AGENDA

All times in ET

• 8:00 AM

  Registration and breakfast

• 9:00 AM

  Opening remarks from chairperson

  

  Diana Oddi

  Director of Marketing, Communications and Practice Management
  Mandeville Private Client

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  Diana Oddi

  Director of Marketing, Communications and Practice Management
  Mandeville Private Client

  Diana Oddi is a dynamic leader with over two decades of comprehensive and diverse experience in the changing landscape of the financial services industry.  As the Head of Marketing, Communications, and Practice Management at Mandeville Private Client Inc., she leads all marketing and promotional efforts for the Mandeville group and has played an instrumental role in developing the Mandeville brand, digital client and advisor experience, content marketing strategy and core advisor training program.  Diana has been instrumental in empowering advisors, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving exceptional business outcomes. With a deep understanding of the advisor journey, Diana’s leadership has shaped impactful marketing campaigns, enriched client and advisor digital experiences, and orchestrated impactful national sales conferences and elite advisor recognition programs that blend strategic goals with immersive experiences that inspire, empower, and drive business success.  

  Alongside her career achievements, Diana is a devoted community advocate, actively engaged with Wellwood – an organization dedicated to providing support for those affected by cancer. Her strong commitment to volunteerism and passion for enhancing financial literacy, particularly for women, highlight her comprehensive approach to creating positive change. Among other recognitions, Diana’s enduring dedication earned her team the esteemed finalist position for Female Led Marketing Team of the Year at the Women in Wealth Management Awards (2018). She is a frequent contributor to key industry conferences, including serving as Chair of Wealth Professional’s 2023 Women in Wealth Management Summit. 

• 9:05 AM

  Welcome address

  

  Niki Prodanović

  Principal, Operations
  Edward Jones

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  Niki Prodanović

  Principal, Operations
  Edward Jones

  Edward Jones Principal (General Partner), Niki Prodanović is an executive in charge of Operations for Edward Jones Canada. In this role, Niki sets the Operations capability’s vision, strategy, priorities and policies. In addition, Niki is a member of the Canada Leadership team and the North American Operations Leadership team. She sits on the Operations Talent Council and also serves as a member of the Canada Strategic Partner Committee.  

  Niki joined Edward Jones in April 2014 as the department leader responsible for Canadian Securities Processing. The following January, she assumed additional responsibility for the Canadian Service division. She was named an Edward Jones principal in 2018.  

  Before joining Edward Jones, Niki held a variety of progressive leadership roles at leading investment institutions in support of institutional and retail investors. Most recently, she was responsible for leading client experience strategy, development and execution for a discount broker, insurance company and global asset manager at one of Canada’s “Big 6 Banks.”  

  A native of Croatia, Niki graduated summa cum laude from McMaster University with an Hons. B.A. She also earned a Masters of Arts from the University of Guelph and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.  

  Niki has a passion for serving the industry. She is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) Financial and Operations Advisory Section (FOAS) and sits on IIROC’s Executive Committee, chairs the IIROC’s FOAS Operations Committee and the Fundserv IIROC Advisory Council. In addition, Niki has been elected to and sits on the board of directors for Fundserv Inc. 

• 9:10 AM

  Opening keynote: Rowboat in a hurricane – dealing with change and unexpected setbacks

  Imagine surviving a hurricane with nothing more than a rowboat to shelter you. When Julie Angus set off on a quest to become the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland, this was not what she anticipated. But Julie soon realized that to be successful she would need to not just endure adversity and uncertainty but embrace it and use it as an opportunity to grow and flourish. Not only did she succeed but she received National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year award for her incredible achievements. Julie shares techniques to deal with changing environments, including altering our perception, preparing for the unexpected, assessing risks, and improving communication. 

  

  Julie Angus

  Explorer, Scientist, and Best-selling Author
  Open Ocean Robotics

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  Julie Angus

  Explorer, Scientist, and Best-selling Author
  Open Ocean Robotics

  Julie Angus is a leading adventurer, bestselling author, scientist, and entrepreneur. She was awarded National Geographic’s “Adventurer of the Year” award when she became the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland. She has also cycled across continents, rowed thousands of kilometers of coastlines and rivers, and organized an expedition that sailed the ancient Phoenician trading routes. Julie draws on lessons learned in extreme environments to motivate and inspire her audiences to reach their goals and overcome challenges. 

  Julie has written three books, produced several documentaries, and has a graduate degree in microbiology. A serial entrepreneur, Julie has had a successful career in venture capital, business development, and technology transfer. She is currently the CEO and co-founder of Open Ocean Robotics, a marine drone company that was recently granted an $800,000 prize from the Women in Cleantech Challenge to transform how we understand our oceans. 

