IGM’s culture champions putting people first

When Michelle Brochu mentioned to a couple of her fellow volunteers at a Toronto hockey club that she was job hunting, they urged her to apply to their employer, Mackenzie Investments, part of the IGM Financial Inc. group of companies.

Brochu has a stellar educational and professional background but, like some women with young children, she’d stepped out of the workforce for a while. She says that even though she was keeping her skills sharp and acquiring new ones in a variety of volunteer roles, prospective employers saw only the gap in her salaried career.

That all changed when she followed up on the suggestion she consider Mackenzie. “During my first interview I felt my life experience was truly appreciated, and the work I was doing in the community had value in the business world,” Brochu says. “They also recognized my strengths and everything I have to offer.”

She joined the investment management firm as a senior assistant in late 2022 and immediately took to the inclusive and non- hierarchical workplace. “I really enjoy all the people I’m working with,” she says. “Our senior leaders are accessible and approachable. The whole environment helps you feel motivated to go as far as you can in your career.”

Within 10 months, Brochu was promoted to senior analyst, sales enablement, in retail distribution. Working with an eight-member team, her responsibilities include organizing programs and events throughout Canada for outside advisors, so they have the training and information they need to provide timely advice and solutions to their clients.

IGM is one of Canada’s leading wealth and asset management companies, which includes Mackenzie Investments and IG Wealth Management. The companies operate separately but share corporate functions.

They also share a corporate culture of putting people first. And as Brochu discovered, that includes people in their communities, as well as IGM colleagues and clients.

Chief human resources officer Cynthia Currie says IGM partners with assorted non-profit organizations that serve and create opportunities for diverse communities. It also offers various programs and initiatives that encourage and empower employees to donate to, and volunteer with, hundreds of charities coast to coast.

“Our commitment to social responsibility and giving back is a massive point of pride for our employees,” Currie says.

She adds that IGM regularly uses tools such as surveys and focus groups and holds regular town halls with live Q&A sessions, so employees feel valued and heard on a wide range of matters. This includes everything from the effectiveness of the senior leadership to opportunities for learning and development.

Employee feedback also helped inform IGM’s considered approach to determining the future of its post-pandemic workplace – a hybrid work model, with employees in the office three days a week.

It also launched Ways of Working (WoW), a comprehensive action plan to ensure its hybrid model is fully functional. A partnership with real estate, IT and human resources, WoW initiatives included upgrading physical office spaces, installing QR codes to make it easier to report facility or technology issues and training leaders in how to have difficult conversations with team members about hybrid work.

“Our culture is based on collaboration, and that works best in person,” says Currie. “At the same time, employees still have some of the flexibility they grew accustomed to working from home.

“We believe three days is the sweet spot that addresses both corporate and employee needs.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Canada's Top 100 Employers winners, published November 15, 2024 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.

IGM Financial inspires people to stay long term

Michelle McDonald clearly remembers her first day with the IGM Financial Inc. family of companies. After graduating from college, she worked for two different banks over a two-year period and says she expected her new job would be similarly short-lived.

So, when a woman sitting nearby — an 11-year veteran of one of Winnipeg’s largest and most established employers — told her that employees who reach the two-year mark tend to stay for the long term, McDonald had a ready response.

“I told her, ‘That will never be me!’” she recalls. McDonald was still trying to decide if the financial services sector was right for her.

Turns out her new colleague, who stayed with IGM until she retired, was right. More than 37 years later, McDonald is a senior manager on the IGM marketing team, where her responsibilities include supporting the production of IGM’s public disclosure documents and managing the development of all IGM-related marketing materials.

McDonald says she thoroughly enjoys the demands of ensuring financial information is presented in an engaging way that complies with the strict legal and regulatory requirements for a public company. She acquired the requisite expertise and found her passion for the work as she advanced through different roles in a variety of IGM departments.

“I love the work I do,” McDonald says. “That’s one of things I really appreciate about IGM. You’re always encouraged to find what you love to do. You always feel supported.”

Chief human resources officer Cynthia Currie says IGM has a strong corporate culture of putting people first. “Our approach emphasizes collaboration and inclusion. This helps contribute to a productive work environment where everyone is empowered to succeed.”

For example, IGM provides an extensive range of online and in-person training and development programs to support employees’ growth. This includes everything from business and communication skills to helping employees identify their unique talents and strengths.

