AS THINGS BEGAN TO OPEN UP OVER THE COURSE OF THE SUMMER, I hope that you had the opportunity to get some rest and relaxation ahead of what could be the start of our new and complex hybrid world of work this September. There is much anticipation and optimism about a partial return to in-person business of some description in the months that lie ahead.

Fall marks the start of a new programming year at the Society. I would like to welcome our new team of volunteers and sincerely thank our returning and departing volunteers who have supported us throughout the pandemic with their creativity and thought leadership, while preserving and strengthening our sense of community at CFA Society Toronto.

We kicked off the new fiscal year with a new three-year Strategic Plan. As we discovered from our last member survey, our members have experienced significant change in how they execute and perform in their various roles within the investment landscape. Our three new objectives were created to ensure that our member services are relevant and prioritize your professional and career development needs to meet these modern challenges. Read more about our new three-year Strategic Plan for the Society in this issue of The Analyst.

One of the key tenets of our membership offerings at CFA Society Toronto has been our annual Mentorship Program. In 2022, we celebrate fifteen years of connecting mentors and protégés through our award-winning program, which has facilitated over 600 pairings to date.  

This popular program allows seasoned financial professionals the opportunity to pass on their knowledge and experience and act as a sounding board for the next generation of financial professionals. We are pleased to announce the call for applications for mentors and protégés for next year’s program with an application deadline of October 1, 2021. Visit our website to learn more about the Mentorship Program.

I would like to encourage our more experienced members to think about stepping forward as a mentor this year to help support our always large pool of protégés at a time when they truly do need your guidance and advice on how best to manage their careers and ambitions in such a challenging environment. I have personally found my experiences as a mentor at the Society to be very rewarding and have developed several treasured long-term relationships as a result.  

I eagerly anticipate reconnecting with members in person as the busy hum of Bay Street returns.