Who's Who Women in Business

20 who's who women in business S hirley Hill understood the value of money at an early age – and she says it's not about power. "Money gives you choice, and choice is everything," she says. Growing up in a single-parent household, money was scarce, so Hill's first goal was to get an education that would lead to a secure job and mobility. But her thirst for knowledge only grew with her experiences in the 1970s as a young nurse in the Health Sciences Centre emergency department. "I saw the devastating effect sudden deaths had on families – especially women. At that time, they had no idea of the family finances and how to handle them. The fear was palpable. I vowed that I would never be in such a helpless position," she says. "I also vowed that should I ever have daughters, they would be taught not only how to be self-sufficient but to also take their place in the world." After Hill transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, she met a patient who worked for Investors Group. He became a trusted advisor and, eventually, a mentor, offering her an opportunity to learn and grow with the company. That was 28 years ago. Today, Hill is an Investors Group Financial Services Inc. Executive Financial Consultant, and she has in turn become a trusted advisor to clients, many of whom have been with her from the start. She says her most important service is developing goals and objectives and then keeping clients focused on them. "I manage people's money, but that is only a small part of what I do. I do wealth planning for many families, I may have four and five generations of families in some cases." One of her most memorable experiences involved a man whose wife was a client. Over time, he decided to become a client as well. "When he died, the family asked me to speak at his funeral as he told them that other than his wife there was no other person he trusted more than me," she says. "It was an honour to do what he requested. After many years, his spirit still often comes to my mind." Breaking into a male-dominated industry wasn't easy, and in some cases, the "good old boys" network still exists, but Hill urges women to be part of the change. If you're considering a career in financial planning — or seeking a financial planner — ask questions about the number of women a company employs in senior roles and how well they succeed compared to their male counterparts. If it's a publicly traded company, ask how many board members are women. "This line of questioning may make companies uncomfortable – too bad," she says. "It has been well documented that those companies who have gender equality are better and more profitable companies. We … have the right if we are shareholders in companies to ask these question. Vote with not only your skills but with your dollars as well." While Hill made good on the vows she made as a young nurse — her two daughters are also in non-traditional positions — she's still a "hunter" of knowledge. She loves attending company learning sessions, and staying ahead of the curve on societal trends that help her position clients for the future. "It's marrying the academic with best practices and the clients and their families' goals and objectives. It's an exciting dance." ❚ Shirley Hill (left) with staff Genafer Mehner-Adam, Colin Popham, Shannon Surgeoner and Lillian Rodgers. Photo by Darcy Finley To learn more, visit www.shirleyhill.net, call 204-257-9100 or email hill.associates@igprivatewealth.com Dollars and Sense KNOWLEDGE OPENS DOORS TO FINANCIAL SUCCESS Shirley Hill CFP, RRC, Shirley Hill & Associates Private Wealth Management Investors Group

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