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Lynda Guile | Thought Leaders

Thought Leader

WFive
Who:	Lynda Guile
What:	Investment Advisor, MBA, CDFA
When:	I began in the investment business in the mid-1990’s
Where:	Wellington West Capital Inc., Vancouver B.C.
Why:	I visited a friend at a major investment firm in the early 1990’s. I was impressed by the intensity of the profession, and the fact that he was always challenged to learn new things on a daily basis. Stagnation is not for me. That’s why I decided to get into the industry. In addition, I also became a Chartered Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA).

1.: What has been your most successful investment strategy?

Personally, I consider any money that I put in my investment accounts to be untouchable – not to be withdrawn by me. Psychologically, I tell myself that the money isn’t there for me now, it’s there for me at retirement. I decided early on to commit to myself and think long term. It’s my gift to myself. It helps take away the stress of focusing on short term performance as well.
2.: What was the best advice you’ve ever received?

Probably not to rely on others for my personal or financial wellbeing. I found that if you can meet most of your own needs, that you’re happier than if you look to others to fulfill your needs. Ultimately, if you’re happy, you will attract happy and positive people into your life.
3.: What’s something women may not know that you think they should know?

We don’t have to apologize for being smarter than a man...but still ask him to open the pickle jar.
4.: What worked for you succeeding in a male-dominated industry?

For me, it’s a fine line between being ‘one of the boys’ and being a woman in this business. Many men that I have worked with want to see that I don’t ‘melt away’ when the conversation gets ‘colourful’, so to speak. Yet, these same colleagues don’t want to hear that kind of talk from us. Be strong, but be classy.
5.: Would you disclose your salary range over the years?

Pre-MBA, when I was starting out, I probably made around $40-$50k, which quickly jumped after I got my degree to the six-figure range. I wasn’t too wrapped in what my salary would be when I made career choices, I always found that if I worked hard and had ambition, that the money usually found me eventually.