This month, we hosted an engaging and thought-provoking Career Development Dialogue with Curtis Stange, CEO of ATB Financial, and Allison Comeau, VP of strategy and growth, ATB Advisory Services. The session offered deep insights into ATB’s ongoing journey to address systemic issues and create a culture where everyone can thrive. It was an inspiring look at how ATB Financial is committed to championing diversity and inclusion, not only through policies but by fostering a culture of allyship and accountability.
Curtis Stange on breaking barriers and driving systemic change
As the CEO of ATB, Stange opened the discussion by sharing his experience leading change. He emphasized the importance of holding the organization accountable for equity initiatives, noting the progress made but also acknowledging there is still work to be done.
One of ATB’s most notable achievements is closing the compensation gap. ATB’s focus on equity is not just a box to tick under ESG goals; it’s about creating sustainable diversity of thought. Stange explained, “Diversity allows for better, albeit trickier, conversations, but the end result is always more impactful.” This diversity is reflected in the leadership team, where women now make up 50 per cent of senior leadership and board members. This is a significant jump from earlier years when only one in nine women were part of the executive team. He noted that when women are promoted into senior roles, it sends a powerful message to others in the organization that they too can achieve leadership positions.
Stange also discussed the practical steps ATB is taking to further inclusion. The company has revamped its recruitment practices using gender decoders to ensure job postings are not unconsciously skewed toward men. Additionally, 96 per cent of ATB’s business bankers have completed gender bias training, with plans to extend this training to wealth advisors and other areas of the bank.
Allison Comeau on wealth transfer and community empowerment
Comeau took the conversation in another exciting direction, discussing the shifting dynamics of wealth transfer in Canada. With economic challenges and rising costs, more and more families are opting to transfer their wealth earlier to assist the younger generation. “30 per cent of new home purchases in Canada have down payments that come from someone other than the homebuyer” she noted, illustrating a growing trend of intergenerational financial support.
This shift has positioned initiatives like W by ATB to play a critical role in empowering communities. W by ATB aims to help women business owners and their families navigate these changing financial landscapes, ensuring that wealth transfer is not just a transaction but a way to build stronger communities.
Stange didn’t shy away from acknowledging historical issues in the finance industry, stating, “Bankers have been jerks for a long time,” and emphasizing that ATB is working hard to change that by focusing on what women in finance actually need from a workplace for everyone to thrive. ATB is clearly working to create a more equitable financial future, setting a strong example for what it means to lead inclusively in today’s evolving world.
If you missed this event, keep an eye out for future Career Development Dialogues, or send us some suggestions to hello@axisconnects.com!
