Career Highlights:

• Managing director and head of the Sustainable Finance Group at RBC Capital Markets
• Over 17 years of global investment banking experience; formerly worked at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in London, U.K.
• Co-chair for RWomen Canada, RBC Capital Markets’ employee-led resource group dedicated to fostering women’s career development within the bank
• Holder of CFA Certificate in ESG Investing, the first qualification of its kind in the U.K.
• Featured in Bloomberg, the Financial Post, and Investment Executive
• Guest speaker at Globe 2020 and CAIS20, and a frequent guest speaker for Women in Capital Markets

Why do we need to care about sustainable finance, and what does it mean for your company?

Sustainable finance is viewed as using the power of capital to drive positive impact on long-term economic prosperity. The financial sector plays an important role in facilitating the allocation of capital to governments and corporations to drive their growth. RBC Capital Markets’ Sustainable Finance Group helps our clients understand how to incorporate ESG (environmental, social and governance) into their strategies to access and leverage this capital.

At RBC, our corporate purpose is helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We believe sustainable finance is a means of promoting long-term economic growth and the stability of the financial system, while also generating positive environmental and social impacts.

What is your view on the current status of ESG and sustainability reporting from Canadian issuers? What kind of due diligence do you use to validate the company’s disclosure?

We have seen a tremendous amount of progress being made on sustainability reporting as ESG investing goes mainstream in the capital markets. For example, TC Energy recently published their inaugural [DONNA: link here] report on sustainability and climate change.  However, currently, ESG disclosure is mostly limited to big corporations and organizations. As the market evolves and the investor and regulatory pressures change, we think we will see issuers of all sizes and sectors provide quantitative and qualitative ESG performance metrics.

Meeting company management is crucial in our due diligence process, where we evaluate their strategy and commitment to contributing to their organization’s ESG objectives. We also use third-party ESG research providers to inform our analysis.

Gender equality – why does it matter to you?

Women continue to be underrepresented in professional leadership positions. People, in general, carry unconscious biases, which play out in their daily lives and in the workplace. There is so much research showing that a diverse group of leaders is advantageous — from increasing productivity to making better business decisions and enriching workplace collaboration.

Historically, women faced barriers when seeking to advance their careers. I am inspired to even the playing field. Let us go beyond the biases and recognize the contributions of the individual, irrespective of gender and origins.

As a co-chair for RWomen Canada at RBC, how do you want to help?

Many corporations are dedicated to make an organization a better place to work. At RWomen, we provide programs for our members on a variety of topics, including personal finance, healthy working habits, leadership training, et cetera. On a personal level, I share my time with my colleagues so that they can come to me for career advice or goal development. I try to listen with intent, and support their confidence so that they can make their own decisions.

There is still a lot of work to do when it comes to including women in leadership roles. Together, we can take bold steps to create a respectful and inclusive culture so that everyone feels safe and supported at work.

What was your journey in becoming a CFA charterholder? What does that mean, to become a charterholder?

My path to earning the CFA designation involved taking the three CFA exams in three different cities, at three different times in my life. I took my level one exam in Montreal, right after I completed my undergrad. Afterwards, I was working as an investment banker in Toronto and Sydney, and it wasn’t until after I graduated from my MBA at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania that I found the time to study — five years after the first exam. I wrote the level two exam in Los Angeles the day after attending a friend’s wedding in Malibu. Later, I was working in London, but wrote the level three exam in Boston while I travelled there.

Since the CFA exams are administrated in over 170 cities, you can take the exam when you are studying abroad or working in an overseas office. The CFA Program is a self-study model, so you can take time off between the three exam levels. It does require a significant time commitment, but I enjoyed it!

In the global investment industry, a professional qualification such as the CFA charter is unique in that it carries global relevancy, so it is well recognized by employers around the world. Also, since its origin, CFA Institute has championed ethics in the investment profession and makes efforts to update the guidance as the investment management landscape evolves, which I think is truly valuable.

Can you tell us more about the Certificate in ESG Investing and its benefits?

The Certificate in ESG Investing is a level four qualification that delivers the benchmark knowledge and skills required by investment professionals to integrate ESG factors into the investment process. The first qualification of its kind in the U.K., the certificate was developed by practitioners for practitioners. The first examination opened for registration in 2019, and I was one of the pilot candidates.

Developed in consultation with leading firms and supported by the UN PRI, the certificate will enable us to expand our ESG knowledge and stay ahead in our field. It has been designed for practitioners working in investment roles who want to learn how to analyze and integrate material ESG factors into their day-to-day tasks. The skills learned will apply to all asset classes.

It is a unique and practical qualification, dedicated to developing the skills and competencies to fulfil both the fiduciary responsibilities and responsible investment mandates. The CFA UK qualifications are recognized by leading firms. Also, you get a digital badge to highlight to others the skills you have acquired.

As a parent of four young boys, how do you manage work-life balance?

There is no doubt that I have a busy work schedule, but I make sure I support my kids by being present with them. I am a volunteer team manager with the Oakville Rangers Hockey Club, and have been a volunteer coach at the Oakville Soccer Club, where my sons play. In this way, I can have fun with my kids and give back at the same time.

I have a reliable assistant to help me stay organized: Cozi, a digital scheduling app on my phone that customizes events by each family member. It is particularly useful when you have four kids, each with different hobbies and interests! Ultimately, being balanced comes from humility and humour.  Humility to me means listening to others and accepting that you don’t have all the answers. A good sense of humour helps us to buffer stress when things are not perfect — which is often!

Fun Facts about Lindsay:

• What book is on your nightstand?    

  Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens. This book is a treatment of racial and socioeconomic inclusion, with references to gender equality. There are undertones of such key messages as finding the strength within yourself, taking control of your destiny, and standing up for what is right.

• Favourite Disney film?

  Moana, the story of an adventurous girl who sails out on a mission to return a stolen heart to a goddess, and learns the art of wayfinding so that she can lead her people. The story draws on Moana’s courage, faith, and strength, which are beyond empowering.

• Which season is your favourite?

  Autumn. Seeing the leaves change colours reminds me how to embrace change. I love the family time to reflect on what we are thankful for.

• Can you share an “ah”’ moment of your career?
  When I was working in Equity Sales, I thought I reached the limit of my own career learning and I had an honest conversation with my boss. He later recommended me for a fantastic growth opportunity that I believe was a direct result of the conversation we had. It is important to be honest and authentic; you never know how opportunities could come your way.
  
  Tips to Succeed:
  

• To fresh graduates:

  Travel while you are young and free. The experience can transform your life and way of thinking.

• To young professionals:

  Work hard. Never stop learning. Look for mentors and sponsors who can give you new opportunities and perspectives.

• To working moms:

  Becoming a mother made me a better professional — I learnt valuable life lessons around patience, kindness, and letting go of issues I can’t control. When I come home every day, it reminds me of what I am working for. Be bold and believe that you can do it!

• To managing a team:
  Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability. The courage to open your heart can be daunting yet rewarding when we come to experience connection.