Leader Circle

Leader Circle Interview | Career Story Sharing: A Senior Trader’s 17-Year Journey at Scotiabank | Final Part Part IV: Moving from Market Risk to Sales & Trading Q13. What should a Market Risk Analyst focus on to transition into Sales & Trading? C: Deepen market understanding, refine technical skills, and sharpen communication. Market risk insights let you better assess trading risks and develop stronger strategies in a high-intensity trading environment. Q14. Beyond CFA and CMT, what other skills or certifications do you recommend? C: Data analytics/programming tools like VBA, Python, and Power BI are invaluable for efficient workflows and advanced modeling. These offer a competitive edge in quantitative and strategic roles. Q15. Why does market risk expertise benefit someone in Sales & Trading? C: Sales teams can give more precise recommendations, and traders can manage exposure and hedging decisions more effectively. Understanding risk is critical for stability and profitability in volatile markets. Conclusion: Our guest—a Managing Director at Scotiabank—demonstrates how to thrive in Sales and Trading while championing mentorship and diversity. From her days as an international student to managing large trades and strategic initiatives, she attributes her success to clear career goals, continuous learning, and a robust network. By actively mentoring and volunteering, she’s paving the way for a more inclusive financial sector. We hope her story inspires you to leverage Leader Circle’s resources for career growth and to foster an environment where professionals of all backgrounds can excel. Together, let’s shape a brighter future for Canadian finance through innovation, diversity, and collaboration!

Leader Circle Interview | Career Story Sharing: A Senior Trader’s 17-Year Journey at Scotiabank | Part 2 Part II: Challenges & Adaptation as an International Student Q7. What challenges did you face as an international student entering Canada’s job market? C: Building a professional network was tough, and cultural barriers added complexity. I participated in events, connected with professionals online, and honed my communication to bridge gaps and gain referrals. Q8. Which skills or strategies helped you land your first equity derivatives role? C: Networking and self-advocacy. I attended industry gatherings, contacted alumni, and practiced articulating my strengths. By making my skills and enthusiasm clear, I stood out among applicants. Q9. What advice would you offer international students looking to start a career in Sales and Trading? C: Seek Sales and Trading internships for hands-on experience and potential full-time offers. Develop financial modeling and data analysis skills, and join industry competitions. Proactively expand your network through events, clubs, and LinkedIn connections. Part III: Leader Circle Impact & Volunteer Work Q10. What drove your commitment to advocating for women in business, earning you the WCM Executive Leaders Award? C: Being one of the only women on the trading desk motivated me to help more women navigate finance. My experience showed me how vital visible role models and support systems are in attracting and retaining female talent. Q11. Can you share a few initiatives that support female talent in capital markets? C: I joined the Scotia Women Initiative, helping organize “Capital Markets 101” for women-led businesses. I also volunteered for VersaFi as a professional development coordinator and chaired Scotiabank GBM’s Mentorship Program—each providing direct guidance and education to emerging female leaders. Q12. How does Leader Circle help young professionals who struggle to find mentors or networking opportunities? C: Leader Circle hosts regular networking events, mentors, and skill-building workshops. These programs accelerate professional growth, offering the connections and resources newcomers often lack.

Leader Circle Interview | Career Story Sharing: A Senior Trader’s 17-Year Journey at Scotiabank | Part 1 We’re pleased to introduce a seasoned finance professional Catherine Zhang, who has advanced from management trainee to Managing Director for Delta One and Corporate Derivatives Trading at Scotiabank over 17 years. Once an international student, she built her career in Sales and Trading, while championing mentorship and diversity. Below, she shares concise insights on career growth, skills development, and fostering an inclusive work environment. Part I: Career Transition & Growth Q1. You’ve had a 17-year journey at Scotiabank. Which experiences have been most surprising or rewarding? C: Mentoring young talents—especially women—has been the most rewarding. Volunteering with VersaFi (formerly WCM) and chairing the Scotiabank GBM Mentorship Program allowed me to see new professionals grow and succeed, reinforcing the power of guidance and diversity in finance. Q2. What does a typical day look like as Managing Director for Delta One and Corporate Derivatives Trading? C: I start around 7:30 AM with a market call, then assess risk positions and respond to pricing requests during the day. After closing, I review P&L and ensure trades are properly booked. I also work on strategic initiatives to drive business growth and collaborate with other teams. Q3. How do you keep evolving in a fast-paced environment like Sales and Trading? C: Early on, I focused on product expertise and earned CFA/CMT designations. As I advanced, leadership, communication, and organizational influence took priority. Staying current with market trends, learning from colleagues, and engaging in ongoing professional development help me adapt to industry changes. Q4. How is your performance measured, and what strategies help you exceed expectations? C: Primary metrics include P&L, client relationships, leadership, and cross-team collaboration. To exceed targets, I stay ahead of market changes, practice strong risk management, invest in team development, and align efforts with broader organizational goals. Q5. What qualities stood out in a recent hire you enjoyed working with? C: Exceptional communication and a proactive mindset. He explained complex ideas succinctly and took ownership of new initiatives. His willingness to collaborate and propose improvements went beyond his formal responsibilities, making him a standout contributor. Q6. Which publications or resources do you follow for market and investment updates? C: Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal provide timely, in-depth news and analysis, essential for tracking fast-moving developments.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐬 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲? 🚩𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 - 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫🚩 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Together, we envision a future where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is the norm,and every voice has the opportunity to lead and inspire positive change.