  Named as one of North America’s leading adventurers by Explore magazine and one of Canada’s Greatest Women Explorers by Canadian Geographic, Julie is also a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society and recipient of numerous awards, including the University of Victoria Distinguished Alumni Award and McMaster University Young Alumni Award. 

• 9:55 AM

  Panel: Financial resilience in a woman’s world – reframing your financial mindset

  Canadian women live longer than men. While this may not come as a surprise, it does affect how women should plan for their financial future. This has never been so pressing than at present, as women are also expected to control $4 trillion in wealth by 2028. This panel will explore important factors influencing women’s financial decisions and discuss what an advisor can do to help women plan for their families’ future. Key questions and themes to be discussed:  

  • How are advisors tailoring financial advice for women?    
  • What are the key influences on women’s investment decisions?   
  • What challenges do women face in retirement, including curveballs, cannonballs, and windfalls?  
  • How to create retirement plans that represent the four key pillars: health, family, purpose, and finances     
  • Putting behavioural finance into practice – understanding your client’s mindset to build a long-lasting relationship 

  Moderator

  

  James Burton

  Managing Editor
  Wealth Professional

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  James Burton

  Managing Editor
  Wealth Professional

  James Burton is the managing editor for Wealth Professional Canada, specializing in stories about investing, portfolio management, financial planning, advisors, and the markets. He is a journalist who has spent more than two decades working for newspapers and websites in the UK, UAE, Bermuda, and Canada. 

  Panelists

  

  Moira Klein-Swormink

  Principal, Canada Wealth Management Solutions
  Edward Jones

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  Moira Klein-Swormink

  Principal, Canada Wealth Management Solutions
  Edward Jones

  Moira Klein-Swormink joined Edward Jones in 2016 and was named principal in 2022. Moira is currently responsible for the Solutions area within the Wealth Management Advice and Solutions Division in Canada. Through providing client needs research, complex case consultation tools and resources, this area focuses on enabling branch teams to connect with clients in human-centred ways to deliver goals-based advice.  

  In 2016, Moira began her career with Edward Jones as a department leader and was responsible for the launch of the Business Coaching Program and Advanced Branch Team Performance Consulting Program. She also served as director of branch training where she led the effort to revamp the financial advisor onboarding program. Moira’s responsibilities expanded to include firm conferences, events & recognition as director of branch team performance. In June 2020, Moira moved to CSG as Director of Goals-based Advice and Program Strategy Leader for the Client Focused Reforms regulatory changes.  

  Prior to joining Edward Jones, Moira began her career with BMO Financial Group as a customer service representative during university and progressed through various leadership roles in banking, corporate finance, and enterprise strategy. Additionally, she launched a coaching and consulting practice in 2012 where she worked with various start-ups in healthcare and fintech, while raising her three small children.  

  Moira earned her bachelor’s degree in English and French from Western University, London, Ontario, Canada, and her MBA from Dalhousie University in Canada. Moira sits on the FSRA Advisory Committee for Financial Advisors and Financial Planners.  

  In her free time, Moira enjoys reading, weight training, cycling, and being active outdoors with her kids. 

  

  Erin Roy

  Principal, Canada Branch Development
  Edward Jones

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  Erin Roy

  Principal, Canada Branch Development
  Edward Jones

  Edward Jones Principal Erin Roy is a member of the Branch Team Market Optimization team. In this role, Erin is responsible for enabling branch teams to start, build and transition professional practices that enable individual investors to work toward realizing their life dreams for them and their families. Her team delivers this by assisting with branch team talent attraction, selection and onboarding, client transition experience, branch roles and branch real estate strategy.   

  Erin joined Edward Jones in 1996. She began her career in the home office as an academic training leader, then progressed to financial advisor in 1998. She became a regional leader in 2003, and then a field-based area leader in 2019. She began her current role in 2023.   

  Prior to Edward Jones, Erin worked at RBC Dominion Securities in the training division. She earned the CFP® designation in 2002.  

  Erin earned a bachelor’s degree in leadership and psychology from Western University in London, Ontario, Canada, and a master’s degree in leadership from the University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario.  

  Erin and her husband, Dennis, have two children: Maitland and Dawson. She is active in her community by serving as chairperson of Rural Response for Healthy Children, a community organization in support of providing services to vulnerable children in Huron & Perth Counties. In her free time, Erin enjoys running and hiking. 

