TD Securities
Justin Lawson speaks with Jenn Ocampo-King, managing director, head of securities lending, Canada at TD Securities about her career, community and 'Embracing the Change'
Could you share your journey into the financial industry, including where you initially embarked on this path?
I definitely had a non-traditional path through the industry to where I am today. I started through a co-op opportunity in high school. My teacher, Ms Motta, developed this specific co-op programme at our school and it changed my life.
I began in marketing at Scotiabank. That led to a summer student position in global settlements. There I learned so much about the foundation and inner workings of the securities industry. I also realised quickly that this was an opportunity not afforded to many people. I was determined to show my positive work ethic and attitude to ensure they knew just how much I appreciated being there and how much I wanted to stay. This work ethic landed me a full-time role in settlements when I graduated from secondary school.
Every year I learned more and gained more responsibility and experience. I also met one of my first work mentors at this time. Lionel Demercado ran the securities lending business on the trading floor. I went up to the floor for a visit and I knew immediately this was where I wanted to be. The excitement and energy were captivating and infectious. I continued working in operations and sharing ideas for innovations.
Demercado eventually departed from Scotia to start the prime brokerage business at TD Securities and we kept in touch. When a spot opened up on the TD desk, he contacted me to see if I was interested. It was one of the hardest decisions in my career. I had grown up at Scotia over the past six years and they had given me my start, which changed my life. I will forever be grateful for that.
However, the opportunity to be on a trading desk rarely comes along. Everyone was very supportive of the move, especially my husband. While I was nervous, I had to go for it. I thought I was making the biggest mistake of my life, but it was ultimately one of the best decisions I have ever made.
With over two decades at TD Securities, could you shed light on your starting role within the organisation and what has motivated your enduring commitment to the company?
I started on the desk as an associate and I have now been at TD Securities for 21 years. I lead the securities lending business in Canada and have an incredible team that I am so proud of. I have the honour of being global co-chair for our Women at TD initiative, leading a team of more than one hundred volunteers. I am also a podcast host of Embracing the Change, sharing stories and voices of our team members across the globe. I cannot wait to get into work every day and this is because of our culture, our teams, our clients and the work we do in the community.
Beyond your professional life, you're known for your dedication to community involvement. Could you describe some of the projects and groups you are actively engaged with?
With all the opportunities I have been given in life, I feel it is important for me to give back to the community and "pay it forward". The time that you volunteer can make such a positive and lasting impact on people's lives. Many years ago, I began volunteering at Eva's initiatives, which operates three homeless youth shelters in Toronto. While I wasn't homeless, I was living on my own and working while balancing school from 15 years of age and I know firsthand how hard it can be just to survive.
Eva's provides youth with the support and help they need to make their way in life. I was on the board of directors for 10 years and chaired their marquee fundraising event for many years. After Eva's, I joined the Women's College Hospital (WCH) foundation board. The work that WCH does to advance women's health care and to ensure equitable access to care for all Canadians is inspiring. I am also an honorary co-chair for the Princess Maragret Walk to Conquer Cancer.
The Walk to Conquer Cancer is a fundraiser that brings together thousands of people whose lives have been affected by cancer. Millions of dollars have been raised, which has helped the Princess Margaret Cancer Center become one of the top five cancer research centres in the world. Last, but not least, I volunteer on my daughter's school parent board. My daughter is my inspiration and it is important to me to be part of her school community with our family.
The issue of diversity has gained significant prominence within the industry in recent years. In your perspective, do you think we are finally witnessing tangible changes taking place?
This is a tough question to be honest. I have been in the industry for 27 years and, yes, I have seen significant change. There is clearly more diversity now than when I started. However, there is still more work to be done, especially at the executive levels. True equity comes from access to opportunity. Therefore, we need to think about how we ensure diverse talent can get this access, especially in their younger formative years. That underlines the importance of the TD Talent Lab that was founded by our Women at TD committee. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for diverse high school students in underserved communities to learn about capital markets. I will also highlight the work that our employee resources groups do across our diversity pillars.
It is essential that we keep pushing for tangible and positive change. I am excited for the advances that we will continue to see in the future.
Can you share any mentors or role models who have played a pivotal role in guiding your professional journey?
I would not be where I am today without the many mentors, sponsors and allies in my life. There are too many to mention, but I will share some that are very special in my life. My first mentor, as mentioned, was Ms Motta. Her co-op programme changed my life. I am lucky to remain in touch with her and we have an annual lunch that I always look forward to. My first work mentor, as noted, was Lionel Demercado. He believed in me and valued my potential enough to bring me over to TD. He has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and I am grateful to him. Robbie Pryde and Martine Irman have been special mentors, sponsors and supports in my life. They are both outstanding leaders, who lead with empathy.
I strive to make a positive impact on others, as they have done on me. My boss, Steve Banquier is also an empathetic leader who not only supports me fully in my career, but also as a working parent and a community leader. I am also fortunate enough to have incredible mentors and allies on the trading floor. I will mention Greg Debienne, who has been a major supporter and partnered with me on many initiatives.
For all the others, you know who you are and I am truly grateful for your support and privileged to work with you. I will also mention my peer teammates who have been so important. They often inspire and mentor me as much as I do them. We have grown up together in the business and have supported each other through hard times, as well as celebrating each other's successes, in our careers and in life.
Lastly, my husband and daughter are my biggest supporters. My husband is one of the greatest people I have ever met, who pushes me to be the best version of myself. My daughter is my inspiration. Everything I do in this world is for her and to show her that, with hard work and a positive mindset, one can accomplish anything in life.
