What defines a successful investment career beyond performance?

Host Anton Almazov speaks with Brian Madden, Chief Investment Officer at First Avenue Investment Counsel and a member of CFA Society Toronto’s Board of Directors, about the experiences that have shaped his nearly 30-year career.

Brian reflects on entering the investment industry, navigating the 2008 financial crisis and learning to remain composed during periods of extreme market uncertainty. He also discusses how his investment approach evolved from a strictly quantitative process to a multidisciplinary one that incorporates fundamental, technical and macroeconomic analysis.

Beyond the markets, Brian shares why volunteering can serve as a “parallel career,” helping professionals strengthen their leadership skills, expand their perspectives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

From resilience and idea agnosticism to mentorship, integrity and legacy, this episode offers practical insight for both emerging and established finance professionals.

In this special episode of Diverse Dividends, we bring you a powerful conversation originally recorded during CFA Society Toronto’s inaugural Black History Month event. Hosted by Sara, VP, Institutional Strategy & Partnerships at CI, the discussion features two accomplished leaders in Canadian finance: Jacqui Parchment, CFA, former CEO of Mercer Canada and Board Director at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and Deland Kamanga, CFA, Head of BMO Wealth Management.

Together, they share candid reflections on leadership, resilience, mentorship, sponsorship, career growth, and the importance of community. Drawing from their personal journeys—from immigrant families and first jobs to the executive ranks of Canada's financial industry—they offer practical insights on navigating challenges, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for others.

The conversation also explores the role of representation, diversity of thought, and the progress that has been made—and still needs to be made—in advancing inclusion across the profession. With stories that are both inspiring and deeply personal, this episode serves as a reminder that Black History Month is not only a time to celebrate achievements, but also an opportunity to learn from lived experiences and continue important conversations throughout the year.

Whether you're an investment professional, a future leader, or someone looking for inspiration on your own career journey, this discussion offers lessons that extend far beyond finance.

Topics covered:

Leadership, resilience, and career progression

The difference between mentors and sponsors

Building a strong circle of influence

Overcoming self-doubt and embracing challenges

Diversity of thought and better decision-making

Lessons from family, community, and lived experience

Practical advice for the next generation of leaders

In the Season 2 premiere of *Diverse Dividends*, host Sara Loriot sits down with Kristina Fanjoy, Chief Financial Officer at CPP Investments, for a conversation that goes far beyond the numbers.

With a mandate that impacts over 22 million Canadians, CPP Investments plays a critical role in shaping financial security for generations. In this episode, Kristina shares how purpose drives performance at one of the world’s leading institutional investors—and what it takes to lead at that scale.

Together, they explore:

* Kristina’s career journey to CFO and the lessons learned along the way

* What it means to lead within a mission-driven organization

* The realities of decision-making at the highest levels of finance

* Practical leadership insights for building trust, resilience, and impact

* The evolving landscape for women in finance—and how to navigate it

Whether you’re early in your career or leading at the top, this episode offers grounded, practical insights on leadership, growth, and making meaningful impact in the finance industry.

🎧 Tune in to kick off Season 2 with a conversation that truly pays dividends.

In this episode of Diverse Dividends, we sit down with Fred Pinto, CFA, CEO of CFA Society Toronto, to talk about his career journey. Fred shares how the CFA charter shaped his early credibility, how community involvement accelerated his career, and how the Society supports thousands of finance professionals today.

🔹 His path from early career uncertainty to the executive level

🔹 The mission and impact of CFA Society Toronto

🔹 Why volunteering and mentorship matter

🔹 How diversity strengthens the investment profession

If you’re building a career in finance or want insight from one of the sector’s most respected leaders, this conversation is for you.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of finance.

#CFAToronto #CFASocietyToronto #FinanceCareers #Leadership #Investment #Finance #FinanceLeadership #CFADesignation

In Episode 11, Jonathan Durocher, President of National Bank Financial Wealth Management, joins Sara Loriot, CFA, to discuss authentic leadership, financial literacy, and the human side of wealth management in the AI era. Hear how compounding, curiosity, and empathy can shape careers and communities.

#CFASocietyToronto #CFAToronto

#FinancePodcast #Leadership #FinancialLiteracy #WealthManagement

In this episode of Diverse Dividends, host Sara Loriot, CFA sits down with Tanya van Biesen, CEO of VersaFi (formerly Women in Capital Markets), to explore how finance can become a more inclusive and performance-driven industry.

They discuss:

+ VersaFi’s bold rebrand and mission to support over 4,000 women and gender-diverse professionals in finance.

+ The real challenges women face in accessing promotions, opportunities, and flexibility.

+ Programs like Return to Bay Street and student mentorships that shape the next generation of leaders.

+ Why equity and inclusion should live in business strategy, not just DEI initiatives.

+ The role of partnerships, including VersaFi’s collaboration with CFA Society Toronto, in building stronger networks and industry change.

🔑 Whether you’re an aspiring finance professional or a seasoned leader, this episode offers actionable insights on career advancement, structural change, and building community in the financial sector.

In this episode of Diverse Dividends, Sara Loriot speaks with Joanna Simon, Regional Director at Scotiabank, about her unconventional career path from anthropology to international wealth management. Joanna shares how curiosity, resilience, and people-first leadership have guided her journey across startups, large firms, and cross-border advisory roles.

She offers candid reflections on ambition, authenticity, and building a career aligned with your values. Listeners will gain insights on:

Leading teams in complex international markets

Creating cultures where people feel safe to take risks

Knowing when you’ve outgrown a role

Embracing risk as part of career growth

Joanna’s story is both practical and inspiring for anyone navigating their own path in finance

From senior roles in Colombia to starting over in Toronto, Rafael España shares what it takes to relaunch a finance career in a new country. In this episode, he reflects on cultural adaptability, why specialization matters, and how CFA Society Toronto helped him grow his network and perspective. Whether you're a newcomer or navigating a career pivot, Rafael’s story offers practical lessons in resilience, learning, and finding community.

This week, we welcome Sean Etherington, President of CI Assante Wealth Management, to Diverse Dividends. From building a thriving wealth business to co-founding Motionball, Sean shows what it means to lead with intention. Host Sara Loriot, CFA, explores his path, his leadership style, and how meaningful impact happens both inside and outside the office.

🎧 Subscribe for more stories from industry leaders shaping finance and community.

In this episode of Diverse Dividends, host Sara Loriot welcomes Janet Bannister, founder of Kijiji and Staircase Ventures, for a candid and inspiring conversation on venture capital, entrepreneurship, and the human side of investing.

🎧 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How Janet transitioned from launching Kijiji to leading a venture capital firm

Why empathy, trust, and grit matter more than spreadsheets in early-stage investing

The five-pillar founder support platform at Staircase Ventures—an industry-first

Janet’s unique take on risk, drawn from both business and competitive athletics

What she looks for in founders (hint: it’s not just the pitch deck)

💡 Whether you’re in finance, building a startup, or navigating your own career path, Janet’s insights on leadership, resilience, and deliberate growth will resonate deeply.