2023
VOICES OF RPIA
RPIA
www.rpia.ca
General Line: +1 647 776 1777
43 Hazelton Ave. Toronto, ON M5R 2E3
Investor Services: +1 647 776 2566
As we scale up, it is wonderful to see our people grow and develop as individuals alongside the firm, embodying our shared values.
- Richard Pilosof Principal, Chief Executive Officer
CONTENTS
About Us | Core Values
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A Letter From Our CEO
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In Our Firm
4
RPIA Elevate
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Mentorship Spotlight
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Our Events
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In Our Work
12
UnCharitable Screening
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Digital Transformation Q&A with CAO, Mira Newport
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In Our Community
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Charitable Giving
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RPIA ACE Program
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RPIA Has Talent
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Voices of RPIA
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CORE VALUES
1 Excellence
High-quality work produced by talented, driven people. 2 Partnership Unwavering alignment of interests with our clients. We are invested alongside them. 3 Transparency Complete accessibility to our clients. We want them to understand and feel comfortable with their investments with us. 4 Integrity A steadfast commitment to honesty and accountability. We believe this is the path to lasting success. 5 Community Creating meaningful change through ESG, philanthropic giving, and active volunteerism.
ABOUT US
RPIA is a specialized fixed income manager with deep expertise in corporate bonds and active management, based in Toronto. The firm was founded in 2009 by a highly experienced team that previously ran the global fixed income arm of Canada’s largest bank. 14 years since then, RPIA now has over 100 employees, including investment and risk management professionals with complementary experience to that of our founders. We are now managing over $8 billion for a broad investor base ranging from institutions to private clients. RPIA remains independent and privately owned by employees who have over $200 million invested alongside our clients. We take an active, innovative approach to fixed income to offer our investors what we believe is a better way to meet their investment objectives.
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Voices of RPIA
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Richard Pilosof Principal, Chief Executive Officer
It has been 14 years since RPIA was founded, and I am immensely grateful to our investors and our employees for what we’ve accomplished. Throughout 2023, our team has excellently navigated the unique intersection of rising rates, economic resilience, and continued volatility. As a firm, we continued to grow over the past year, and I am proud of our team’s unwavering dedication to helping our investors and our community. We remain committed to building a flat organization that is rooted in a culture of mentorship and collaboration. As we scale up, it is wonderful to see our people grow and develop as individuals alongside the firm, embodying our shared values. 2023 brought many exciting initiatives to RPIA, and I am pleased to highlight a few of them: • Supporting Professional Development: Our internal employee engagement program, RPIA Elevate, continues to support our employees through mentorship, allyship, development initiatives, and connected communications. • New Ways of Giving: We had the privilege of supporting the Power To Give Foundation in hosting the pre-screening of Stephen Gyllenhaal’s Uncharitable movie, which challenges old assumptions about philanthropy and proposes a new way of giving. • Impact on the Community: Giving back is a core piece of our culture. We’ve had the honour of supporting some impactful organizations over the year, along with some of our own initiatives to help develop the next generation of leaders in our industry. Our goal continues to be developing partnerships with our investors, serving them with excellence, integrity, and transparency as they entrust us with their capital. Our teams help bring this mission to life with a strong dedication to their roles as we continue to grow and adapt to the evolving world around us. We believe it is our duty to support and enrich our community, not just with our money but also with our time, talent, and voices as we volunteer, educate, and speak up for what matters. This publication illustrates RPIA’s passion for having an inclusive and open culture, doing good through our work, and empowering our employees as they become leaders in the causes they care about. I hope you enjoy learning more about what we do and how the many voices of RPIA are embracing their talents and speaking up about their passions.
