SANDRA STUART

Chief Operating Officer

HSBC BANK CANADA

A seasoned banking professional with more than 30 years’ experience, Sandra Stuart has a proven track record of delivering results in Canada and globally. In addition to her role as COO, she is also a member of HSBC Bank Canada’s board and serves as CEO of HSBC Trust Canada.

“I’m proud that I have been able to build and develop highperforming teams, across geographies, businesses and functions.”

“I am inspired by female politicians, particularly secretaries of state: Albright, Rice, and Clinton. I try to imagine the challenges of their roles and their influence on the peace process and management of conflicts. I respect how they conducted themselves, their intelligence and what they accomplished.”

“Strong, open communication. Well-articulated vision and strategy. Quality execution.”

“We have to be advocates and sponsors. We in leadership roles must lead through example and encourage the same behaviour amongst our peers.”

“Go after exactly what you want and don’t be afraid to chart an unusual course. Take chances. Treat people well. Work hard and deliver. Success awaits.”

Having built a dozen luxury homes, investment banker Allison Grafton was stunned by the lack of financial management and customer care. Merging her own experience as a client and finance executive, as well as her passion for design, she created the company she would have liked to hire. In five years, Rockwood has become one of the busiest luxury home builders in Calgary.

“I’m most proud of taking the risk to start Rockwood Custom Homes, for leaving a comfortable career in investment banking and following my true passion.”

“Barriers can be opportunities. In the male-dominated construction industry, I’ve embraced my differences and found my diplomacy, sensitivity, clarity and strong people skills to be huge assets when dealing with many of our vendors and suppliers. My yin-yang relationship with my business partner, Grainger Nimmo, is also key as we bring complementary strengths to the table that are equally relevant and important to the health of the business. My roles as a woman, wife and mother have really helped me to create a feeling of family at Rockwood and a culture that our employees embrace.”

Entrepreneurial spirit and the right timing led serial entrepreneur Mia Pearson to co-found North Strategic, a communications agency based on the belief that social needs should be integrated in all you do.

“Successfully starting my first company when I was 29 years old that I went on to grow to 120 people across five North American cities.”

“Personally, an inspiration for me was Judy Elder. She was the GM of Microsoft, and we worked together briefly before she died of a brain aneurysm. She inspired me to be more external in my professional profile and brand, and to learn to be okay with ambition. She believed that women need more role models and should look for opportunities to get out there more. We need to be more comfortable engaging in media relations and making a conscious effort for external awards and recognition. As a result of her inspiration, I have personally committed to helping women advance in business and investing my time to help women become CEOs of their own personal brands.”