I’m thrilled to share that Megan Rooney has officially been promoted from Head of Business Initiatives to Managing Partner. It’s a moment we’re all incredibly proud of, not just because of what it means for Megan but for what it represents in our industry.
A look at how far we’ve come (and how far we still have to go)
For context, women were just given the right to have credit cards in their own names in 1974, and it was 1964 before women in Canada could open bank accounts without a man’s signature.
These are events that happened during my lifetime! And both are startling reminders of the barriers women have faced (and still face) in a male-dominated world and in male-dominated industries like wealth management.
In many firms, women are still predominantly found in supporting roles. This makes moments like Megan’s promotion to Managing Partner something to celebrate—she’s breaking a barrier that exists for many women in our field. And with Megan in a leadership role, she has more power to challenge that status quo and elevate more talented individuals into leadership positions, regardless of gender.
Diversity of perspectives is key to growth
As business leaders (I’m looking at you, G1), we have a responsibility not only to build strong businesses but also to nurture environments where diversity can thrive. The more perspectives we have at the table, the more innovative, creative, and well-rounded our solutions become. By encouraging gender diversity—and diversity in all forms—at Steward Group, we ensure we’re not just looking through a narrow CIS white male lens but considering the full spectrum of possibilities.
To my fellow leaders: take a look around your boardroom table
To men in leadership positions reading this: I challenge you to look at the makeup of your teams. Do you have diverse perspectives? Are women, people of different ages, abilities, races, cultural backgrounds, or unique life experiences contributing to your decision-making?
If not, it’s time to consider how expanding your team’s diversity could make your business stronger and your client experience better.
We’re actively growing Steward Group and encourage more women to apply for leadership roles—whether or not they meet every single criterion on a job posting. Confidence, a caring heart, and a desire to learn are far more valuable than a list of skills.
Let’s keep pushing forward. Together, we can create more inclusive workplaces that not only reflect the world around us but also serve at a higher level because of the diverse perspectives at the table.
Encouraging more voices in the room
At Steward Group, we’re proud of the steps we’ve taken toward creating a more inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone feels they can contribute. Megan’s journey is a reminder that gender parity is possible when we make room for it.
We’ll keep striving for more moments like this until diversity in our industry doesn’t have to be encouraged because it’s the norm.
Keep an eye on our careers page and/or follow us on LinkedIn for your opportunity to join the Steward Group.
Rob
⛳ Rob Knight
Senior Wealth Advisor
Steward Group | iA Private Wealth
🔨 Andrew Nguyen CFA CFP®
Portfolio Manager, Certified Financial Planner
Steward Group | iA Private Wealth
📚 Megan Rooney
Managing Partner
Steward Group | iA Private Wealth