Best Wishes, Richard Pilosof
IN OUR FIRM
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In Our Firm
LEADERSHIP
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EMPATHY
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ACCOUNTABILITY
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DEVELOPMENT
Allyship & Community Outreach Established in 2020, RPIA’s Allyship Committee champions volunteerism, social activism, and meaningful community involvement. We are committed to cultivating a safe space for continuous learning and dialogue about diverse societal matters, ensuring our workforce is culturally competent. Through monthly sessions and activities led by our dedicated team, we aim to enrich our understanding and actions in the sphere of inclusive thinking, both at work and in our daily lives. Upholding RPIA’s inherent culture of community contribution, all employees are strongly encouraged to partake in our Allyship activities. Empathetic Leadership We introduced the Leadership Skills Workshop (LSW) program in 2022 with the aim of nurturing leadership potential. Designed with a comprehensive curriculum, the program comprises of nine detailed modules that delve deep into pivotal leadership tenets, ranging from effective conflict resolution to the nuances of empathetic leadership. This initiative not only aims to bolster managerial expertise but also sets the benchmark for leadership excellence. A unique aspect of this program is its encouragement of cross-functional collaborations and peer mentorship through cohort sessions in addition to group sessions, further enriching the learning experience. Strategy and Innovation We understand that fostering an environment where strategic thinking, innovation, and collaboration thrive is imperative to our pursuit of excellence. With this mission in mind, our Strategy Teams initiative was designed to leverage the unique talents and insights of our diverse workforce. Through cross-functional collaboration, these teams develop initiatives that refine our strategic approach with an emphasis on actionable results, ensuring we remain at the cutting edge of our industry. The program underscores the importance of aligning strategy with outcomes, ensuring scalability, and addressing our employees’ ambitions.
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In Our Firm
Connected Community Building a “Connected Community” is vital to our work and integral to enhancing our collective experience. The following initiatives are a testament of our commitment to promote an atmosphere that is united and engaged with shared purpose. • RP RoundUp: Our monthly employee newsletter launched in early 2023 with the goal of keeping our employees connected by sharing milestones, upcoming initiatives, pop culture recommendations, and much more! The newsletter ensures every member stays updated on our workplace initiatives, reinforcing our shared journey and ambitions. • Social Committee: Our social committee includes representatives from a diverse range of departments and meticulously crafts activities that cater to everyone while fostering a culture of inclusion. • Monthly Townhalls: Our town halls help us stay connected, firmwide. It’s more than just a venue for sharing updates; it’s where we come together to affirm our collaborative spirit and celebrate our collective contributions.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and open workplace where our employees can develop themselves professionally and personally and become passionate leaders for the causes that matter to them.
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In Our Firm
MENTORSHIP SPOTLIGHT Our mentorship program encourages both junior and mid-tier professionals the opportunity to benefit from the wisdom and expertise of our seasoned leaders. The program’s aim is to nurture individual growth, enrich inter-departmental collaboration, and foster a tight-knit community spirit. Every RPIA employee is automatically enrolled in the program, which spans a 12-month period and resets every calendar year. Many mentors and mentees continue staying in touch past their yearlong cycle, which is a testament of the program’s unique impact on the culture of the firm and the sense of community and mutual empowerment. For mentees, their mentors’ support and guidance goes a long way in establishing career goals, formulating strategies to overcome challenges or broaden perspectives, and promoting professional and personal development. For mentors, the experience is equally rewarding as it is an opportunity to coach, motivate, and empower their mentees to maximize their potential while also appreciating their unique perspectives. This program has played a pivotal role in many individuals’ career trajectory, helping them identify their strengths and accomplish their goals. We have seen mentors learning from their mentees, and mentees exploring new areas within the business and gaining new skills and insights for their professional and personal lives.
Hear from our mentors and mentees!
Mentors
Mentorship is rewarding in a few ways, each valuable in its own right. I learn something new from every single person I have mentored, and almost always learn something about myself as well. I try to start every new mentorship assignment with an open and curious mind, getting to know them as people - their life experiences, goals, and values - so I’m in a better position to make an impact. Mentoring women starting their careers in finance or returning after a hiatus is particularly rewarding as it fills a gap I experienced early in my own career in this industry where women had a harder time making connections with senior (mostly male) executives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to play a part in providing a strong, supportive network for young women to rely on and be able to share some lessons I’ve learned along my own journey.
Ann Glazier Rothwell Principal, Co-Head of Client Portfolio Management 11 Years at RPIA
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In Our Firm
I find the most rewarding aspect of being a mentor is the opportunity to share knowledge and expertise, helping mentees develop their skills and advance their careers. This is a great source of satisfaction knowing that you are contributing to someone else’s growth. I also believe that mentorship often involves self-reflection and self-assessment, which can lead to personal and professional growth for the mentor as well.
