Five women win expert career coaching opportunities

Women in Capital Markets (WCM), Canada’s leading association for the advancement of women in capital markets, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 WCM Executive Coaching Award Program, sponsored by  BMO Nesbitt Burns and Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions. Now in its second year, this innovative program provides career coaching and development services from Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions to qualified senior women working in the capital markets in Canada.

 “Demonstrating commitment to senior leaders through an executive coaching program has proven to drive business results. It’s also proven to be an effective retention strategy for businesses,” says Caroline Dabu, chair of WCM.  “Having a trusted executive coach helps these focused individuals harness their strengths and provides them with the confidence and self-awareness to achieve their business and personal goals. It’s a win-win.”

The 2009 Career Coaching Award winners are Laura Isidean, Managing Director – Scotia Capital, Heather Kirk, Vice President – National Bank Financial, Sandra Lokoff, Managing Director - RBC Capital Markets, Annie Ropar, Partner - RBC Capital Partners and Laurie Russell, Vice President – CIBC Capital Markets.

The five winners were chosen from applicants across a broad range of Canadian financial institutions. This unique program is directed only to applicants with a minimum of 10 years experience and who have already achieved significant success in their careers. Candidates must be currently employed in the Canadian capital markets, which include the issuing, buying, selling or trading of securities, currencies and derivatives and must demonstrate how the award would help them further their career goals in an environment still dominated by male professionals.

Women in Capital Markets (WCM) is a non-profit organization that aims to support and advance female leaders in business, foster accountability for diversity in the industry, and recognize leaders who have contributed significantly to the advancement of women in the capital markets. Through innovative programming, WCM offers its members diverse and creative opportunities for networking, career growth and personal development, and mentoring and coaching of both students and professionals.

More information is available at www.wcm.ca.