  

  Andrew Sherbin

  Financial Advisor
  Edward Jones

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  Andrew Sherbin

  Financial Advisor
  Edward Jones

  Andrew has been a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones since 2009 at his office in the heart of Leslieville in Toronto, alongside his Branch Office Administrator, Suzanne Liberty.  

  Andrew has been a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) since 2013, a designation he sought early in his financial career, as he felt getting a solid educational foundation is key to ensuring that his work with his clients is focused on what’s most important to them. 

• 10:25 AM

  Networking coffee break 

• 10:55 AM

  Panel: Empowering women in wealth – so you want a seat at the table?

  In an industry that’s traditionally been male-dominated, women are still under-represented in leadership positions. How can we take action to elevate women advisors from executors to leaders driving business success? How do women overcome traditional barriers to advance in the industry? What does a seat at the table really mean? How do you best determine your career goals and get to where you want to be, no matter where you are in your career? Learn from the experiences of successful senior wealth leaders in this engaging panel on what it takes to add your voice to the conversation.

  • Advice for navigating the often male-dominated landscape, overcoming bias or discrimination, and balancing work and family responsibilities 
  • Building the confidence to ask for what you want
  • A look at the critical leadership skills needed to empower women in our industry, like influencing, leading a team, and managing business growth, change, and innovation
  • How to develop an analytical lens and leverage data-informed insights and storytelling to be recognized as a respected strategic leader
  • Moving on up: What does it take to get there? Where do you go from here? 

   

  Moderator

  

  Claire Van Wyk-Allan

  Managing Director, Head of Canada
  AIMA

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  Claire Van Wyk-Allan

  Managing Director, Head of Canada
  AIMA

  Claire Van Wyk-Allan, CAIA is Managing Director, Head of Canada for AIMA, The Alternative Investment Management Association, and also co-leads AIMA’s investor engagement work through the Global Investor Board and Investment Peer Group. She joined AIMA as Director, Head of Canada in 2018 and has over 14 years of professional experience in alternative investments, leadership, strategy and business development.  

  Prior to joining AIMA, Claire was a Business Development Manager, Advisor Channel Sales at RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM), where she covered retail advisors in GTA West. Previously, she was the Manager, Sales Support at RBC GAM, where she built and managed a team across Canada. Claire began her career at Arrow Capital, where she spent almost four years as Regional Manager, covering wealth advisors across Ontario. 

  Having served on the AIMA Canada Executive Committee for almost four years before joining AIMA as staff, Claire has also served as Board Liaison for the Sales Practices Committee and as Co-Chair for the Events Committee. She has been a two-time Co-Chair for Help for Children’s Hedge Funds Care Canada Gala. Claire graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies, specialising in Finance, and is a CAIA Charterholder. 

  Panelists

  

  Tashia Batstone

  Chief Executive Officer
  FP Canada

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  Tashia Batstone

  Chief Executive Officer
  FP Canada

  Tashia Batstone is the President and CEO of FP Canada™, the leading certification and oversight body for the financial planning profession in Canada. Since joining FP Canada, some of her biggest priorities have included promoting financial wellness for all Canadians; improving access to financial planning services; and increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the financial planning profession. 

  Before joining FP Canada, Tashia held senior executive positions at the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and also spent 5 years as CEO of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador. She played a significant role in the unification of the accounting profession in Canada and led the development of the CPA Certification Program.  

  Tashia has been selected by Memorial University as the recipient of the 2023 Alumni of the Year Award. In 2020, Tashia was named in Practice Ignition’s top 50 women in accounting globally.   

  Her belief in giving back led Tashia to volunteer roles at organizations such as the CPA Canada Martin Family Initiative, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, and Girl Guides of Canada.  She currently serves on the Board of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC).  

  

  Julie Martini

  Chief Operating Officer
  Advocis

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  Julie Martini

  Chief Operating Officer
  Advocis

  Julie Martini is Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada. With two decades of experience in the financial services sector, Julie combines her professional background and education in cultural anthropology to form a unique understanding of the challenges, opportunities and human behaviours that are driving transitions in the industry.  

  In her role as COO, Julie is responsible for day-to-day operations of the association and ensuring that all of the systems, resources, and people are in place to support its members, partners, and clients. 

  

  Trish Nielsen

  Head of Partnerships & Business Development
  Worldsource Wealth Management

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  Trish Nielsen

  Head of Partnerships & Business Development
  Worldsource Wealth Management

  Trish Nielsen is Head of Partnerships & Business Development for Worldsource Wealth Management, inclusive of both investment dealers: Worldsource Securities Inc. (IIROC) and Worldsource Financial Management Inc. (MFDA). She joined Worldsource in January 2015 and assumed her executive position in January 2021. Trish provides strategic direction, leadership and guidance for wealth services, business development, and revenue-generating activities for both dealerships. With her team, she champions for advisor advocacy and an elevated partner experience, while continuously driving corporate growth.