Ahmed Islam Principal, Head of Finance & Operations 8 Years at RPIA
Mentees
Our mentorship program has been a critical part of my development and career growth at RPIA. It gave me opportunities to connect with experienced professionals in different departments and broaden my perspective. I’ve been able to learn different parts of the business, shorten my learning curve, and define exactly what I want out of my career, which was especially helpful when I was navigating career transitions between departments in the firm.
Vivian Zhao Associate Portfolio Manager, Credit Research 7 Years at RPIA
Mentorship has been invaluable for my professional growth as it offers perspectives from seasoned individuals, which enhances my decision-making. The guidance I receive not only sharpens my abilities but also exposes me to innovative approaches and best practices in the industry. This program has provided insights into areas beyond Compliance, enriching my overall understanding of the company’s dynamics and has helped me develop a more holistic approach to my progressive roles within the company.
Tushar Lalwani Director, Compliance 6 Years at RPIA
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In Our Firm
OUR EVENTS
ALLYSHIP EVENTS
Mental Health Awareness Week
Multiculturalism Week
Fife House Volunteering
In May, our firm embraced Mental Health Week with a diverse range of activities and events with the goal of promoting well-being and fostering a culture of mental health awareness. Our commitment to mental well- being extends beyond just one week, but Mental Health Week served as a powerful reminder of our dedication to supporting the mental health of our team members year-round. Employees were provided with valuable tools and resources to prioritize their mental health, including daily wellness resources, virtual wellness sessions, and a pet therapy session. Corporate Canine Therapy partnered with Cityline to film our pet therapy session. Check out the Cityline segment here .
To celebrate Multiculturalism Week, our Allyship Committee organized a week-long potluck where our amazing team members shared their culinary heritage through delicious traditional dishes, representing cultures from all over the globe! Multiculturalism Day honors the many cultural communities that contribute to developing a strong and lively Canadian society. We used this occasion to celebrate the cultural diversity that enriches our firm.
We had the pleasure of working with Fife House during the summer, preparing wellness kits and collaborating with their team to support people and families living with HIV/ AIDS. Fife House provides secure affordable housing and support services to anyone living with HIV/AIDs and works to achieve social change through research and advocacy that addresses systemic oppression.
Volunteer Shout-out! Teo always brings his unbridled enthusiasm and generosity to our volunteering initiatives. His unwavering dedication is evident through his 100% attendance rate for the allyship events we’ve held throughout the year.
Teodor Dascaltu Manager, IT Support
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In Our Firm
SOCIAL EVENTS
Escape Room
Murder Mystery
Farm Day
In April, we came together to solve puzzles, decode clues, and work through challenges to break free from our respective escape rooms. It was a fun and interactive experience, and our team got the opportunity to bond and connect outside of the office!
In March, our Social Committee hosted a thrilling murder mystery event. As the evening unfolded, attendees were immersed in an evening filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and intriguing characters. It was an opportunity to mingle with colleagues, solve a captivating mystery, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of camaraderie.
This summer, we enjoyed a sunny afternoon with our colleagues and their families at the annual RPIA employee social. This year’s beach-themed celebration was entertaining and memorable with poolside cabanas, an extensive menu, activities for the children, and gift bags for employees.
IN OUR WORK
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In Our Work
UNCHARITABLE SCREENING
Challenging Old Assumptions… and Inspiring New Actions UnCharitable, a highly anticipated documentary directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, uncovers the reality of philanthropy and introduces a radical new way of giving. We had the pleasure of supporting the Power To Give Foundation in hosting the Canadian pre-screenings on September 6th in Toronto and October 24th in Calgary. We will also be supporting the event in Vancouver on January 10th, 2024. Based on the best-selling book and popular TED Talk by Dan Pallotta, the film invites viewers to think about bringing economic freedom to causes we love and helping empower our non-profit leaders. Pallotta argues that nonprofit ideology acts as a strict regulatory mechanism on natural economic law, putting the nonprofit sector at an extreme disadvantage compared to the for-profit sector. The documentary urges the audience to challenge old assumptions of philanthropy to inspire new actions and be a true catalyst for progress. UnCharitable premiered on September 22nd in the U.S. and Canada. Join us in spreading the word about this important message. | Trailer | Canadian/US theatre showing dates
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In Our Work
About Power To Give
Since 2016, Power to Give has invested more than $75 million into a small number of social purpose organizations on behalf of a single donor, making it one of Canada’s most active grassroots-focused foundations. At RPIA, we hope to create meaningful change through philanthropic giving and promoting active volunteerism among our employees to support community development, scientific research, environmental initiatives, education, global growth, and arts and cultural programs. Working with organizations to further these efforts allows our firm to reach more people than we could imagine. We want to continue the path of philanthropic giving and education, and we hope it inspires our clients to do the same.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Q&A with CAO, Mira Newport
Mira Newport Chief Administrative Officer
Mira joined RPIA’s leadership team in 2023 as the Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing Client Experience, Program Management, and Human Resources. She is also a member of the firm’s Management Committee. Mira is an experienced professional in the financial services industry with a proven track record of managing complex strategic initiatives and transformation. She has three decades of industry experience and has held several executive leadership roles.
