1. Where did you grow up and if you moved to the Halifax area, what brought you here?

I grew up all over the place but spent most of my life in Africa, with a brief four-year stint in Italy. Although my parents are still rolling stones, I needed to settle down, at least momentarily, to complete my degree.

Drawn by the seaside, small city living and the prospect of a new life, I packed my bags and made the journey to Nova Scotia. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted to be here longer than just four years.

2. Can you highlight your educational background and professional experience?

I began to take interest in how the world worked, and by the time I was wrapping up high school, I was certain that the vehicle I’d use to learn about the world would be economics. I attended Saint Mary’s University, eager to learn what the big deal was about the stock market and why it mattered that the Bank of Canada was cutting rates.

I learned a lot and realized that I wanted to begin my career at the nexus of the financial world, in banking. Joining CUA was my first foray into a finance career, and over the two years that I’ve been with the company, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best that Nova Scotia has to offer and serve the everyday people that enrich the community.

3. What drew you to banking?

Banks are a huge way that people interact with the financial system. Even those that don’t remember the last time they stepped into their bank will have no problem recalling when they last used their debit card or sent an e-transfer. I was interested in how CUA is able to give its members tailored solutions while striving for world-class standards in asset and risk management.

4. What does a “regular” workday look like for you?

First thing is I greet anyone who has already arrived and beeline to the coffeemaker. Coffee in hand, it's time to log into my system, check the advisors’ calendars and run through some emails until my fellow FSRs get in. We'll open at 10 and will serve members until 4pm, and in between we'll look at various reports concerning ATM and mobile cheque deposits. I'll also take time out of my day to connect with the advisors on questions about our products, their appointments, and the economy in general. It's also common to get projects from the advisors and the branch manager – anything from transaction posting to calling members with updates. As the day draws to a close, I'll wrap up anything that I'm working on, send some closing emails, and scan cheques. I'll make sure the branch’s cash balances as well as my own.

5. What is the best part of your job?

The best part of working at CUA is the people, both those that I work with and the members. Working alongside such work-driven and ambitious co-workers has rubbed off on me, fostering a deep sense of belonging at the organization. I also say the members because I get to serve down-to-earth, working-class people; I hear their stories and try to make their financial lives a little better every day.

6. Since being in your role with CUA, what is the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

Pretty soon after starting with CUA, I realized just how seriously we take our stated value of ‘accountability’. We take responsibility for any issue that comes across our desk, pursuing a fix and owning the issue to resolution. Where the large banks will shuttle customers between departments, our commitment is to solve problems at the first point of contact. We’ll do the running around for you. With this ‘don’t pass the buck’ attitude, I’ve learned that there’s always a solution worth looking for, and the ability to think on the fly is an invaluable tool that I use frequently.

7. What do you think is a common banking myth people believe?

My favourite banking myth is that it’s safer to keep money under the mattress than at a banking institution. 

CUA has $250,000 in deposit protection, $150,000 more than the chartered banks offer. We take the protection of our member’s information very seriously; we prioritize healthy management and sustainable growth to maintain our position as a pillar in Nova Scotia’s financial eco-system.

Mattress money just collects dust; money kept with us can grow safely. 

8. What is your favourite CUA product and why?

I’m a big fan of the high-interest savings account: we’ll do it right over the counter, there’s no hassle. It’s got unlimited deposits, access to your funds whenever you need them and if you’re under 2 withdrawals a month, completely free! 

9. What is one piece of financial advice that you believe everyone should follow?

There’s no such thing as fast money. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. It is better to build a realistic budget, get spending habits in line with that budget, and use that stable foundation to reach your goals.

10. Outside of your professional life, what is your favourite activity or hobby?

I’m a big football (soccer) fan and I’ll take any opportunity to get onto the field near my house in Eastern Passage. I’m just as happy on the couch watching European Ball or at the Wanderers grounds catching a local game.

11. What is your favourite meal to cook at home or order at a restaurant?

As much as I branch out, I keep coming back to my staple, pasta dishes. I mean, vegetables, poultry, seafood, red meat, anything goes. If I’m at a restaurant, it’s the safest bet! I recently made a shrimp scampi, but I’ve also got a mean carbonara and dill-chicken penne in my arsenal.

Meet the CUA Team

Our experienced and dedicated team are passionate about helping our personal and commercial members improve their confidence and knowledge of financial matters. Meet the team »