“Employees benefit when they try different things and are open to learning,” Currie says, adding that IGM continually evaluates the programs and looks for additional opportunities to serve employees’ ever-changing needs.

IGM is one of Canada’s leading wealth and asset management companies, and includes Mackenzie Investments and IG Wealth Management. The companies operate separately but share corporate functions.

McDonald’s immediate team for example, has employees in Toronto and Montréal, as well as Winnipeg. In addition to disclosure reporting, her team handles media relations, community engagement and sponsorship, and translation services.

But whatever the job title or location, IGM does its best to ensure employees share many of the same experiences, McDonald says. This includes weekly newsletters, monthly town hall meetings with live Q&A sessions, and even fun seasonal social events such as Summer Sizzle.

IGM Giving Week also allows employees in Winnipeg, Toronto and Montréal to connect with their colleagues as they spend a few hours supporting IGM’s local charity partners.

It’s just one of many initiatives that reflect IGM’s commitment to giving back to the communities where employees live and work, Currie says. As well as supporting more than 1,000 local charities, IGM partners with non-profit organizations that focus on serving underserved groups across the country, including Indigenous people, seniors, women, youth and new Canadians.

In partnership with Prosper Canada, for example, IGM supported members of 28 Indigenous communities across Manitoba and Ontario with financial guidance and training. The program has enabled more than 1,000 individuals to access $6 million in income and benefits.

For McDonald, the positive impact of such community-based programs is yet another reason to be a proud long-term employee with IGM.

“I’ve never thought of working elsewhere,” she says. “I’m looking forward to celebrating my 40th anniversary!”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing the winners of this year's Manitoba's Top Employers competition, published March 11, 2025 in the Winnipeg Free Press. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, who did not write or review the content.

IGM supports environmental actions with impact

Kaili Werner describes her early career as “not on a linear path.” She worked in the fitness industry, public relations, and other diverse fields until a consulting secondment turned into full-time employment with IGM Financial Inc. in 2022. This opportunity enabled her to bring together her passions for sustainability and helping people and their communities.

IGM, one of Canada’s leading wealth and asset management companies, is committed to building a sustainable future and has a wide range of policies and initiatives reinforcing that commitment. That resonates with Werner.

“It means a lot to me to have the opportunity to make an impact in ways that align with my core values,” she says.

As senior manager, real estate organizational change management, Werner focuses on program management and supporting change across IGM and its family of companies, including IG Wealth Management (IG) and Mackenzie Investments.

Like many organizations, IGM is tackling the challenge of lowering emissions from its operations and modernizing office spaces to be more energy efficient. For example, IGM works with several partners and has diverted hundreds of tonnes of waste from landfill by donating office items to charitable organizations, reselling or recycling.

Chief risk officer Kelly Hepher, whose portfolio includes sustainability, takes pride in IGM’s “Action today, better tomorrow” sustainability strategy with a focus on Indigenous reconciliation, climate, and economic empowerment.

“At IGM, sustainability isn't just a goal — it's a shared commitment that runs across our entire organization,” Hepher says. “From the way we operate our offices to the decisions we make about our business, every team plays a role in reducing our environmental impact.”

In addition to greening its own operations, IGM promotes responsible investing by providing clients with innovative products and solutions. It also works with investee companies to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Employee opinions matter at IGM, and feedback is encouraged through a variety of channels. Chief human resources officer Cynthia Currie says engagement surveys show that employees are proud of the organization’s sustainability initiatives. That pride, in fact, continues to grow each year.

“What we do every day is meaningful to our employees,” she says. “We’re on the right journey. Together with our employees, we're building a workplace that reflects our values and vision for the future.”

Furthermore, employees are putting climate commitments into action through their membership in IGM’s Green business resource group (BRG).

One of seven employee-led communities that are closely aligned with IGM’s business strategy and goals, the Green BRG works to incorporate green living concepts both at work and at home.

As well as encouraging members to take part in volunteer activities such as tree planting and community cleanups, the Green BRG provides an internal online platform with reliable resources and information for making informed green choices.

For Werner, a passionate member of the Green BRG, that just makes sense. “Most people are ready to help,” she says. “And sometimes it’s hard to know what action you can take that will have the most impact. My advice is to take small, achievable steps every day. No one’s perfect, but you can always act with intention.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Canada's Greenest Employers winners, published April 22, 2025 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.