You joined RPIA this year with 30 years of experience in the industry, leading strategic and digital transformation projects. What drew you to this space? Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work on a project to shift the organization away from manual filing systems to a digitized document storing and retrieval system. The goal of that early-stage digital transformation initiative was to improve access to information, so you could get what you want when you want it. Digitization brought a level of personalized accessibility that a shelf full of files could never achieve.
This sparked my desire to continue finding ways to make the work we do more efficient – I made a career of it! I am passionate about working alongside a strong leadership team that recognizes the importance of a cultural shift away from legacy processes and activating transformation through digital tools. Digital transformation projects help shape the strategy of an organization, and establishing guiding principles early helps the team select the right suite of technology to nurture and grow our client relationships.
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In Our Community
Can you talk a little bit about how you’ve been helping teams across the firm with improving efficiency, data governance, and automation using technology? One of the critical first steps in any transformation is stakeholder alignment. Changes brought about in a digital transformation impact daily workflows, so engaging with team early to solicit feedback is critical. For me, this sometimes manifests in the form of asking the right questions. By leveraging my extensive experience in this area, I can examine our current operations and suggest next steps for areas of improvement. The open discussion with the team is a very enlightening leg of this journey as teams identify gaps and describe their ideal state. Programs often fail due to lack of buy-in, and helping teams understand what they want and why it matters is essential. My job is to facilitate that discovery and the subsequent transformation that occurs. “Doing more with less” is a commonly used phrase when referring to large digital transformation initiatives. What does it mean to you based on your past experiences and what we’re doing at RPIA? “Doing more with less” really comes down to designing a scalable platform that ensures efficient processes and flows. Getting to that point takes a bit more work. Establishing a solid foundation and being mindful of your end goal is critical. You also have to recognize
very early on in the road mapping and design stage that technological solutions must integrate with the business and not the other way around. Ultimately everything needs to be tied back to long-term business goals, so the ability to scale and grow is not restricted. understanding the needs of our three distinct client channels – individual investors, institutions, and investment advisors – and how we can deliver services that cater to their needs and align with our corporate purpose, goals, and values. We pride ourselves on being partners with our clients and their investment goals – technology is simply an enabler of success. At RPIA, my vision for our digital transformation journey is about
We pride ourselves on being partners with our clients and their investment goals – technology is simply an enabler of success.
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In Our Work
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced when leading transformation projects throughout your career? I see transformation projects as having three steps. First, there’s a comprehensive review of current capabilities to identify gaps that can be improved. Second is the alignment of financial and employee resources to execute and lead a complex program. And third, the cascade of communication to and between employees to better understand their part in the new processes. Simply put, gap analysis, resource management, and stakeholder alignment. In my experience, the last step is the most challenging. Change management communication can make or break a project, and although it is third on the list I mentioned, it occurs all throughout the project. You have to think of things like “do they have an awareness of the necessity for change? Do they have an appetite for change and learning a new tool? What hesitations might they have and why?” Digital transformation is only successful with buy-in and the team feeling like they are now better equipped to do their job more effectively and efficiently. Early inclusion and collaboration are paramount, and developing advocates and experts on the changes is crucial for cascading communications out to the broader team.
