The power of Yes: Embrace opportunities to accelerate your career

As I wrap up my tenure as president of GAMA Canada, I’ve taken some time to reflect on my decade on that board of directors, as well as my time in the industry and my leadership journey. I’d like to share some career perspectives informed by the incredible path I’ve been so privileged to have taken.

In financial services, career growth often comes down to experience, expertise, and perhaps most importantly, opportunity. While there has been much focus on work-life balance, I’ve built my career by taking a different approach: saying yes to almost every opportunity that presented itself, even when it required more time, extra effort, or stepping outside my comfort zone. I believe work-life balance is different for everyone and a state of mind more than anything.

Saying yes more often than not led me to management roles, board positions, speaking engagements, and a strong network that continues to create new opportunities. If you’re looking to accelerate your career, consider how embracing the power of yes can open doors for you.

Stepping into leadership

Every career has defining moments, and one of mine was saying yes to moving into management. Many people hesitate to take that step because it often means more responsibility, longer hours, and the challenge of leading others. But leadership is also a fast track to growth. Leadership doesn’t always have to be formal, either. Mentoring others, volunteering, and showing up to events you care about all build your experience and profile.

By stepping into leadership, I gained skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic thinking — skills that opened doors to bigger opportunities down the road. If you’re given the chance to take on a leadership role, even informally, say yes. It will stretch you and prepare you for the next level of your career.

Saying yes beyond the office

Some of the most important career moves happen outside your day-to-day job. When I was invited to join volunteer boards, including those of GAMA Canada, Advocis, the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation, and other charitable organizations, or participated in sports coaching, I didn’t overanalyze whether I had the time — I said yes.

These roles gave me exposure to different aspects of different industries, connected me with high-level professionals, and positioned me as a leader beyond my own company. If you have the chance to serve on a board, volunteer for an industry committee, or get involved in an association, take it. These roles enhance your credibility and expand your network in ways that can fast-track your career.

Building profile on a national and international stage

Another major benefit of saying yes is that it can extend your influence beyond your immediate circle. Because I was involved in industry organizations and held leadership roles, I was asked to speak at events — first within my company and then on a national and eventually international level.

Each speaking opportunity built on the last. The more I said yes, the more people recognized me as a thought leader, and the more invitations I received. It all started with being willing to lead a session, share insights, and contribute to discussions. If you’re offered a chance to present, chair a meeting, or participate in a panel, say yes. You never know where it might lead.

The power of the smaller yes

Not every opportunity comes in the form of a promotion or big event. Some of the most impactful moments come from small yeses — saying yes to grabbing a coffee with a colleague, attending an after-hours networking event, or taking a lunch meeting instead of eating at your desk.

Throughout my career, these informal connections have led to mentorship, career progress, and business partnerships. Financial services is a relationship-driven industry, and the more you engage with others, the more opportunities will come your way.

Yes as a career accelerator

Some argue that saying yes too often can lead to burnout, but I believe strategic yeses can create more opportunities for career fulfillment and flexibility in the long run. The key is to say yes to things that align with your growth, your learning, and your ability to build meaningful connections.

If you’re early in your management career in financial services, challenge yourself to say yes more often — to leadership, to industry involvement, to speaking, to networking. You’ll be surprised at how quickly those yeses compound into bigger opportunities, greater influence, and a career that moves forward faster than you ever expected.

And if you ask me to connect for a coffee, virtual meeting, or something fun — there’s a good chance I’ll say yes.