  Trish’s career in the financial services industry began in 1999 when she joined a preeminent Canadian bank’s brokerage arm as a full-service Investment Advisor. This solid beginning led into a lengthy tenure as Vice President of Sales with a leading national investment dealer. In this role, she was responsible for multi-divisional sales growth, including online discount brokerage, insurance, and proprietary product and portfolio solutions through its investment arm. She concurrently led an ongoing, holistic practice management agenda with IIROC and MFDA licensed advisors within the dealerships’ strategic channels. Before joining Worldsource, Trish, in the capacity as a Vice President and Portfolio Manager, was instrumental in launching a global private client group’s entry into the Canadian marketplace. This initiative focused on working directly with high-net-worth clients and expanding the firm’s North American presence.

  Trish is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, with degrees in International Relations and Psychology. She has held the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation since 2002, and is a  Level 2 Chartered Financial Analyst program candidate.

  

  Christine Tan, MBA, CFA

  Portfolio Manager
  Sun Life Global Investments

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  Christine Tan, MBA, CFA

  Portfolio Manager
  Sun Life Global Investments

  Christine joined Sun Life Global Investments in 2018, bringing extensive experience in fundamental bottom up portfolio management and expertise in emerging markets, including country macroeconomic analysis. She is a member of the Investment Oversight Committee and the Asset Allocation Committee, and serves as portfolio manager on several of the team’s strategies and funds. Her role also includes leading the evolution of SLGI’s DC OCIO platform and leadership of the Investment Product Specialists representing the team’s investment philosophy, process, and portfolio strategy.  

  Prior to joining SLGI, Christine as Chief Investment Officer and Senior Portfolio Manager at Excel Investment Counsel Inc. In addition to oversight of all sub-advised funds, she had portfolio management responsibility for the Excel Emerging Markets Fund. Christine has travelled extensively in emerging market countries for due-diligence meetings with corporate management teams.  

  Christine was previously Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Gluskin Sheff + Associates, a prominent wealth manager serving high-net-worth clients, where she co-managed a top-quartile, $1.5-billion Canadian equity portfolio. Prior to Gluskin Sheff, Christine was a Canadian equity manager at a boutique asset manager and an investment banker at a major Canadian bank focused on mergers and acquisitions.  

  Christine holds a Bachelor of Science Honours from University of Alberta and earned her MBA with honours from the Schulich School of Business. Christine is also a CFA charterholder. 

• 11:45 AM

  Idea generator: Breaking the taboos – supporting women’s health and well-being at every career stage

  With women facing a host of unique health issues and challenges throughout their lives, introducing a practical, holistic women’s health strategy can help enable better gender balance across the workforce. How can we create an open culture in which women feel supported, confident, and safe in talking about health issues? How can you take control of your own health and well-being in the workplace? Learn how you can benefit from a culture that prioritizes women’s health, and the strategies you can implement in your own team. Among the issues to be discussed in this interactive session: 

  • Women’s health issues, both mental and physical 
  • How small adjustments can have a significant impact 
  • A breakdown of common taboos in the workplace 

  • Strategies to fight fatigue, boost resilience, navigate work-life balance, recognize and prevent burnout, and perform at the top of your game 

  

  Jodi Tingling

  Chief Executive Officer
  Creating New Steps

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  Jodi Tingling

  Chief Executive Officer
  Creating New Steps

  Jodi is a Success Coach, Wellness Educator, and CEO of Creating New Steps. She works with ambitious women to curate and live their ideal lives using systems to optimize time, energy, and health. Jodi also works with organizations to create high-performing teams. She offers in-depth workshops for employees and leaders to develop habits that promote health, wellness, and performance, reducing absenteeism, presentism, and stress leaves. 

   

• 12:10 PM

  Networking lunch

• 1:10 PM

  Panel: Client retention and the Great Wealth Transfer – can your culture pass the acid test?

  It has been well documented that a staggering 85% of women clients and 70% of adult children who inherit wealth leave their existing advisor within the first year. How should advisors respond to and prevent this mass exodus? With the Great Wealth Transfer looming, what can firms do to retain or attract these clients? How can we embed diversity into organizational culture to better tailor our approach to clients while anticipating their needs? This expert panel will enable you to develop strategies to elevate your client management approach with actionable takeaways and a refreshed perspective.  

