In this episode of Diverse Dividends, host Sara Loriot, CFA, sits down with Wes Hall, a powerhouse in business, finance, and advocacy. West, known for his roles as the founder of Kingsdale Advisors, the Chancellor of the University of Toronto, and the founder of the Black North Initiative, opens up about his incredible journey from extreme poverty in rural Jamaica to becoming a leader in Canada. Throughout the conversation, West reflects on the resilience and determination that have shaped his career, sharing insights into how he overcame obstacles, including being a minority in predominantly white spaces. Tune in as he discusses the importance of generational thinking, the support he received from mentors, and the impact of diverse leadership in both business and society.

Wes Hall’s Unstoppable Journey

In the premiere episode of Diverse Dividends, host Sara Loriot, Institutional Portfolio Manager at CI Global Asset Management and CFA Society Toronto volunteer, introduces the series' mission: spotlighting the trailblazers shaping Canada's finance industry. The episode features Heather Cooke, a distinguished leader with over 30 years of experience spanning institutional client management, investment management, and private wealth management. Join us as Heather shares insights from her illustrious career, lessons learned, and her vision for fostering diversity and innovation in the industry.

A Conversation with Heather Cooke, CFA

In this eye-opening episode of Diverse Dividends, host Sara Loriot, CFA, sits down with Rohit Mehta, President and CEO of Global X Canada, to explore leadership, innovation, and the changing landscape of ETFs. Rohit shares his unique journey from humble beginnings in finance, the essential qualities that guide his decision-making, and how Global X Canada orchestrated a major rebrand from Horizons ETFs. He also reveals how data-driven insights are shaping product launches and how diversity of thought sparks creative solutions for clients worldwide. Tune in to hear Rohit’s candid perspective on seizing market trends, the “three Ps” powering Global X, and why curiosity is a must for anyone looking to advance in the fast-evolving world of finance.

Global Innovation Meets Local Expertise with Rohit Mehta

In this episode of Diverse Dividends, host Sara Loriot is joined by Jon Erlichman—former BNN anchor, current Bloomberg contributor, and the creator of Ticker Take on YouTube.

Jon shares his journey from traditional financial media to becoming a leading voice in digital financial literacy. Discover how he uses storytelling, data, and yes—even dancing—to connect with new audiences on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

We also discuss:

+ Why content creation matters in modern finance
+ The role of social media in educating the next generation of investors
+ Lessons learned from decades in TV journalism
+ His creative partnership with ETF provider Global X
+And the legacy he hopes to build through financial education

Whether you're a finance pro or just curious about markets, this episode will leave you informed—and entertained.

🎧 Subscribe and leave a review to support the show!

Jon Erlichman: From News Anchor to Financial Storyteller

In this episode of Diverse Dividends, host Sara Loriot welcomes Janet Bannister, founder of Kijiji and Staircase Ventures, for a candid and inspiring conversation on venture capital, entrepreneurship, and the human side of investing.

🎧 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How Janet transitioned from launching Kijiji to leading a venture capital firm

Why empathy, trust, and grit matter more than spreadsheets in early-stage investing

The five-pillar founder support platform at Staircase Ventures—an industry-first

Janet’s unique take on risk, drawn from both business and competitive athletics

What she looks for in founders (hint: it’s not just the pitch deck)

💡 Whether you’re in finance, building a startup, or navigating your own career path, Janet’s insights on leadership, resilience, and deliberate growth will resonate deeply.

Janet Bannister on Venture Capital, Risk, and Empowering Founders

This week, we welcome Sean Etherington, President of CI Assante Wealth Management, to Diverse Dividends. From building a thriving wealth business to co-founding Motionball, Sean shows what it means to lead with intention. Host Sara Loriot, CFA, explores his path, his leadership style, and how meaningful impact happens both inside and outside the office.

🎧 Subscribe for more stories from industry leaders shaping finance and community.

Sean Etherington on Leadership, Mentorship & Community Impact

From senior roles in Colombia to starting over in Toronto, Rafael España shares what it takes to relaunch a finance career in a new country. In this episode, he reflects on cultural adaptability, why specialization matters, and how CFA Society Toronto helped him grow his network and perspective. Whether you're a newcomer or navigating a career pivot, Rafael’s story offers practical lessons in resilience, learning, and finding community.

Rafael España on Rebuilding a Finance Career in Canada

In this episode of Diverse Dividends, Sara Loriot speaks with Joanna Simon, Regional Director at Scotiabank, about her unconventional career path from anthropology to international wealth management. Joanna shares how curiosity, resilience, and people-first leadership have guided her journey across startups, large firms, and cross-border advisory roles.

She offers candid reflections on ambition, authenticity, and building a career aligned with your values. Listeners will gain insights on:

Leading teams in complex international markets
Creating cultures where people feel safe to take risks
Knowing when you’ve outgrown a role
Embracing risk as part of career growth

Joanna’s story is both practical and inspiring for anyone navigating their own path in finance

Joanna Simon: Leading with Authenticity in Global Wealth

Welcome to CFA Society Toronto's Diverse Dividends, the newest video series from The Analyst, where we uncover the diverse sectors, stories, and leaders shaping Canada’s finance and investment industry.
Diverse Dividends is a video series featuring candid, in-depth interviews with senior leaders across the finance and investment industry. From wealth management and asset management to fintech and compliance, this series showcases the rich mosaic of career paths, challenges, and insights that drive success in finance.

Whether you are a seasoned professional, an emerging leader, or simply curious about the various sectors that power our industry, Diverse Dividends delivers valuable perspectives straight from the experts. New episodes will launch at the beginning of every month, so mark your calendars and stay tuned!

Joanna Simon: Leading with Authenticity in Global Wealth

CFA Society Toronto

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