By Sarah Walker
Building future leaders means more than just delivering business results. As Rose Porter, Senior Vice-President, Retail Credit Risk Canada at Scotiabank, demonstrates, leadership is about leaving a lasting impact through mentorship, talent development, and leading by example.
“I strive to inspire my team by setting a clear vision and by fostering a culture of learning and growth. I believe in leading by example – demonstrating curiosity, showing resilience in the face of change, and particularly important in risk management, making principles-based decisions with integrity and effectively challenging the status quo.”
Growing up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Rose credits her late parents for her work ethic and career ambitions. Her father was a local graphic artist with an entrepreneurial spirit, while her mother pursued a nursing career initially in the UK then moving abroad to the USA and eventually to Canada before starting a family. Both believed it was important to follow their passions, and they inspired their daughter to do the same.
“I was always determined and competitive in the classroom, and sought out leadership opportunities to both challenge myself and bring others together,” says Rose. Excelling in her academic pursuits, Rose completed her Commerce degree and MBA on scholarship, accepting the Dean’s Medal of Academic Excellence at Simon Fraser University. With her graduate program focused on international business and finance, recruitment into the capital markets division of Scotiabank, was a perfect match.
Rose explains that it was Scotiabank’s high performance and collaborative atmosphere that drew her in. “As a young professional, I saw that I could develop expertise, be part of a winning team and contribute to the organization’s growth ambitions.”
I feel that inclusive leadership is about more than just being a good leader – it’s about cultivating an environment where every individual is encouraged to bring their unique perspectives to the table.”
“In my early years at the Bank, I was a relationship manager, working closely with corporate clients to finance their operations and acquisitions. I strived to build strong long-term relationships and learn how the Bank could best deliver value to their business,” Rose explains. These client focused roles served her well through her career, and she encourages others to build their relationships with clients and partners across the industry.
Rose has since taken on a variety of dynamic and increasingly senior leadership roles. “I’ve had the privilege of working across the institution for many incredible leaders that have mentored me and, more often than not, challenged me to think differently.”
Inspired by her former leaders and mentors, Rose too has become a mentor, fostering the next generation of leaders. She is the Executive Champion of Scotiabank’s Global Risk Management Rotation Program. This unique program provides opportunities for Senior Managers to develop enterprise-wide thinking and accelerate their careers with placements across the organization. “I am so proud of the participants in this program. They have stepped out of their comfort zone to broaden their knowledge and perspective,” Rose adds. She is also the Co-Executive Sponsor of Risk & Compliance Women in Leadership, an employee resource group led by and dedicated to providing women with mentorship and leadership development opportunities.
“I’m passionate about giving back and enabling others to grow and succeed in their careers,” says Rose. “When you empower women, you strengthen the entire organization by ensuring that a diverse range of voices and ideas are heard and valued. I feel that inclusive leadership is about more than just being a good leader – it’s about cultivating an environment where every individual is encouraged to bring their unique perspectives to the table.”
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Rose advises mentees to be confident in their aspirations and take strategic risks in their careers. “When you identify an initiative you’re passionate about, speak up and be persistent,” she says. “Lean on your passion to propel yourself forward.”
As a role model in the workplace, Rose draws from her upbringing and aims to integrate her career with family priorities, a focus on wellness, and giving back to the community. She encourages others to lead purpose-filled lives – inside and outside the office. Rose adds, “I’m grateful in my role to have the opportunity to empower and shape the next generation of leaders in our industry.”
This article was first published in Women of Influence and is republished with permission.