  • The latest on how the imminent Great Wealth Transfer will affect our industry  
  • Understanding your clients’ needs, priorities, motivations, and decisions 
  • Embedding diversity into organizational culture and building successful multigenerational teams 

  • Exploring emotional intelligence to anticipate your clients’ needs 
  • The latest strategies to attract and retain clients, demonstrate your expertise, and refine your client offer  

  Moderator

  

  Andrea Linger

  Vice President, Practice Management and Head of the Women Canadian Advisors Network
  Raymond James

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  Andrea Linger

  Vice President, Practice Management and Head of the Women Canadian Advisors Network
  Raymond James

  Andrea Linger began her career in the financial services industry in 2010 and joined Raymond James in 2011. During her time at Raymond James, she has grown her career, taking on new roles and increasing responsibilities first within an Advisory team and then in the Practice Management department.  

  As Vice President of Practice Management, Andrea is responsible for managing, facilitating, and designing programs to improve the profitability and growth of our Financial/Investment Advisors across Canada. She is directly responsible for the delivery of various Practice Management programs, facilitating new Advisor training and succession planning programs.  

  As Head of the Women Canadian Advisors Network for Raymond James Ltd., Andrea is committed to advancing the success of our women advisors through professional and personal coaching initiatives, training, workshops, and networking opportunities.  

  In September 2021, Andrea was a story contributor to the Amazon Best Selling Women of Inspiration – Women Driving Change book that features inspiring women from diverse industries. These women are everyday heroes and role models, female entrepreneurs, leaders, visionaries; thought leaders who inspire us to forge ahead, take the road less travelled, and dream big! Andrea was a 2021 Women of Inspiration Authentic Leader Award recipient, honoured by the Universal Women’s Network. The Authentic Leader Award is presented to a woman who demonstrates exemplary leadership and has made significant contributions to her industry.  

  Andrea is also the producer of the national financial literacy talk show, The Wealthy Life. The show helps Canadians live their version of a wealthy life through informative episodes featuring guest experts on a variety of topics. 

  Panelists

  

  Vanessa Flockton

  Senior Vice President, Advisory Services | Client Relationship Manager
  Nicola Wealth

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  Vanessa Flockton

  Senior Vice President, Advisory Services | Client Relationship Manager
  Nicola Wealth

  As Senior Vice President, Advisory Services at Nicola Wealth, Vanessa Flockton is a member of the firm’s Senior Leadership team and is responsible for the strategic direction of the Advisory Services division. She oversees a team of over 150 Wealth Advisors, Wealth Planning Associates, and Estate Planning and Insurance Specialists who are dedicated to providing professionals, entrepreneurs, foundations, and affluent families with integrated financial planning and investment advice. 

  Vanessa’s professional responsibilities also involve holding a position on the Nicola Wealth Board of Directors and serving as an executive on Nicola Wealth’s newly established Philanthropic Advisory Board. In these roles, she plays a crucial part in guiding Nicola Wealth’s overall strategic direction, ensuring the company’s efforts align with its core mission and values. 

  In addition to her leadership contributions, Vanessa actively works with clients as a Wealth Advisor, providing strategic advice to her clients and creating customized financial plans that bring peace of mind to the individuals and families she works with.  

  Beyond responsibilities at Nicola Wealth, Vanessa joined the Board of Directors at the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in April 2022. She is also an active member of the Foundation’s Finance & Investment Committee, leveraging her expertise to make meaningful contributions to the foundation and ultimately the Children’s Hospital.  

  With a career built over 20 years, marked by strong leadership, dedication, and deep commitment to making a positive impact, Vanessa serves as an example of what one can achieve through unwavering determination and a heartfelt commitment to giving back. 

  

  Sara Hilliard

  Chief Operating Officer and Executive Partner
  Q Wealth Partners

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  Sara Hilliard

  Chief Operating Officer and Executive Partner
  Q Wealth Partners

  Sara Hilliard joined Q Wealth in 2020 as the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Partner. Sara is instrumental in leading and executing Q Wealth’s operational and technology strategies, overseeing the service delivery and technology teams to support Q Wealth’s growth across Canada.  

  As an industry veteran, Sara began her career at SS&C (formerly DST Systems) in Kansas City leading the outsourced operations for multiple mutual fund companies. Transferring to Luxembourg, Sara’s business model optimization led to significant growth for State Street Bank in Europe. This led to an executive role at IFDS Canada, where she championed product development efforts, resulting in the addition of several fund company clients. Sara’s executive strategic role at iA Wealth focused on the adoption of fee-based and model portfolio solutions culminating in the acquisition of HollisWealth. Before her role at Q Wealth, Sara ventured into the realm of wealth-tech start-ups as a COO.  

