Female Powerhouses Do Exist in Wealth Management, Meet Lynn Stibbard

Female Powerhouses Do Exist in Wealth Management. Meet Lynn Stibbard

Author: Sarah Mawji | December 19, 2021

In a recent interview between myself and COO and CFO, Lynn Stibbard, Lynn shares some valuable advice, tips and stories about her experience in the wealth industry.

Lynn Stibbard is one of the founders here at Harbourfront Wealth Management.

She takes on a dual role in the executive office as COO and CFO, she is a supportive mom of her adult children and has made major strides in her personal and professional life.

Lynn shares some great advice and tips in the Q&A below.

How long have you worked in your role, and in this industry?

I have been with Harbourfront since its formation. I assisted with the firm becoming an IIROC member dealer and have been in the industry for 20 years “officially” and in an advisory capacity for several years prior to that. I have written the CSI PDO, CFO and CCO qualification exams.

What is your unique value proposition?

In addition to my very impressive skill at coaching surprise Harbourfront team dances (well, maybe more enthusiasm than skill!), I think I bring a fair bit of diverse knowledge about this specialized industry to the firm, due to the number of years I have spent in various organizations in the brokerage industry.

I also have wider experience from my years with a CPA firm advising on tax and corporate matters, which comes in handy.

What superpowers do you possess?

I am a dedicated and supportive mom, I can do a mean Highland fling and I can jump horses over fences!

What are your thoughts on leadership? What styles do you find to be most effective?

I believe an effective leader is one who has created an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. A leader needs to earn the respect of his or her team members, and they need to be able to trust that you as a leader are there to support, guide and promote their interests, skills and their importance and place in the company.

Conversely, a leader needs to respect and place trust in the team members. A leader is only as good as the team he or she works with, which is why when we hire great people it is our job to provide them with what they need to be set up for success, and trust them to do what they need to support the team and the organization.

If you were stuck on a deserted island what would you take with you?

Well, I would take my family, but they may not be so happy about that; excluding people, I don’t really have any “prize possessions” I can’t live without, but I guess it would be good to have some of the great books that I haven’t had a chance to get to yet.

What do you like to do for fun?

Biking. I bought a new bike this year, so I am having fun exploring on it! I like to do almost anything that is active and outdoors, and love being in the mountains and trails of BC, and around the world (when we can travel again!), either on foot, bicycle, motorcycle or horseback.

I also started theatre improv lessons last year which was tons of fun, and hope to continue that when they restart.

What is one piece of advice you would offer to women right now?

This is a confusing and unsettling time in the world, when lots of assumed “certainties” that we have previously based much of our daily lives on may no longer be certain. I guess my advice would be to concentrate on what is really the most important things in life to you, keep it (or them) as safe as possible and don’t panic.

We in Canada are some of the luckiest people in the world right now, and I try to continually remind myself and be grateful for that.

What is one social cause you care about?

Women’s issues, including workplace inequality, abuse and harassment.

To learn more about Lynn, read her biography or follow her on LinkedIn.