Regional vice-president of business financial services, Royal Bank of Canada
Age 39
What career highlight are you most proud of?
Without question, the career highlight that gives me so much pride, joy and energy is that in every role I’ve held, I develop, grow and stretch people despite experience levels, tenure or background. I don’t shy away from challenging my teams to think big or set goals that might make them uncomfortable. There has been several times throughout my career where a team member thanked me for stretching them outside of their comfort zone—”Katie, you are tough, but always fair.” It is always a moment of pride to witness the growth in people.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
In 2016, I left HSBC Bank Canada, where I started my career, to join RBC. It was a tough decision but later proved to be one of the best professional decisions I’ve made. I felt like I grew up in HSBC, an incredible organization who took a chance on me as a fresh university graduate during the financial crisis. HSBC supported my personal development which includes enabling me to complete my MBA degree while working full-time. It felt uncomfortable to leave behind the network, sponsorship and organizational goodwill I built but I’m glad I stepped outside of the comfort zone.
How do you lead?
I strive to lead by curiosity, empowerment and authenticity. When I was younger, my tendency was to lead from the front, by example and by doing. As I progressively take on more senior roles with larger mandates and responsibilities, I learn to pivot and lead from the back. My leadership style is to give people the tools they need to focus on their most essential work and remove roadblocks within their control. It takes greater discipline, energy and time to empower people to find the answers and make decisions themselves, rather than giving them one.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Don’t be afraid to make informed decisions and take calculated risks. Focus on the process, respect the journey. First step in solving any problem is to recognize there is one. Perfection is the enemy of progress.
Best piece of advice ever received?
“To be fair is not to be equal.” It took me some time and life experience to fully understand the essence of this advice. Once I had that “Aha” moment, it has empowered me to be a more inclusive, versatile and collaborative leader, appreciating everyone has their distinctive journey travelling at different paces especially when it comes to adapting and coping with changes. The key is to be reasonably flexible and customize in a way that caters to people’s individuality and unique needs.
What is your definition of success?
Success to me is to lead a life that is thriving, fulfilling and enriching on all fronts.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
We have a young family. My daughter is almost three years old and getting into more activities. Outside of my professional work and community involvement, at the moment I do not have much personal time. When I do, I like to spend time in my garden, take the time to cook a homemade meal for friends and family and travel the world. This past summer, as a family, we got to spend some time each weekend working in the garden. It is so gratifying to seeing something grow and working with our hands.
What’s left to accomplish?
Lots. For starters, with my recent appointment as regional vice-president co-leading commercial and business financial services, it is not lost on me that I now have a larger platform. As DEI is critically important to me, I aim to use this platform to inspire, encourage and empower more youth, women and visible minorities to show up to lead. It is more important than ever to cultivate and nurture the leaders of tomorrow in an intentional and disciplined way.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
So many people to thank—I’ve been a beneficiary of mentorship and support from the community. Specifically, I want to thank my immigrant parents who had the courage and tenacity to uproot their life and move our family to Canada, in hope of giving my sister and I a better life and education. I cannot thank my husband, Shawn, enough for being my best champion and supporter. He never doubted what I could accomplish even when I second-guessed myself. Lastly, my boss and coach, Martin Thibodeau. Martin has the unique ability to offer best advice in the most approachable, collaborative way.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
“Set unrealistic goals and expect to achieve them”—Tim Singh Grover
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
ESG and DEI are two causes I hold near and dear to my heart
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
Take a long bath; sit in front of the outdoor fireplace in our backyard recounting my day with my husband; clean
Favourite place in the province?
Anywhere close to the water
Favourite restaurant(s)?
I actually do not have a favourite restaurant at the moment—I love cooking at home with a nice bottle of wine
A book or podcast you would recommend?
Acquired by Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal is a great podcast that tells the story of world’s greatest companies, how they started, their playbooks, etc.
What is your best habit?
I am an early riser and I go to bed early
A B.C. business leader you admire?
The late Robert H. Lee
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
My family plays Euchre like it’s our professional sport