  Sara earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, USA, and her MBA from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.  

  Sara raised three children and can often be found playing beach volleyball, skiing, and sailing. For close to 20 years, she has been a dedicated member of a book club and regularly attends theatre performances. 

  

  Jacqueline Soong

  CFP, CLU, Certified Financial Planner
  Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network

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  Jacqueline Soong

  CFP, CLU, Certified Financial Planner
  Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network

  Jacqueline Soong is a Certified Financial Planner® partnered with Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network (DFSIN). Jacqueline joined the network in 2014 after obtaining her Commerce degree from Queen’s University. She became a Certified Financial Planner® in 2018 and a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) in 2021. Jacqueline is an independent advisor who works with the Ontario Central financial centre, located in Scarborough. 

  Jacqueline is passionate about helping career-driven women and millennials make smarter money decisions. Her mission is to help people achieve their financial dreams and ensure they are prepared, no matter what life throws at them.  Jacqueline combines professional asset and risk management with real-world advice to give her clients the confidence they need to reach financial independence. 

  

  Jacqueline Tung

  Vice President for iShares
  BlackRock

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  Jacqueline Tung

  Vice President for iShares
  BlackRock

  Jacqueline Tung is Vice President at BlackRock Asset Management Canada. In her role, she partners with financial advisors in Ontario to identify iShares ETF strategies to deliver against their clients’ investment objectives. Prior to joining BlackRock, she was Vice President of business development for a Canadian asset manager specializing in sustainability. In her 15 years+ of experience in the wealth and asset management industry, Jacqueline held various business development roles working with advisors and high net worth clients. Jacqueline holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business and completed her undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of Victoria. 

• 1:55 PM

  Speed networking 

  An energizing opportunity to meet fellow delegates in two short rounds of speed networking. Expand your network and make new connections in this structured networking session. 

  

  Diana Oddi

  Director of Marketing, Communications and Practice Management
  Mandeville Private Client

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  Diana Oddi

  Director of Marketing, Communications and Practice Management
  Mandeville Private Client

  Diana Oddi is a dynamic leader with over two decades of comprehensive and diverse experience in the changing landscape of the financial services industry.  As the Head of Marketing, Communications, and Practice Management at Mandeville Private Client Inc., she leads all marketing and promotional efforts for the Mandeville group and has played an instrumental role in developing the Mandeville brand, digital client and advisor experience, content marketing strategy and core advisor training program.  Diana has been instrumental in empowering advisors, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving exceptional business outcomes. With a deep understanding of the advisor journey, Diana’s leadership has shaped impactful marketing campaigns, enriched client and advisor digital experiences, and orchestrated impactful national sales conferences and elite advisor recognition programs that blend strategic goals with immersive experiences that inspire, empower, and drive business success.  

  Alongside her career achievements, Diana is a devoted community advocate, actively engaged with Wellwood – an organization dedicated to providing support for those affected by cancer. Her strong commitment to volunteerism and passion for enhancing financial literacy, particularly for women, highlight her comprehensive approach to creating positive change. Among other recognitions, Diana’s enduring dedication earned her team the esteemed finalist position for Female Led Marketing Team of the Year at the Women in Wealth Management Awards (2018). She is a frequent contributor to key industry conferences, including serving as Chair of Wealth Professional’s 2023 Women in Wealth Management Summit. 

• 2:10 PM

  Networking coffee break

• 2:40 PM

  Fireside chat: Succession planning – an expert guide for wealth advisors on both sides of the succession process

  With over a third of Canadian wealth advisors, who manage 40% of industry assets, planning to retire within the next 10 years, there is a need for effective succession planning, as well as an opportunity for women advisors to inherit books of business. How do you identify a successor and prepare them to take over your business? As a potential successor, how do you find, secure, and prepare for an opportunity to step into this role?  

