As we approach International Women’s Day (#IWD2024) on March 8th, 2024, Harbourfront Wealth is proud to uphold one of our core values: equality. At our firm, we believe that every individual deserves equal opportunities, recognition, and respect. This year, Harbourfront’s High Five Ladies celebrates the remarkable achievements of women and fosters meaningful connections through a unique virtual networking event on March 7, 2024.

Inspiring Inclusion: Empowering women in finance

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Inspire Inclusion. By encouraging others to appreciate and value women’s inclusion, especially in the financial industry, we can help contribute to a more equitable world. Women play pivotal roles in conversations about business, finance, and wealth management, and they deserve of a greater sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

Harbourfront’s commitment to equality.

• • 67% women in leadership: Harbourfront is a growing independent firm with 67% women on our leadership team. We recognize the immense value that diverse perspectives bring to our firm.
• • Values of Worth: At the core, equality is one of Harbourfront’s values of worth. We believe in boundless opportunity for all and use this as a guiding light when our Partner Evaluation Team is considering additional team members.
• • High Five Ladies Meetings: New advisors joining the firm are warmly welcomed to our monthly High Five Ladies These gatherings provide a space for advisors to connect, share strategies, and explore opportunities.

Women in finance: a vital imperative

By 2028, Canadian women will control over $4 trillion in assets, according to recent market data. Yet despite this significant influence, women make up only 23% of all financial advisors in Canada. It’s time to bridge this gap.

Insights from Ladan Shokrgozar

Citywire Canada interviewed Ladan Shokrgozar, a Senior Portfolio Manager at Oakwater Wealth Counsel, a practice with Harbourfront Wealth Management. In the article titled, ‘Wired differently’: What advisors need to know about serving women, Ladan shares her unique perspective and how an interest in economics pushed her towards wealth management, though she soon realized the job would hinge on more than analysis.

“I’ve always had an interest in the technical side of it, but I think it’s quite a misconception that our work is all numbers. It’s actually highly relationship-based as well, and very people-oriented,” she said.

Soft skills are vital to building a successful firm, yet tend to be undervalued

“Women are innately wired differently. We tend to be more compassionate and giving, and we are generally great at building and nurturing relationships. We have strong communication skills, and we are generally great listeners,” Ladan shares. “All of those things are very important for this industry, and I think all of those traits are often overlooked.”

Ladan says she believes firms who ignore gender diversity and don’t actively seek to add more women are facing a competitive disadvantage as more women amass wealth and need advice. “It could be rather intimidating when you go into a firm and every single person you’re dealing with, regardless of the level, are all men,” Ladan said in the interview.

“When you see a firm like Harbourfront with such strong women in leadership positions, then you know there’s no ceiling for your growth, and it’s up to you. If you want to conquer it you can, and there’s nobody stopping you.”

Gathering women across Canada for #IWD2024 at High Five Ladies virtual event

We believe meaningful connections are at the heart of progress. As we approach International Women’s Day, the High Five Ladies are hosting an exclusive gathering of like-minded women advisors, clients, and business owners from across Canada.

Why exclusive? Because authenticity thrives in trusted environments

By keeping the event exclusive, we aim to create a space where like-minded women can engage in open discussions and forge more authentic connections that can lead to lasting relationships.

Tech-savvy networking with a dash of fun

Tracey Lundell, a Senior Investment Advisor at Sea Glass Wealth Advisory Group, leads the way as this virtual event’s organizer. Tracey’s passion for celebrating women’s achievements drives the spirit of this event.

“We wanted to embrace the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme – Inspiring inclusion,” says Tracey. “The idea behind this cross-country virtual event is to celebrate the efforts of women who have challenged systematic inequalities to pave the way for future generations. This event gives us the opportunity to come together, share experiences, and inspire one another.”

As an entrepreneurial-minded and tech-savvy advisor, Tracey is infusing this virtual networking event with interactive technologies. While technology enables us to connect virtually, our focus remains on authenticity.

International Women’s Day trivia game on Kahoot!

How it works: Participants can join from anywhere, using their smartphones to play along. The trivia game not only adds an element of fun but also serves as a conversation starter.

Beyond the game: Whether it’s sharing insights, discussing challenges, or simply getting to know one another, our goal is to foster connections that go beyond typical wealth management functions.

Special thanks to Harbourfront’s High Five Ladies for sharing about this virtual event for International Women’s Day!

If you’d like to join our next client event, please reach out to your Harbourfront advisor directly.

Disclaimer:
All comments are of a general nature and should not be relied upon as individual advice. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary may not necessarily reflect those of Harbourfront Wealth Management. The asset classes featured in this piece are for illustration purpose only and should not be viewed as a solicitation of buy or sell. While every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, facts and figures are not guaranteed, the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.