. They will learn because the want to and not because they have to. Create a culture of learning in your workplace. Make it frictionless.

John Waldron, MBA (FS) Class of 2008
Founder of Learnedly and purveyor of accessible education for financial professionals.

CEGE Connection is delighted to advise that John Waldron has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CEGE Connection.

The Intensive Season 2018

October 16, 2018 rbudd Leave a Comment

Dalhousie-Edit

Summers at the Centre for Executive and Graduate Education are eventful. It is the “Intensive Season,” a much-anticipated end-of term culmination of the blended/online learning courses offered by Dalhousie’s Centre for Executive and Graduate Education (CEGE).

Blended/online learning has the advantage of asynchronous education resources including readings, videos, discussion posts, blogs and audio files. In the months leading up to the Intensives, students share and connect with colleagues and professors via Live Classroom, tutorials, Collaborate, Adobe Connect and Skype sessions. The high point occurs when students meet for a three-to-five-day intensive review session at the end of each term.

The final course of CEGE programs, the capstone, brings participants to Halifax, Nova Scotia. These courses are held during a week-long summer session on Dalhousie’s historic campus.

In a recent telephone discussion, Michelle Hunter highlighted the excitement generated during the Intensive Season, Summer 2018. Approximately 230 students participated in courses offered through the Centre for Graduate and Executive Education programs: MBA Financial Services / Leadership, Master of Public Administration (Management) and Master of Information Management. Courses ranged from Corporate Social Responsibility, Marketing, Strategic Leadership & Change, Intergovernmental Relations, to Managerial Economics, Human Resources Management, Knowledge Management and Collaboration.

The Centre for Executive and Graduate Education is recognized as a Centre of Excellence for delivering blended/online programs designed to enhance the learning experience for professionals. The ability to learn from wherever you are, flexible program options, and a robust support team have positioned CEGE as an innovator in knowledge transfer and exchange.

Achieving the sought-after MBA(L&FS)/MPB(M)/MIM designations, is not the final destination for CEGE graduates. Their influence, as strategic thinkers in the knowledge economy, is a confirmation that continuous learning leads to success and increased productivity. This is the legacy of Centre for Executive and Graduate Education’s commitment to excellence.

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Ann C. Etter: Class of 2018 Welcomes A Second Generation

October 9, 2018 rbudd Leave a Comment

Ann Etter, Class of 2001 John-David Etter, Class of 2018

Ann C Etter, Class of 2001
John-David Etter, Class of 2018

Photo Credit: Centre for Executive and Graduate Education

October 2, 2018, the Dalhousie University MBA(FS) Class of 2018 celebrated the culmination of their academic journey in the graduation ceremonies held at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.

In the audience, Ann Etter watched as her son, John-David Etter crossed the stage to receive his well-earned degree. This was the same stage she crossed in 2001 when she was awarded the identical MBA(FS) degree. Seventeen years have passed between the two graduations, a confirmation that the pursuit of academic excellence continues and evolves within a world of dynamic change.

CEGE Connection reached out to Ann for her thoughts as she celebrates her son’s achievement and remembers her personal journey to acquire knowledge.

Ann C. Etter

September 28, 2018

The Old and the New

I’ve always been interested in learning new things, however, as I reflect on the topic of lifelong learning, it’s words that my Dad said to me in 1972 that have resonated with me for the past 46 years. As background, I was working with BMO in the summer of ’72 and found I enjoyed banking so much that I decided not to return to university to complete my undergrad degree. My Dad took me aside and shared some very important words of wisdom …he said, “I want you to remember that you are never too old to go back to school”. And there it is – 46 years ago – my foundation to lifelong learning!

Women in banking was a lot different a half century ago than it is today. Women were not actively promoted to management jobs in any bank nor were they highly educated. It didn’t take me long to realize that I would have to equip myself with more education if I was to compete for higher level jobs. So while working full time, I went back to school and obtained my undergrad degree. But I couldn’t stop there. I had a thirst for knowledge and continued through the years with bank courses, too many to count, and went on to obtain numerous designations which eventually brought me to the realization I wanted to obtain an MBA. Hence, enter Dalhousie University which had the foresight to introduce the MBA in Financial Services.

