Insights with Heather Cooke, CFA, Board Chair of CFA Society Toronto
The finance industry has historically been challenging for women to enter and build careers in, with leadership roles often dominated by men and opportunities harder to access. This International Women’s Month offers a timely opportunity to highlight how more women can build and advance long-term careers in finance.
Heather Cooke, Board Chair of CFA Society Toronto, is a leading example of someone who has successfully navigated the industry. With more than 30 years of experience across asset management, investment consulting, and private wealth, her career reflects both resilience and intentional growth.
Heather shares several lessons that have shaped her journey and practical tips for women looking to grow and succeed in the finance industry. From setting ambitious goals to building strong networks, her advice offers a practical roadmap for women who want to build lasting careers in finance.
Set a stretch goal and build skills accordingly
One of Heather’s most important pieces of advice is to start with a clear vision of where you want your career to go. She calls this having a “stretch goal.”
For Heather, that long-term goal was becoming a Chief Investment Officer, so every role she took helped move her closer to that goal. She sought opportunities that allowed her to work across different asset classes and develop a deeper understanding of investment management. She refers to this process as “resume scaping.” It means deliberately building skills and experiences that support your long-term career path. In this process, every role, project, or pivot becomes an opportunity to learn something new and grow, bringing you closer to your ultimate goal.
For women entering the industry, the first step is to define your stretch goal, then seek experiences that help you build the skills needed to achieve it.
Find environments where you can grow
Heather’s early experience in finance was not always easy. She began her career in a brokerage environment that was not particularly welcoming to women. Many women were limited to administrative roles and advancement opportunities were rare.
Recognizing this, she made the decision to move to a different organization where her abilities were better recognized and where she could grow professionally.
Heather’s advice is to be brave enough to step away from environments that aren’t supportive. Finding a workplace that encourages development and recognizes your contributions can make a big difference in your career trajectory.
Mentors and networks make a difference
Mentorship has played a key role throughout Heather’s career. Early in her career she met her “industry dads” who supported her development. They helped her learn the complexities of asset management and gave her opportunities to grow.
At the same time, peer networks are also important. Heather also joined informal groups such as the Ladies in Pension Services (LIPS), a space where women could connect, share experiences, and support each other.
These relationships provided both practical advice and encouragement at a time when female representation in finance was limited.
Heather encourages women to actively seek mentors and build professional networks. These connections can offer guidance, open doors, and provide perspective during key moments in your career.
Never stop learning
Continuous learning has been another defining theme throughout Heather’s career. She pursued the CFA designation early on and continued to expand her expertise by working across multiple areas of the investment industry.
Each new role helped broaden her perspective, whether it involved asset allocation, private markets, client service and business development.
The finance industry continues to evolve rapidly. Staying curious and committed to professional development helps ensure that skills remain relevant and that new opportunities remain within reach.
The role of professional communities
Professional communities can also play an important role in career development. For Heather, her involvement with CFA Society Toronto created opportunities to expand her network and contribute to the industry in new ways.
She first became involved with CFA Society Toronto after attending several of the Society’s events. Over time, she began volunteering on committees focused on areas such as alternatives and risk management. Those volunteer roles eventually led to leadership positions and later to serving on the Society’s board.
Experiences like these can offer professionals opportunities beyond their day-to-day roles. Through educational programs, committee work, and industry events, organizations like CFA Society Toronto create spaces where professionals can learn from one another, engage with industry leaders, and build lasting connections.
For women in finance, such communities can be especially valuable as they provide access to knowledge, mentorship, and leadership experiences that help accelerate career growth.
Heather Cooke’s career offers valuable lessons for women navigating the finance industry today. Key takeaways from her career include setting ambitious goals, seeking environments that support growth, building strong networks, and continuing to learn throughout your career. Equally important is finding ways to connect with the broader professional community, whether through volunteering or attending industry events.
As more women pursue careers in finance, these tips can help build stronger careers and support long-term growth in the industry.
Heather Cooke, CFA, Board Chair of CFA Society Toronto, is the former Chief Investment Officer of The Audra Group – a single family office where she was responsible for the management and oversight of the investment program. Prior to joining The Audra Group, Heather worked at Fiera Capital Corporation where she was the Deputy Chief Investment Officer and SVP of Private Alternatives. She was also the Chair of the Global ESG Committee and expanded the Multi-Asset Class Solutions platform as SVP of Investment Solutions. Over her 30-year investment management career, she has held senior investment management and Canadian leadership roles at global asset management and consulting firms such as Unigestion Asset Management, Mercer Global Investments, Rogerscasey and Northern Trust Global Investments. Heather earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
ABOUT CFA SOCIETY TORONTO. CFA Society Toronto is the world’s largest Society of CFA® Charterholders, dedicated to supporting the professional and business development of more than 11,500 members. With a focus on education, networking, and thought leadership, CFA Society Toronto empowers finance professionals to excel in a dynamic and competitive global market. Founded in 1936, CFA Society Toronto is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with CFA Institute, the global body that administers the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum and sets voluntary, ethics-based performance-reporting standards for the investment industry. For more information, visit cfatoronto.ca. Chartered Financial Analyst® and CFA® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute.
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