Employees at IGM Financial celebrate the launch of the organization’s Sustainability Strategy.Supplied
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.”
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Advertising feature produced by Canada’s Top 100 Employers, a division of Mediacorp Canada Inc. The Globe and Mail’s editorial department was not involved.