I applied, was accepted and started on the journey to obtain and expand my knowledge of the business environment. Dalhousie provided the opportunity to learn via distance as well as providing a supportive network, which is important, especially if one has a demanding job. The courses, tailored to the Financial Services industry, are challenging and thought-provoking. The profs are top notch and available if needed. The networking opportunities with other students was invaluable.

One of my objectives on this journey was to show my son by example that hard work and commitment to a goal pays off. JD, who was a teenager at the time, knew that obtaining an MBA was important to me. He was extremely supportive at home, allowing me the time I needed to study and complete assignments. JD learned the importance of lifelong learning and went on to set goals for himself to achieve educational success. I’m very proud of JD’s accomplishments. I know that with JD’s outgoing personality and commitment to doing the best job possible, he will be successful no matter where in life his path leads.

As for me, you may be seeing more of me around campus. Lifelong learning will always be a part of my life. As I get closer to retirement, I find myself thinking about what courses I’d like to take in my spare time. Dalhousie is doing a stellar job of keeping the MBA (FS) alumni informed of talks that we can attend. And there are a plethora of courses available.

It will be exciting to attend fall convocation ceremonies knowing that JD and I are the first mother-son duo to obtain the MBA Financial Services.

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From the Archives: MBA(FS)Graduation 2000

October 2, 2018 rbudd Leave a Comment

MBA(FS) Class of 2000

Fall Convocation has arrived.

Over the next two days, The Class of 2018 will walk across the stage to accept their degrees, marking the culmination of a rigorous academic journey. This year, students will have the honour of graduating during DAL200, a milestone year that celebrates Dalhousie’s 200^th anniversary.

Eighteen years ago, the MBA(FS) Class of 2000 crossed the same stage, moving on to join a dynamic alumni community during the year known as Y2K. Year 2000 was the 1000^th and last year of the second millennium, the 2000^th year of the Common Era and Anno Domini designation. Year 2000 heralded the beginning of a new century and millennium. Amid the Y2K concern that computers would be unable to transition from 1999 to 2000 without significant and disastrous glitches, there was great optimism.

Year 2000 was designated by United Nations General Assembly, with UNESCO, as the International Year for the Culture of Peace.

“The result of the International Year for the Culture of Peace was the emergence of a global movement involving thousands of national and local organizations and more than 75 million individuals, along with the National Commissions for UNESCO, UNESCO’s Field Offices and some 200 international NGOs.” (UNESCO – Mainstream the culture of peace)

Year 2000 was also named as the World Mathematical Year by The International Mathematical Union, an organization established by Kenneth O. May (University of Toronto) in 1969.

“The first aim of WMY 2,000 is to consider the great challenges of the 21^st century. In conjunction with the International Congress of Mathematicians held in Zurich in 1994, the Commission organized an historical symposium which surveyed the history of International Congresses from Zürich to Zürich, looking ahead to the first century of the next millennium.” (The International Mathematical Union)

The Class of 2000 continues to contribute within a world that has seen transformational changes in the way we connect across the world, from smartphones to social media, GPS apps to streaming. As new generations of graduates fulfill their academic goals, the Class of 2000 has moved forward to embrace mentoring, generously sharing and transferring knowledge and experience to an emerging workforce eager to accept the opportunities and challenges of their time.

“We are celebrating our past even as we prepare for the opportunities and challenges of our ever-changing world. Our legacy lives in the spirit and ingenuity of our people, our contributions to the community and the impact we make around the world. The dawn of our new century is our time to rise — and shine.” DAL200

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Irena Stropnik: Happy Birthday Mary Parker Follett

September 3, 2018 rbudd Leave a Comment

Mary Parker Follett 1868 – 1933

“We find the true man only through organization. The potentialities of the individual remain potentialities until they are released by group life. Man discovers his true nature, gains his true freedom only through the group.”

