During International Women’s Month, OkotoksTODAY is celebrating women that are making a difference in our local business and community landscapes. Meet Cindy Dorais, Senior Financial Advisor at ATB Securities.
Cindy Dorais, CIM, Senior Financial Advisor, joined ATB Securities in 2008.
“I was looking for an investment firm where I had access to decision makers,” says Dorais. Working for a firm that is provincially-based gives me the luxury of speaking directly with our portfolio managers and our analysts. I am connected directly with the team that is responsible for our award-winning investment program, Compass Portfolios.
ATB Securities is celebrating its 20th year, and Dorais is happy to be a part of the way the institution empowers individuals, families and its own team.
“My passion is helping clients through life transitions,” Dorais says. “I have been in the business long enough to see how different periods in life have different stressors, whether it is transitioning into retirement (fear of not having a paycheque) to losing a spouse (not understanding finances) to sending children to university. I enjoy the whole process as I see the success on the other side of a big life change, and I know what it takes to get there. My other passion is mentoring up-and-coming financial advisors by sharing industry knowledge – but more importantly – sharing the intricacies of emotional intelligence.”
What are key factors in her success?
“Working for a company that prioritizes their employees and their clients first and foremost has been a key part of my success,” she says. “My own personal belief is, as long as I put the person in front of me first, success will come. I have tenacity and belief in myself that I can bring value and a sense of direction when preparing investment and retirement plans for my clients. Staying focused on things I can control and not worrying about things I can't control, and having a supportive and loving family also empower my success.”
Dorais speaks to the importance of boundary setting and being flexible as time goes by and one’s career grows.
“My greatest challenges have changed over time, from balancing raising a young family while building a brand in Okotoks to learning to build boundaries as my business has grown over the past 15 years. I realize I can't be all things to everyone all of the time.”
In addition to empowering families through better financial security, Dorais is very active in the community. She supports local causes such as Sheep River Health Trust, Okotoks Food Bank, and Rowan House Society.
“This year I will be sponsoring the Alberta Sumer Games,” she adds. “It is so exciting to have such a great event happening in our town and the town of Diamond Valley!”
In light of International Women’s Month, she shares these empowering insights, “Women are set to control the majority of household wealth. It is absolutely a priority for ATB Securities to foster an environment where advisors understand how women feel about wealth (their relationship with money) and help them create wealth for their security. I feel as though one of the most important things a woman can do is to find an advisor that they feel comfortable with; someone willing to listen and mentor them in their financial decisions. I often say the only stupid question is the one left in our heads. I also feel that the best thing any woman can do to support the younger generations is to show up authentically and know the value they bring to the community.”
In 2018, Dorais was awarded a President League Membership, the highest form of recognition at ATB with only 1% of team members achieving the status each year.
Her next steps include achieving her Charted Financial Planning designation while continuing to mentor new up and coming advisors.
