Events

LOT Executive Roundtable

by Dilpreet Gill (LOT Student) and Austin Nairn

David Poole, senior vice-president, BC & Yukon Region, Scotiabank and Bruce Arthurs, director of Regional Banking, Scotiabank. Photo: D.Roels

November 2, 2009 provided 28 Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) and Company of Young Professionals (CYP) members an excellent opportunity to meet and learn from two local Scotiabank executives.

David Poole, senior vice-president, BC & Yukon Region and Bruce Arthurs, director of Regional Banking  spoke to guests about their career paths as well as the broad range of employment opportunities available with Scotiabank.

Scotiabank is Canada’s most international bank with branches in some 50 countries. Both David and Bruce joined the bank in junior capacities and have worked their way up, both having now been with the organization for over 25 years. Their dedication to Scotiabank speaks volumes to the fantastic corporate culture which was referenced throughout the presentation.

Mr. Poole mentioned several ideas which speak to this corporate cultural including the importance of relationships and ensuring that they keep their clients best interest at heart. Scotiabank believes strongly in remaining loyal to their employees and offering them continual learning opportunities. In fact, they have a personal development plan for all employees and offer over 550 electronic courses to help staff reach their professional goals.

Mr. Arthurs discussed the opportunities that he has had during his diverse and lengthily career with Scotiabank. As a BCIT Marketing and Advertising graduate Bruce was unsure how he would put his education to use with a bank. Through the bank however, he has worked in various capacities and communities while making excellent personal connections and utilizing both his creativity and analytical skills.

Following the presentations, the floor was opened for questions. The discussion included issues pertaining to the current global economic situation, steps to advance in ones career and Scotiabank’s plan during the Olympics. When asked how to maintain a high level of employee morale, Mr. Poole emphasized the importance of focusing on the bigger picture by sticking to the business plan and establishing a vision that others believe in.

Scotiabank supports over 100 non-profit organizations and causes including the Leaders of Tomorrow Mentorship Program, of which they are the Platinum Sponsor! We would like to sincerely thank Mr. Poole and Mr. Arthurs for their support of the LOT Program and for the time they took to share their expertise with Vancouver’s future leaders.

For more information on Scotiabank including employment opportunities, please visit: www.scotiabank.com or www.scotiabank.com/campus

See photo gallery