Mary Parker Follett, The New State: Group Organization the Solution of Popular Government.

Mary Parker Follett, known as the “Mother of Modern Management,” was born today, September 3, 1868, into a wealthy Massachusetts Quaker family. Joan C. Tonn, in the introduction of her book Mary P. Follett, Creating Democracy, Transforming Management, describes Mary Parker Follett as having a warm voice and a stylish wit. Her strength was centered on her ability to listen attentively and enjoy conversations that welcomed a diversity of opinion. She fervently believed that working together, embracing differences, had the potential to generate new thought, new ideas. It was all about collaboration.

Mary Parker Follett was the first woman to receive an invitation to address the London School of Economics and was sought after by President Theodore Roosevelt to be his personal consultant for managing not-for-profits and volunteer organizations. As we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Mary Parker Follett’s book, The New State, there has been a resurgence in revisiting her theories, which cover a broad spectrum from management and public administration to social work, mediation and dispute resolution.

Dr. Carolan McLarney has explored the remarkable life of Mary Parker Follett since her doctoral days. In her May 15, 2018 post, Dr. McLarney discussed Mary Parker’s thoughts on Group Membership.

To commemorate the 150^th anniversary of Mary Parker Follett’s birth, Irena Stropnik MBA (FS) Class of 2012, shared her thoughts on Group Membership in response to Dr. McLarney’s article.

Irena Stropnik:

Irena Stropnik MBA(FS) 2012

Dr. McLarney’s discussion of Mary Parker Follett’s theories on Group Membership has provided me with much food for thought, given our current realities. Many of Mary Parker Follett’s ideas ring true in today’s world. We are in desperate need of ‘quality men/group members’ and effective leaders to navigate the complexities and challenges of today’s world.

In reading through Dr. McLarney’s post, what struck me most was the importance of quality group members – not only willing to give their best but recognizing the importance that combined efforts build and add to the entire group. We must be committed to our own ideas but humble enough to listen to others and see how together, we can come up with an even better idea(s). This seems to contradict today’s individualistic society and norms. We are so busy looking out for ourselves and our own interests, that we fail to contribute to the larger society because we believe that, if the whole is better, we may somehow have less. Rather than judging others, seeing the potential in each other; to show empathy and endeavour to understand a situation from another person’s perspective.

Threaded throughout Dr. McLarney’s post was the notion of diversity (of thought, skill, effort, role) and inclusion (that we all must contribute to a better whole). The current business environment seems to understand this importance, but I believe, continues to struggle with how to really make his happen. How do we take into consideration everyone’s voice, their perspective, their thoughts? To me, the role of the leader is to orchestrate and facilitate this for teams. Whether it is a common vision or goal, or sometimes even stepping back to let others lead…we must consider how we want to function as a society and as business organizations.

“No member of a group which is to create can be passive. All must be active and constructively active. It is not, however, to be constructively active merely to add a share: it must be a share which is related to and bound up with every other share. And it must be given in such a way that it fits in with what others are giving. Someone said to me the other day, “Don’t you think Mr. X talks better than anyone else in Boston?” Well the fact is that Mr. X talks so well that I can never talk with him. Everything he says has such a ring of finality, is such a rounding up of the whole question, that it leaves nothing more to be said on the subject. This is particularly the kind of thing to be avoided in a committee meeting or conference.”

Mary Parker Follett, The New State: Group Organization the Solution of Popular Government. (1918, p.7)

James Christopher Desmoulin: Building Integrity & Trust

August 7, 2018 rbudd Leave a Comment

“It is important for me to apply and integrate the knowledge I acquire because I believe that business it not just about business. I find business is more and more about connecting with people and looking for ways in which to support efforts to achieve individual, as well as, collective goals. It is about building compassionate communities.”