How do you measure success when these strategic projects have been implemented and become another aspect of business as usual? This is actually my favourite part of the job. Walking the halls, hearing the conversations, and seeing first-hand how staff have embraced change. That’s true validation of success. There’s a sense of inspiration as the team grows both individually and collectively with new skills and better ways of working – it’s an exciting environment to be around. On the financial front, once stakeholders embrace and manage the transition to new tools, key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytics can be used to track success through more quantitative methods. Ultimately, if enabling growth and scaling can be attributed to a project, that is a success.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
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In Our Community
CHARITABLE GIVING
Donations Committee
Our Mission Our mission is to facilitate charitable giving within our organization and the broader community by working collaboratively with our clients, employees, and community partners. Collectively, we aim to make a meaningful difference and contribute to the betterment of society. We are guided by three focus areas: Empowering Our Communities Provide resources and support necessary to empower individuals and their broader communities to grow and prosper.
Empowering Our Communities
ART & CULTURE
CHILDREN & YOUTH
IMMIGRATION INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
Enhancing Quality of Life
JEWISH COMMUNITIES
LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Improve well-being and stability through better access to resources and opportunities that can facilitate better quality of life. Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Address systemic barriers that limit opportunities for marginalized groups and promote fair, equitable, and inclusive decision-making.
SPORTS
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In Our Community
Enhancing Quality of Life
Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
HUMAN RIGHTS
CIVIL RIGHTS
EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT
RACIAL EQUITY
FOOD SCARCITY
LGBTQ+
HEALTH CARE
WOMEN’S RIGHTS
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH
HOUSING SECURITY
MENTAL HEALTH
WATER & SANITATION
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In Our Community
Impact Stories
Indigenous Communities Indspire
Indspire is an organization dedicated to providing Indigenous students in Canada with the educational resources they need to achieve their dream of post-secondary education. As we do our part in the journey of reconciliation, we want to help Indigenous youth overcome financial barriers to education and have a brighter future! We continue to support the organization and recently made a donation to Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures Scholarship Program to help students through their educational journey.
“I’m a master’s student of History at the University of Toronto, aspiring to become an Indigenous historian…. I want to continue studying it, teaching it, and researching it, so that these histories become part of the everyday knowledge of people on Turtle Island. Thanks to the Building Brighter Futures bursary from Inspire, I’m doing much better than I thought [financially]. I really appreciate the award because it means I can focus on my academics and don’t have to worry about my finances as heavily.” Autumn Epple, Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures Scholarship Recipient
Healthcare Research Raptors for Research
Raptors for Research is Canada’s premiere 3x3 basketball tournament supporting Sinai Health’s Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (LTRI). In partnership with the Toronto Raptors, this tournament gives participants the opportunity to live out the ultimate game-day experience both on and off the court. In March 2023, our team participated in the inaugural Raptors for Research 3x3 basketball tournament, winning the final and securing their place as the second top fundraising team, raising over $34,000 to support the game-changing research of Sinai Health’s Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute.
Featured (from left to right): Vincenzo Bufalino, Colin Du, Ray Cao, Tony Wang, Irvin He, and Colin Wallace Jr.
“When you walk the halls of the LTRI, you’re standing among those who will shape the future of care. Funding from Sinai Health Foundation is an investment in that future and crucially supports the bright minds of tomorrow in areas of their work such as cancer, neurodevelopment, diabetes, and Women’s & Infant’s health.” Sinai Health’s Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute
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In Our Community
The RPIA ACE Program stands for Academic & Community Empowerment and aims to provide a wealth of opportunities to disenfranchised groups either through academic or community-driven initiatives. The program will focus on nurturing the next generation of leaders in Canada through a variety of programs including scholarships, internships, mentorship, and financial literacy. As a firm, we are committed to empowering and nurturing the unlimited potential in our community.
Meet Our 2023 RPIA ACE Scholarship Recipient and Summer Intern
“I don’t take for granted the impact of every opportunity I experience because I know that the most crucial investment I can make is in myself. Every opportunity, no matter how small, has the potential to shape my life in profound ways as I learn and grow. By investing in myself and embracing these experiences, I can unlock my full potential and achieve my greatest aspirations.”