  • Facts and figures on the need for succession planning in wealth management 
  • Successful succession planning strategies and examples to guide you through the process  
  • How to empower the next generation of women advisors to lead established books of business 
  • The importance of mentoring and sponsorship in preparing for leadership succession  

  Moderator

  

  Carol Lynde

  President & Chief Executive Officer
  Bridgehouse Asset Managers

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  Carol Lynde

  President & Chief Executive Officer
  Bridgehouse Asset Managers

  Carol is responsible for the oversight and building of the asset management business and has direct responsibility for all functions within the Bridgehouse operation. Carol joined the firm in 2002 and has more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. A Chartered Professional Accountant, Carol also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration. Though her “day job” is running a firm that sells investment funds, Carol has also spent considerable time over the past years presenting across Canada and internationally in an effort to spread awareness of the impact of Mental Health & The Financial Advice Relationship – sharing research findings and tools passionately developed from Bridgehouse’s desire to galvanize the industry to do more to protect vulnerable investors. Carol has served on the boards of a number of organizations (industry and charitable). As past Chair, Carol continues to sit on the Board of Directors and is Chair of the Governance Committee of The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC). She also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee for the Lakeridge Health Foundation in Durham Region. Carol is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors. 

  Panelists

  

  George Boahene

  Director, Consulting and Business Advisory
  London Avery

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  George Boahene

  Director, Consulting and Business Advisory
  London Avery

  

  Robyn K Thompson

  Founder and Wealth Consultant
  Castlemark Wealth Management

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  Robyn K Thompson

  Founder and Wealth Consultant
  Castlemark Wealth Management

  ROBYN K THOMPSON, CFP®, CIM®, FCSI® is a financial expert and seasoned wealth management professional. With wide-ranging experience as a professional money manager and wealth advisor in today’s turbulent financial markets, she is the founder of Castlemark Wealth Management Inc., serving the wealth management needs of high-net-worth families and individuals.  

  A DEPTH OF EXPERIENCE  

  With a decade in the financial services and money management sector, Robyn has the experience, expertise, and credentials needed to meet today’s challenging financial environment. She holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, Canada’s most respected designation for Financial Planners. She also holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation, indicating the attainment of the professional standards and expertise necessary to provide money management services to high-net-worth and institutional clients. Robyn is also a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI), the highest honour and most senior credential in Canadian financial services.  

  COMMUNICATIONS EXPERTISE  

  Robyn also puts her financial expertise to use promoting financial literacy, especially for young people through her association with Junior Achievement. She is an accomplished financial journalist, speaker, and communicator, with an ability to cut through financial jargon and simplify difficult concepts for laypeople. With a high comfort level in front of the camera, she was for many years co-anchor and producer of “Investment Television” that aired on Global Television, one of Canada’s most-watched personal finance programs.  

  She has appeared regularly as a financial expert in a variety of media channels, including Global News, CTV Your Morning, BNN Bloomberg, CityNews Channel, GlobeInvestor “Carrick Talks Money,” CHCH TV Morning Live, and CJAD radio.  

  She is a regular contributor to Fund Library and has also been featured in many publications across Canada, including The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, Investment Executive, The Hamilton Spectator, FP Canada, Golden Girl Finance, Yahoo! Canada Finance, and Shaw Connect Investing.  

  An accomplished and dynamic speaker, Robyn has been the featured speaker at such venues as the sold-out “Stock Market Wears Prada” event, hosted by Chatelaine magazine and Golden Girl Finance in Toronto.  

  PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS, PROFESSIONAL CREDIBILITY  

  In addition to holding the CFP, CIM, and FCSI designations, Robyn is a member of the Financial Planners Standards Council. She is a graduate and member of both The Canadian Institute of Financial Planning and the Seneca College Financial Planning Program.  

  She has a depth of experience that includes many years of personal and family financial planning for both individual and family clients, with an extensive background in advising clients on how best to establish and integrate investment portfolios into an overall lifetime plan that also includes tax, retirement, and estate planning. 

• 3:15 PM

  Panel: Embracing artificial intelligence in wealth management – AI: friend or foe?

  Generative artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robo-advisors – what does the emerging rise of these technological advances mean for our industry? What are the challenges and opportunities for wealth advisors? How can companies embrace AI to achieve their goals? Join us for a lively panel discussion featuring the women at the leading edge of AI in wealth as they guide you through the latest wealth management use cases and anticipate future developments in 2024 and beyond.  

  • Exploring innovative and successful use-cases of technological advances in the wealth space  
  • Why should wealth advisors embrace the use of artificial intelligence? 
  • What are the opportunities arising and the pitfalls to avoid? 
  • Discover emerging trends with the future forecast – the latest insights you need to know as a woman in wealth 

  Moderator

  

  Joanna Wolff, CFA, MBA

  Associate Portfolio Manager
  Sionna Investment Managers

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  Joanna Wolff, CFA, MBA

  Associate Portfolio Manager
  Sionna Investment Managers

  Joanna Wolff joined Sionna in 2022 and is an Associate Portfolio Manager. Joanna joined the industry in 2010 and has experience in both domestic and global equity markets, most recently as an Investment Analyst and Investment Counsellor at Manitou Investment Management. Joanna is a contributor to The Analyst publication for the CFA Society Toronto and a guest judge for the Value Investing course at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. She is also a member of Women in Capital Markets and 100 Women in Finance. Joanna earned her Honours MBA from Queen’s University and Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto.  Joanna is a CFA® charterholder. 