James Christopher Desmoulin

ames Christopher Desmoulin

James Christopher Desmoulin is currently enrolled in the MBA(FS) program and is looking forward to graduating in the Class of 2019. In a recent virtual interview with CEGE Connection, James reflected on how his academic journey influenced his work with Indigenous Services Canada and his position as a Union President in the Public Services Alliance of Canada.

James Christopher Desmoulin:

I always wanted to complete an MBA. Finding the optimum time was critical because I wanted to focus my efforts on my studies. It is important for me to apply and integrate the knowledge I acquire because I believe that business it not just about business. I find business is more and more about connecting with people and looking for ways in which to support efforts to achieve individual, as well as, collective goals. It is about building compassionate communities.

In March 2018, I was invited to participate in a delegation to Guatemala arranged through the Public Services Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Our two-week mission was in association with Education in Action (EIA), an organization dedicated to improving the livelihoods of Mayan campesinos in Guatemala through initiatives based on social justice and fair trade. We worked with coffee producers through targeted field projects to facilitate the sales of fair trade organic coffee in Canada. We were guided by the EIA’s commitment to learn through cultural immersion and community outreach, in the spirit of partnership and respect for Mayan indigenous peoples.

Education in Action is dedicated to strengthening communities. This remarkable organization supports the Comite Campesino del Altiplano (CCDA) education programs, its fair-trade coffee “Café Justica”, teacher’s salaries, its medical centre in Quixaya, San Lucas Toliman, Solola which is situated within the Guatemalan highlands to the east of Lake Atitlan.

This assignment was a profound learning experience. I saw first-hand the daily challenges faced by the Mayan people, most of whom are farmers. Regrettably, the Government of Guatemala offers little assistance in the support of the indigenous Mayan. I had the opportunity to attend discussions where various Mayan community leaders spoke of the difficulties encountered with respect to land appropriation for mining. Mining interests, including Canadian mining companies, have encroached on the traditional lands used by Mayans for farming and supporting families and communities. Land appropriation has created human rights issues and court challenges on ownership. Who has the rights and title to the land, including mineral rights? The issues are complex and date back to colonial times when Guatemala was first settled by the Spanish. The Spanish desired the fertile lands of the Mayans and moved them into the highlands less ideal for agriculture. Now, valuable minerals are the attraction.

There is good news. The Mayan people are voicing their concerns to the government. They are speaking out about employment equality, social justice and land appropriation. I had the opportunity to meet with two senators of the Guatemalan government who are actively encouraging the Guatemalan government to address these land appropriation issues for the individual Mayan groups.

On my return to Canada, I used my Guatemala experience in a presentation for Professor Ray Klapstein’s Legal Course, MBA(FS) program. I discussed a legal case that is currently before the courts, involving a Canadian mining company and Mayan individuals who were injured and subject to abuse by security personal employed by a subsidiary of this Canadian mining company. The presentation was an opportunity to tell the story of the Mayan individuals and communities affected by mining. In so doing, I opened discussions with my MBA colleagues about complexities of operating within a different country and the ramifications and consequences of corporate decisions on indigenous communities. Professor Ray Klapstein reminded our class, “you need to get on the ground and find out what is going on and how it is impacting people which is a part of any good governance and risk management strategy of your organization”.

James Christopher Desmoulin, CIM, AICB, Senior Lands Officer at Government of Canada, received a Deputy Minister Award, the highest non-monetary award in the Public Service for his work as finance officer on the Ipperwash Negotiation Team. James’s focus is on developing long-term relationships built on integrity and trust. Travel gives him the opportunity to encounter new people and cultures and to learn new ways of being. James has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CEGE Connection

Sara Kassim: Contributing to the Success of My Organization

June 12, 2018 rbudd Leave a Comment

“Dahousie’s MBA(FS) was a natural progression in my academic journey, given that I currently work within the financial services industry. I chose the MBA(FS) specifically for its rigorous and hands-on approach to experiential learning. Students acquire practical and relevant skills needed for this sector. Strengthening my quantitative skills, critical analysis and decision-making abilities were true motivators in choosing the Dalhousie MBA(FS).”