- Onome Gbinije RPIA ACE Scholarship Recipient (2023) from the University of Toronto
Onome Gbinije 4th-year student, University of Toronto
“The best thing about my internship was the opportunity to look at different companies and learn how to evaluate them from a credit perspective. Everyone at RPIA was always open to answering all my questions and willing to take the time to explain certain concepts comprehensively.”
- Kevin Roe RPIA ACE Summer Intern 2023
Kevin Roe 3rd-year student, University of Toronto
RPIA ACE Finance Award for BIPOC Students at the University of Victoria RPIA has pledged $5,000 CAD per year for a non-renewable award for a third or fourth- year undergraduate student who self-identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour (BIPOC). The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible and demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the financial industry. Preference will be given to students with financial need.
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In Our Community
RPIA HAS
TALENT
Through the ups and downs of my football journey, the victories often felt fleeting compared to the weight of the losses. However, as cliché as it sounds - the shared laughter, hard-fought battles, and unspoken solidarity on the field transcended the sport itself. It wasn’t solely about personal accolades, but the collective resilience of the team that made each triumph meaningful and every setback a lesson in perseverance. After hanging up my cleats, I wanted to give back to the community that shaped the person I am today. Staying involved with my alma mater, the University of Toronto, was a no-brainer, and coaching seemed like a natural next step. So, in my spare time, I’ve been working with some young, ambitious quarterbacks around Toronto. Seeing these kids grow, not just as passers but as competitors, has been incredibly fulfilling, I must say. And who knows where their obsession will take them....
Clayton Sequeira Manager, Inside Sales
As a young kid obsessed with throwing anything that resembled a ball, football became my ultimate playground. From makeshift scrimmages in my parents’ front yard to the intensity of high school games, every throw was a step deeper into a world that taught me more than just how to throw lousy interceptions. It was this obsession that eventually propelled me to University of Toronto, where I served as the Varsity Blues’ starting quarterback over the course of my 5-year university career. FOOTBALL
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as I won two key fights in the Ontario provincial amateur boxing tournaments. Beyond honing my skills and competing, boxing had a transformative effect on my confidence. Each punch thrown, each round survived, bolstered my self-belief. And it wasn’t just me — I’ve seen boxing empower many others in the community in the same profound way. After years of training and competing, my passion led me to give back to the boxing community. I had the privilege of training other budding boxers, leading classes, and helping individuals hone their boxing skills. Sharing my knowledge and watching others grow in the sport brought a unique sense of fulfillment. In essence, boxing isn’t just a pastime for me. It’s a testament to resilience, passion, and the profound interplay between mind and body. Whenever boxing is on the table, I’m there, giving it my all, mentally and physically!
Ozioma Nwankwo Manager, Workplace Experience
BOXING
My journey into boxing began almost serendipitously during my second year at university. What started with a box-fit class quickly turned into a full-blown passion. It was evident early on that I had a knack for it; my instructor even remarked I was a “natural.” But boxing is not just about the physical. One thing that truly captivated me was its demand on the mind. It challenges mental agility, focus, and fortitude. Boxing essentially teaches you to conquer yourself, pushing mental barriers as much as physical ones. This dual challenge of mind and body is what keeps me deeply connected to the sport. I soon upgraded from group classes to one-on-one coaching sessions where we delved deep to refine my techniques and build mental resilience. My first sparring experience was a humbling one, yet that setback only fueled my drive to improve, both mentally and physically. That dedication led to my stepping into the ring and clinching a victory in my first amateur fight in 2018. The highs continued
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In Our Community
However, all the pain became worthwhile the moment I successfully caught a wave and stood up on the board. Soon, I discovered that surfing is not just about physically finding balance amidst unyielding motion, but it also demands extensive practice and experience, an understanding of the water’s currents, and the ability to read the waves. Surfing is more than just a sport; it’s an art and a wonderful skill that allows you to dance with the sea using nothing more than a board. I continued learning and practicing throughout the summer, and despite the challenging lessons and countless tumbles, I gradually fell in love with the process of learning to transform the immense power of nature into something I could conquer, utilize, and ultimately relish. The impact of surfing on my life extends far beyond the beach. It has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of embracing challenges. These qualities have permeated both my work and my personal life. I’ve learned to approach difficulties with a sense of determination, understanding that just like in surfing, you may fall many times, but it’s the getting back up and trying again that leads to success. Surfing has also instilled in me a greater appreciation for the environment, fostering a commitment to preserving our oceans and natural spaces.
