International Women’s Day Discussion on Economic Empowerment for Women Entrepreneurs
The future depends on more women participating in the workforce.
Research shows that companies with higher representation of women in executive leadership tend to outperform in terms of competitiveness and financial performance. So it’s important for women at all stages in their professional lives to see themselves reflected in boardrooms, executive positions and other leadership roles. Men need to see women there too, to further normalize gender equality in business and begin levelling a still very uneven playing field.
That’s why, as part of a series of events celebrating International Women’s Day, BMO hosted a panel discussion on economic empowerment for women entrepreneurs. Moderated by Joanna Rotenberg, Group Head, BMO Wealth Management, the panel included Amy Dietz-Graham, Investment Advisor, BMO Nesbitt Burns, Sheri Griffiths, Regional Vice President, Business Banking, BMO Financial Group, and Niamh Kristufek, Head of U.S. Business Banking, BMO Harris Bank.
The panel fielded questions on topics such as personal investing in the era of the gig economy, careers, and financial and leadership advice. They spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs, as well as what makes them uniquely positioned to succeed. “We’re very good communicators [and] networkers… that willingness to help each other is the basis of good business,” said Kristufek. H4794
BMO is focused on women’s advancement in the workplace because diversity fosters innovation, and reflects a commitment to fairness, parity and elimination of bias. Our own workplace culture celebrates diversity and a commitment to levelling the playing field – for our employees, and for our clients, too.
“We’re committed to economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in every market that we touch,” said Rotenberg.
The archived event is available to watch on BMO’s Facebook page
March 8, 2019