Sara Kassim, MPA, Senior Manager, RBC

The phrase, Life-Long Learning, has become a ubiquitous tagline that involves our need to explore new horizons and opportunities. Our curiosity to know what is around the next corner stirs our adventurous spirits.

Adventures, however, are not for the faint of heart, for there is ever the promise of risk, hard work and ambiguity. Applying for an MBA program takes courage and resolve, characteristics that will remain faithful companions on the road ahead.

Sara Kassim, MPA, Senior Manager, Home Equity Financing Acquisition at RBC, chose Dalhousie’s MBA(FS) program to complete a second master’s degree. In a recent virtual interview, Sara shared her vision of life-long learning and why she chose to enroll in this robust academic program.

Sara Kassim

Why did you decide to enroll in the MBA(FS) program?
I have always enjoyed academia (No…nobody is paying me to say that!) Enrolling in my first master’s program in Public Policy and Law kindled my passion and enthusiasm for learning. Graduate studies offered me fresh perspectives and the environment to push the envelope. No idea or theory was too crazy to consider, examine and test.

Dahousie’s MBA(FS) was a natural progression in my academic journey, given that I currently work within the financial services industry. I chose the MBA(FS) specifically for its rigorous and hands-on approach to experiential learning. Students acquire practical and relevant skills needed for this sector. Strengthening my quantitative skills, critical analysis and decision-making abilities were true motivators in choosing the Dalhousie MBA(FS). As I near the end of program, I am confident that the knowledge and experience gained over the past months, will permit me to contribute to the success of my organization.

How has your studies influenced your decision-making? Have you changed how you process information? Are you more strategic?
My studies have improved my strategic thinking capabilities, which facilitates optimum decision-making. Based on both my work experience and learnings from Dalhousie’s MBA(FS), I can quickly identify the risks and corresponding mitigating factors of decisions that need to be made. In this sense, I am more comfortable in taking calculated and prudent risks.

The MBA(FS) increased my capacity to work efficiently, develop and implement the necessary tactics, and most importantly, the aptitude to quickly move from analysis to action (instead of analysis paralysis). I would also say that I live a life of no regrets. My decisions today will be based on current information and discussions with all relevant stakeholders. If my decision changes tomorrow, I do not regret my decision yesterday, as it was based on the most up-to-date information/stakeholder opinions at that time.

How do you keep work-study-life balance?
I maintain focus on what matters; I view things in a macro and micro way, depending on the circumstances. This allows me to remain even-keeled and able to navigate through life in a measured way; my responses align to the level of urgency required.

I am fortunate to have an employer that encourages healthy work/life/balance. They support their employees both through verbal and through actions; they provide opportunities to put learnings to work in the organization to solve everyday business problems. Employees are encouraged to seek personal growth and in so doing, achieve return on investment through career advancement.

When studying, my strategy has been to spend one weeknight and one weekend evening studying and completing assignments. This way, I am not overwhelmed as the time for the intensive and exam approaches. I also like to catch up on my readings during timeslots that do not seem to impact my ‘free time.’ For instance, if I am taking the subway to and from work, I will bring my textbook to catch up on that week’s readings….so if I get 40 min of reading done on the subway, that’s 40 minutes less I am doing at night or on weekends!

Sara Kassim, MPA, Senior Manager, Home Equity Financing Acquisition at RBC, has 12 years of experience within the Royal Bank of Canada. Her interests are innovation in the financial services industry, public finance and accounting, Canadian constitutional & administrative law, ethics-privacy-access to information, equity-policy-law & planning, and public policy analysis. Sara has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CFAME Connection

Alana Riley: Investing in You

May 28, 2018 rbudd Leave a Comment

Alana Riley MBA(FS) 2017

As leaders, we often focus all our energies on building up our teams, executing strategies and, quite frankly, managing demanding work schedules. What is often overlooked is a strategy to invest in our own success. I have found that an Investing in You approach allows us to routinely take a pulse-check to determine if we are thriving or simply surviving. Strategic, proactive and ambitious, Investing in You is a personal marketing plan that prepares us for that next opportunity.