Sijing Tao Manager, Risk & Analytics
SURFING
I have always been drawn to athletic activities and eager to explore the world of adventure sports—running, riding, climbing, skiing, you name it. Each of these pursuits brought its own unique thrill and sense of accomplishment. However, none of them could quite prepare me for the way my latest adventure this year enchanted me: surfing. The sea has always held a sense of mystery for me. It appears tranquil at first glance but hides the potential for treacherous surprises beneath its surface. It was during a vacation in Miami that I thought to myself, “What if I could ride the waves?” I ended up spending the rest of my vacation learning surfing every minute of every day. I can’t remember how often I fell into the seawater in initial training lessons. My muscles ached, my throat burned, and my skin bore the abrasions from the surfboard’s relentless contact, which resulted in burning pain when the wound was exposed to the salty water.
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Bianca de Haan Administrative Associate
Andrea Zhao Trading Assistant
BAKING I’ve loved baking since I was a child, growing up watching my mom bake for the holidays. The kitchen was a hub of excitement in our home. Every Thanksgiving, my mom would make pumpkin chocolate tarts and pecan pie, and every Christmas, she baked gingerbread cookies, shortbread, and my grandma’s traditional Sicilian cookie, cuccidati. After high school, I decided to attend George Brown College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program, where I completed the two-year Diploma program and finished my studies in France at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie, or ENSP. I worked in fine dining for a few years but soon realized a career as a chef was not the life I wanted. After many years away from the industry, I recently started my own freelance baking company, which has helped me rediscover my love for the pastry arts. Now, I get the best of both worlds: bringing my love for organization to the corporate world through admin work and doing what I love on the weekends, making yummy sweets! My first order was on August 14th, and since then, I haven’t stopped - I am now averaging a cake per week!
BADMINTON Playing badminton became one of my cherished hobbies toward the end of the pandemic when I finally realized I should get more exercise. Unlike other workouts I’ve done before, badminton brings me immense joy and satisfaction. Looking at the videos I took a year ago, I’m glad to see significant improvements in my technique and strategy. Whether it’s outdoors on a sunny day or a quick game indoors, badminton keeps me physically fit, mentally sharp, and emotionally content. After a long day of work, sitting in front of a monitor, playing badminton keeps me physically active and provides a channel for stress relief and a sense of accomplishment with every well-executed shot. The friendly banter during matches, the shared laughter over missed shots, and the post-game chats make it more than just a sport. It’s a social event, a source of joy, and a way to stay connected with friends, colleagues, and a vibrant community of fellow enthusiasts.
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The more disciplined you are with your commitment to practicing and showing up, the greater the growth in your skillset and the strength of your partnership. Although dancing, especially performance routines, can be very tiring and demanding, I find it very liberating and therapeutic. There’s nothing quite like releasing the stresses of the day and letting your mind fall into the structure of the music and the precision of the routine.
Ryan Walsh Derivatives Analyst
DANCING
After a busy week, I like to unwind and release stress through dancing. Over the past eight years, I’ve learned and performed both Salsa and Bachata. Dancing forces me to get out of my own head and shifts my focus to the rhythm of the music and the movements of my partner. This hobby has been the perfect pairing for my highly technical job as it allows me to explore and develop my creative side and my communication skills. Performing as a dancer is very different from social dancing. You can’t make up the moves as you go, it’s not simply about feeling the music. Performing requires attention to detail and ensuring you have a strong rapport with your partner. There is an element of mutual trust as you read one another’s body mechanics and move fluidly together, aligned with the speed and motion of the dance. This also means your partner’s level of discipline and commitment are just as important as your own, and finding the right person is essential.
Get to know us better!
RPIA
www.rpia.ca
It is wonderful to see the power of passionate people working together to produce great results - both in their work and in their personal lives. Our goal has always been to foster a culture that harnesses the enthusiasm and talent of the incredible people at our firm. - Dannielle Ullrich Principal, Chief Financial and Operating Officer
RPIA 43 Hazelton Ave. Toronto, ON M5R 2E3 www.rpia.ca General Line: +1 647 776 1777 Investor Services: +1 647 776 2566
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