🚩𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 - 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫🚩 Meet Jason Parker, CFA, FCSI, Vice-President and Portfolio Manager of Fixed Income at iA Global Asset Management with 25+ years in Capital Markets. Jason actively supports diversity and mentorship through roles with CFA Society Toronto, Women in Capital Markets, and as the founder of Leader Circle’s toastmasters program, empowering women and immigrants in finance. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Together, we envision a future where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is the norm,and every voice has the opportunity to lead and inspire positive change.

Leader Circle Interview | Volunteer Journey with Donson B. Yang, QAFP®,PFP®, ｜Final Part Part 4: Advice for Future Volunteers Q7: What are your expectations for your own career and future? Donson: As an investment professional, I hope to naturally apply the experiences I’ve accumulated over the years to my career. While Leader Circle’s activities don’t overlap directly with my professional skills, I firmly believe that nothing I’ve done has been in vain. Every experience has contributed to shaping different facets of myself. By steadily accumulating knowledge and skills, I know these experiences will have a significant impact on my future endeavors. Q8: What advice or expectations do you have for the future of Leader Circle? Donson: My advice can be summed up in five words: stay true to your purpose. From the very beginning, Leader Circle was established to foster friendships, mutual support, and skill development. However, as the organization grows, it’s natural to face more complexities, such as making tough decisions or focusing on results. This is a normal part of any organization’s evolution. Sometimes, scaling up requires a more aggressive approach, and leadership decisions may not always align. Despite these challenges, I would encourage the team to always remember why Leader Circle was founded. Stay focused on your original goals, and trust that the rewards will come naturally when the foundation is strong. Part 5: Feedback as the Biggest Donor Q9: As Leader Circle’s biggest donor, are you satisfied with the organization? Donson: I’ve never expected any return from my contributions to Leader Circle, so there’s no dissatisfaction. If I had to evaluate the organization’s donor management from a performance perspective, I would agree with Gao Zizheng’s feedback. Conclusion: Donson’s journey exemplifies the true spirit of volunteering—helping others while growing personally and professionally. His experiences demonstrate how volunteering can be both rewarding and transformative. We are deeply grateful for Donson’s contributions to Leader Circle and his valuable advice for the team’s future. His story will undoubtedly inspire more people to join this incredible community and make a meaningful difference. With his guidance and support, we believe Leader Circle’s future is brighter than ever.

Leader Circle Interview | Volunteer Journey with Donson B. Yang, QAFP®,PFP®, ｜Part 2 Q3: When you decided to step down from the Core Team, was there anything you found hard to let go of? Donson: My five years at Leader Circle were filled with incredible memories—from designing the initial structure of the organization to witnessing its steady growth. These experiences are truly precious to me. That said, I didn’t feel particularly reluctant to step down. Leader Circle is a community at its core. Stepping down from the Core Team didn’t mean leaving the organization entirely. The decision was purely based on my increasingly busy work schedule, which made it difficult to commit fixed hours to Leader Circle’s activities. However, whenever I have the time or when the team needs help, I’ll always be happy to contribute. Part 3: Personal Growth and Rewards Q4: How has your experience at Leader Circle influenced your personal growth? Donson: My experience at Leader Circle has significantly deepened my understanding of leadership. In my professional career, most of my leadership experience has been focused on leading small teams of elites to complete specific tasks. However, at Leader Circle, I learned how to guide a large group of volunteers towards bigger goals from a broader, more strategic perspective. This shift—from doing everything myself to supporting and empowering others as a leader—has profoundly impacted how I view leadership and teamwork in all aspects of my life. Q5: What was your greatest reward from being part of Leader Circle? Donson: The greatest reward for me has been the friendships I’ve built and the joy I’ve experienced through volunteering. These rewards mean much more to me than any measurable skills or assets. It’s the connections and shared experiences that truly matter. Q6: Has your perspective on volunteering changed? Donson: Not really. I’ve been volunteering since I was young, and I’ve always seen it as something similar to an elective course in university. As long as you have the time to participate, you’ll always benefit from the experience. I believe volunteering is a long-term journey. It’s not something you can fully appreciate by doing just once or twice—it’s the accumulation of experiences over time that makes it truly meaningful.