Executing an Investing in You strategy does not need to be as daunting as it seems. In fact, in ten steps you can be in control. Creating a plan with weekly and monthly milestones, accountability and evaluation can be the key to long-term success. When people meet with me to help prepare for a specific role or interview, I recommend an Invest in You strategy that prompts them to think ahead of that next opportunity. Just as the Financial Planner provides a plan for financial health, and a Personal Trainer designs a work-out for physical health, having a coach, mentor, sponsor or trusted colleague who can hold you accountable to your commitments is a vital to the planning process.

Creating the Plan

Step #1 Deliver: The fastest way to get that next role you seek is to be the very best at your current role! In a sales orientated culture, driving results are table stakes. What is your plan to ensure the right people know about your success?

Step #2 Differentiate: How you set yourself apart from others in the same role is not just a matter of sales ranking but how you are creating impact. This may be leading in service, joining committees or work groups, visibility both at internal events and external networking; there may be opportunities to engage on media platforms and seek ways to add further value in your current role.

Step #3 Evaluate: What are the 3 to 5 areas you hope to learn or develop in your current role. How are you tracking to these benchmarks? What are key developmental goals you seek in your next role?

Step #4 Diversify: Leveraging your skillset to find a role you can exceed in plays it safe, however seeking a role that pushes you outside your comfort zone, allows for new learning and development. At the same time, hone your current skills to have impact on your next role.

Step #5 Plan: Now that you have identified specific business lines or roles of interest, formulating a strategy to prepare for the role is the next step. Documenting a development plan will hold you to your commitments. Document your action items from steps 1-4.

Step #6 Learning: Continuous learning will help you grow in your current role but also help you land your next one. Whether you commit to an MBA, CFP, CFA or even daily learning through industry related articles, it is essential to add learning to your plan.

Step #7 Networking: Like the previous steps, networking also calls for a specific plan. Create a network tree, setting weekly or monthly targets with specific goals for networking and interacting.

Step #8 Resume: Update your resume. Be sure to keep it to fewer than three pages and include achievement examples specific to each role.

Step #9 LinkedIn: Your online profile reflects your brand. It needs to be kept current and active.

Step #10 Leverage: Ask your coach or mentor to review your plan for feedback and accountability checkpoints.

Bonus Step #11: Repeat!

Alana Riley MBA(FS) 2017, Senior Vice President, Financial Services at Investors Group, is committed to employee engagement and client centric outcomes. As a success-driven professional with a consistent track record of generating exceptional results while motivating top performing teams, Alana excels within an agile setting, where innovation and strategic thinking are highly valued assets. Passionate about leadership, she fosters a collaborative work environment that enhances individual and team-based participation. Alana has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CFAME Connection.

Maria Artuso: Resiliency and Perseverance

April 17, 2018 rbudd 2 Comments

“Continuous learning is my way of “paying it forward” – igniting in others the desire to always be better, do better. I reflect on the many individuals who provided me opportunities to teach and share experiences within a classroom setting, entrusting me to lead, create, develop new strategies, and contribute in ways that were personally rewarding and eye-opening.”

Maria Artuso MBA(FS) Class of 2015

If you have the personal drive to succeed – you can make anything happen.

I will be celebrating 20 years with my employer in June! Considering I had absolutely no desire or interest in banking or the financial industry, I see my journey as one of many experiences, with variety and generality vs. specialization as being the spice of life. I have had the great fortune of mentors who cared deeply about my career aspirations. I have held a variety of roles over my tenure, each move leading me into more senior roles. Looking back, I find it amazing, yet very rewarding, how one can adapt to increasing responsibility, face gender differences as a result of the evolving financial industry and societal expectations and have the unceasing need to change/adapt/pivot/execute.