  Panelists

  

  Maria Jose Flores

  President & Chief Compliance Officer
  Carte Wealth Management

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  Maria Jose Flores

  President & Chief Compliance Officer
  Carte Wealth Management

  

  Annamaria Testani, CFA, MBA

  Head of Client and Advisor Experience
  IG Private Wealth Management

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  Annamaria Testani, CFA, MBA

  Head of Client and Advisor Experience
  IG Private Wealth Management

  Annamaria Testani is a testament to the power of perpetual motion.  A visionary leader with over 20 years of wealth and asset management experience, she is known as a champion for cultural, digital, and organizational innovation. As Head of Client Experience at IG, Annamaria is continually asking herself and her teams what more can be done to enhance the lives and experiences of clients. 

  She explains her endless curiosity and momentum this way: “When you stop trying, you have inadvertently succumbed to inertia. People who remain in a perpetual state of motion, and continually try new things, that is the key to success.” 

  A lifelong learner and teacher 

  The perspective Annamaria brings to her role as Head of Client Experience is also shaped by her passion for learning. Annamaria teaches an Executive MBA leadership program at Concordia University, runs workshops on active listening and unconscious bias, and studies neuroscience. 

  The pursuit of powerful moments 

  Annamaria sees the client experience as an ecosystem made up of many powerful moments. It’s also at these points where she often challenges colleagues to think outside a binary ‘yes or no’ operational framework, continuously asking “How can we see this differently?” By helping people reframe perspectives, Annamaria encourages her team to overcome perceived obstacles and uncover new opportunities across every moment in the client journey. 

   “The granularity of our approach is truly remarkable. IG clients receive a level of personalization and customization they wouldn’t experience anywhere else. We’re a financial planning firm first. We make sure we’re adding value holistically through all your needs, not just your investment portfolio.” 

  

  Karin Yorfido

  President
  Broadridge Canada

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  Karin Yorfido

  President
  Broadridge Canada

  Karin was appointed President, Broadridge Canada in July 2023. She is responsible for driving overall results and growth for Broadridge in the Canadian market, Investor Communications Solutions Canada, and Global Technology & Operations Canada. Karin previously served as General Manager for GTO Canada, helping to expand the Broadridge footprint in Canada by bringing new capabilities and next-generation technologies to our clients. She joined Broadridge in 2019 through the acquisition of RPM Technologies, where she served for over two decades, most recently as Executive Vice President of Business Development & Client Solutions. Karin also serves as co-chair of the Broadridge Mentorship Program, which fosters the development, future growth, and career enrichment of our associates. 

• 3:55 PM

  Closing remarks from chairperson

  

  Diana Oddi

  Director of Marketing, Communications and Practice Management
  Mandeville Private Client

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  Diana Oddi

  Director of Marketing, Communications and Practice Management
  Mandeville Private Client

  Diana Oddi is a dynamic leader with over two decades of comprehensive and diverse experience in the changing landscape of the financial services industry.  As the Head of Marketing, Communications, and Practice Management at Mandeville Private Client Inc., she leads all marketing and promotional efforts for the Mandeville group and has played an instrumental role in developing the Mandeville brand, digital client and advisor experience, content marketing strategy and core advisor training program.  Diana has been instrumental in empowering advisors, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving exceptional business outcomes. With a deep understanding of the advisor journey, Diana’s leadership has shaped impactful marketing campaigns, enriched client and advisor digital experiences, and orchestrated impactful national sales conferences and elite advisor recognition programs that blend strategic goals with immersive experiences that inspire, empower, and drive business success.  

  Alongside her career achievements, Diana is a devoted community advocate, actively engaged with Wellwood – an organization dedicated to providing support for those affected by cancer. Her strong commitment to volunteerism and passion for enhancing financial literacy, particularly for women, highlight her comprehensive approach to creating positive change. Among other recognitions, Diana’s enduring dedication earned her team the esteemed finalist position for Female Led Marketing Team of the Year at the Women in Wealth Management Awards (2018). She is a frequent contributor to key industry conferences, including serving as Chair of Wealth Professional’s 2023 Women in Wealth Management Summit. 

• 4:00 PM

  Networking drinks reception