Leader Circle Interview | Volunteer Journey with Donson B. Yang, QAFP®,PFP®, ｜Part 1 We are honored to interview Donson, one of the founding Core Members of Leader Circle. From the very beginning, Donson was invited by Echo to co-found this incredible organization, contributing significantly to the early-stage construction and leading the team’s development. As a seasoned professional in the investment industry, Donson shares his inspiring volunteer experience, personal growth, and valuable advice for the future of Leader Circle. Here is an in-depth look into his journey. Part 1: Motivation and Inspiration Q1: Why did you join the Core Member team of Leader Circle? Donson: From the very beginning, I was invited by Echo to co-found Leader Circle, and I was eager to participate for a few key reasons: Firstly, I believe participating in Leader Circle is a meaningful opportunity. It’s not only about helping others but also about self-improvement. I’ve always held the mindset that volunteering shouldn’t be about expecting returns. Instead, if you put in the effort, growth and rewards will naturally follow. Secondly, volunteering is something that has always been natural to me. From a young age, I have been involved in various volunteer activities. I see volunteering as a natural way of contributing to others. I also firmly believe that helping others is a two-way street—when you help someone achieve their goals, you automatically gain your own rewards without even asking for them. Part 2: Experience as a Core Member Q2: What was the biggest challenge during your time as a Core Member? Donson: Time management was always the biggest challenge for me. As my job is client-based, my schedule was often inflexible, and I had to rely on fragmented time to contribute to Leader Circle. As my career progressed, the amount of free time I could dedicate to volunteering became even more limited. In the early days of Leader Circle, we had very few volunteers, and the organizational structure and processes were still in the formative stages. The Core Team, with just a handful of people, had to design the entire operational framework of Leader Circle. I remember those days being incredibly busy—my time was squeezed out of every corner of my schedule. However, as the team grew larger and more volunteers joined, I gradually learned how to lead more effectively. I shifted from micromanaging every detail to trusting the team and empowering them. I learned to “buff” the team and provide support, rather than trying to oversee every single task myself. This transformation was a major milestone in my leadership journey.

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How can international students make a breakthrough in the financial industry? Leader Circle Interview | Career Insights with Julie | Final Part 🙌 Leader Circle’s Impact and Career Advice Q8: How did your university experience prepare you for credit analysis and asset management? Julie: My time at Toronto Metropolitan University laid a solid foundation for my career. I gained essential skills like financial modeling and VBA programming, which are crucial for roles in credit analysis and asset management. I also learned about trading different financial assets and developed a strong understanding of balance sheet and income statement modeling, all of which have been invaluable in my career. Q9: How has becoming a CFA Charterholder influenced your career? Julie: The CFA designation is almost a “must-have” for junior roles in Canada’s financial industry, particularly in investments. It gives you a significant edge in a competitive market and makes it harder for employers to turn you down. Q10: What advice would you give to newcomers in credit analysis or asset management? Julie: Networking is crucial. Research your target companies and roles thoroughly and use tools like LinkedIn and ChatGPT to prepare for meaningful conversations. Developing a clear investment portfolio mindset—knowing why and when to buy or sell—is equally important. Q11: How has Leader Circle helped you build your professional network? Julie: Leader Circle provided me with a valuable platform to meet like-minded individuals and build deep professional connections. Many of these relationships were forged through volunteering together, and the experiences we shared have been incredibly rewarding. Q12: What are the most valuable insights you’ve gained from Leader Circle events? Julie: The events are exceptionally professional, covering topics like AI, cryptocurrency, and quantitative investing. Each participant brings specialized knowledge, allowing me to gain fresh perspectives and better understand industry trends and advancements. ❤️ Lastly, Julie’s story highlights the importance of clear career planning, professional skill development, and cultural adaptability in achieving success. As an international student turned accomplished finance professional, she overcame language and cultural barriers through persistence, self-reflection, and networking. ❤️ Leader Circle played a pivotal role in her journey, offering her opportunities to expand her network, gain insights, and grow both professionally and personally. We sincerely thank Julie for sharing her experiences and advice, which will undoubtedly inspire others as they navigate their own career paths!