I love the world we are in, albeit uncomfortable at times. I appreciate the mantra of “fail fast” as this gives us permission to have experiences, realizing that not everything will come together perfectly. It is okay to make mistakes if we learn from them. Sometimes we need to be satisfied at 80% vs. 100% completion. Being someone who is risk-aware, self-aware, and change-friendly, I have always felt the need to try new things, with calculated risk of course (this is not shocking!). I have an internal ‘firecracker’ that truly does not settle for second best.

My time at DAL, although overwhelming at first, considering I did not have an undergraduate degree when I applied, was a life-changing experience that is forever implanted in my memory bank. Complete strangers, who I now call friends, taught me that settling in life is not an option, and the broader world provides experiences that are sometimes not even a thought, but can certainly become a memory. I was encouraged to take risks, to stretch personal and professional growth, and challenge the status quo for the betterment of all those around me.

Lifelong and Continuous Learning

I was raised in a family where my parents did not have the educational opportunities that I have experienced. As new immigrants to Canada, my parents chose work out of the sheer need to survive and raise their children. They experienced many firsts in a new country that did not offer many familiarities. Their resiliency and perseverance instilled within me a personal desire and commitment to continue to learn and fuel my yearning for knowledge. In turn, I am dedicated to give back to local community organizations and peers within my organization.

Continuous learning is my way of “paying it forward” – igniting in others the desire to always be better, do better. I reflect on the many individuals who provided me opportunities to teach and share experiences within a classroom setting, entrusting me to lead, create, develop new strategies, and contribute in ways that were personally rewarding and eye-opening. I am very fortunate to be in a place that fosters life-long learning. I take nothing for granted.

What is my next journey? Time management skills and working at a higher capacity was a legacy of my years with Dalhousie and certainly a foundation for what I am proud of today. I went on to achieve the Fellowship of CSI and am seriously contemplating my PhD over the next couple of years. Higher education stretches us and creates a strategic mindset that influences our thought processes and reasoning abilities. I now approach scenarios thoughtfully with an interdisciplinary perspective, open to a variety of bias’s and filtering information to come up with the most comparable results and outcomes. I appreciated Dalhousie’s open and respectful environment that generated meaningful discussions. I am proud to have leveraged the outcomes of my MBA(FS) years in my day-to-day professional career.

How do you integrate creativity in a structured environment?

Working in a highly regulated, policy driven, client focused, for-profit organization may, for some, feel like an environment where once ideas are “fully baked,” they are shared like a gift, wrapped in a box with a bow, and accepted without question. My belief is that in today’s working environment, organizations seek out individuals who offer creative suggestions and engage with co-workers to work together to make things better. You need to be open to an environment that fosters dialogue, challenges one’s thoughts respectfully, and leaves no possibility or opportunity to chance. I believe that flexibility allows for fresh possibilities. The key is to be open to providing candid, authentic feedback. Encouraging others to have a voice makes a real and significant difference in shaping a path forward—particularly as the financial services industry continues to undergo accelerated transformation. Rapid change is the new normal. To adapt and thrive within a complex and unpredictable environment, we must continue to get the support and give the support. Creativity is built upon perseverance. Resiliency is the outcome of our commitment to bring our best to the responsibilities given to each of us.

Maria Artuso MBA(FS) 2015, Manager, Financial Planning at RBC Royal Bank, was recently named one of Ottawa’s Top 40 under 40 business professionals. She looks forward to beginning her new role in April 2018 as Director, Business Enablement and Performance within RBC Insurance. A successful, highly motivated business leader with a track record of success in the fields of operational effectiveness, retail banking, commercial banking, and leadership, Maria is dedicated to giving back to her community, believing that her volunteerism enhances her job performance and life experiences. Maria has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CFAME Connection.

Category: Anniversaries