A successful career is rarely a straight climb to the top. Few people understand this better than Larissa Chaikowsky, MBA ’04 – a leading financial executive, community builder, and mountaineer.

In this episode of Clouston Conversations, Larissa sits down with host Dolamu Asipa, MBA ’26, to reflect on the experiences that have shaped her approach to leadership – from her first leadership role with the Brownies to an 18-year career at BMO Financial Group and, most recently, her work as Chair of the Ivey Alumni Network. Together, they discuss the value of a “just do it” mindset, the realities of navigating the corporate world as a female executive, and the importance of knowing when to pause and take in the view.

Candid and insightful, this conversation is an invitation to rethink what it means to reach the top – and what matters once you get there.

In this episode: 
01:32: From the Brownies to the boardroom 
03:49: Why it had to be Ivey
08:29: When no two days are the same
12:44: A woman’s seat at the table
18:12: What she wishes she knew then 
20:04: The unexpected reward of giving back
22:32: Why an Ivey degree is just the beginning 
28:22:  What mountaineering can teach us about careers 
30:11: The most important skills in the Age of AI

About Clouston Conversations

Clouston Conversations is a podcast series featuring interviews conducted by recipients of the Ross N. Clouston Award. The award is generously supported by Robert Clouston, MBA ’72, and Brendan Clouston, MBA ’79 in memory of their father's legacy of leadership. It is presented annually to an incoming Ivey MBA student who demonstrates personal and academic determination and success in pursuing their studies at Ivey. After receiving the award, recipients are asked to contribute to the intellectual capital of the School by conducting an interview that enhances the diversity of perspectives and knowledge represented within the Ivey Business School community and contributes to the overall intellectual enrichment of the School.

Art and business may seem worlds apart, but they share more common ground than meets the eye – after all, there’s an art to great business and a business to being a successful artist. In this episode, Sarvie Golestaneh, MBA ’25, explores this intersection with renowned Canadian conceptual artist Mitchell F. Chan. Together, they trace Mitchell’s evolution from architect to public artist and entrepreneur, examine the social and cultural significance of avant-garde art, and consider what it truly means (and takes) to push creative boundaries in an increasingly digital world. 

What sets Canada’s venture capital landscape apart, and how is technology shaping its trajectory? In this inaugural episode of Clouston Conversations, host Sophie Tong, MBA ’24, sits down with Brian Kobus, HBA ’00, MBA ’06, Managing Partner and Head of Fund Operations at OMERS Ventures, to explore the current state of VC in Canada. Together, they discuss the unique factors influencing the country’s startup ecosystem, examine how tech firms are driving innovation, and celebrate the energy and ambition fueling Canada’s founders.