CFLA Empowering Women Leaders Spotlight: Dana Bota
SG - October 16, 2023 - Featured Content Area
Dana Bota, Manager - Governance, Compliance & Risk Efficiency, Mitsubishi HC Capital Canada
The CFLA Empowering Women Leaders Initiative’s latest spotlight features Dana Bota, Manager - Governance, Compliance & Risk Efficiency, Mitsubishi HC Capital Canada.
We asked Dana about her career and personal life to amplify her voice in the industry as an exemplary women leader.
Learn more about Dana below:
Probably fate, to be honest. Around the time I graduated from York University, I relocated to the west end, and I landed a job in the Operations department of a well-known player in this industry. I really loved it from day one.
What do you wish you had known when you started out in this industry?
After spending almost two decades in this field, I wish someone would have told me about the uniqueness of this industry. To my surprise, it taught me how to assess risks better, how to navigate through the industry’s rules and regulations, how to build strong client relationships and stay updated on the latest financial technology trends. These lessons have been crucial in shaping my expertise and dedication to continue my journey in this industry.
What do you like about working in this industry?
I love the dynamic nature and the unique blend of financial acumen, risk management challenges and the chance to shape lasting client relationships.
What motivates you?
My motivation stems from my curious nature. I am passionate about learning new things, and over the years, I have explored different areas of knowledge. I am currently keen on how the brain works because, among other insightful things, it provides clarity on how to understand and heal your mind.
For those interested, I recommend “The Huberman Lab,” an insightful podcast hosted by a neuroscientist at Stanford.
What is your greatest achievement?
Understanding who I am and my overall purpose. Self-evaluation is probably the most important tool one can master. The next step is to define your goals, as they will be very clear to you and the road to achieving them will be much easier.
How do you feel the industry has changed since you began your career?
The industry underwent significant changes. There are two areas I am really excited about such as digitization and its impact on how we can add value to the way we lend, as well as the focus on sustainability, such as considering environmental and social factors.
What do you feel you still want to keep working on?
I have always been interested in process efficiency. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed being involved in opportunities that allowed me to find solutions to close gaps. I was offered the opportunity to perfect my Six Sigma knowledge and got my Black Belt certification, and it has benefited me tremendously.
Wherever there’s an opportunity for improvement, I am in.
How do you overcome the challenges you face at work?
I have a great support system of amazing humans that are around me.
What industry is your favourite industry to finance and why?
I don’t have a favourite industry, but as I said previously, I am excited to learn more about emerging markets that are non-traditional and see the shift this industry will go through to accommodate this.
What is your number one travel destination, and why?
I have had the opportunity to travel to many amazing places around the world, and while they are all unique and beautiful, I am biased to answer that the number one travel destination for me is my birth country, Romania. This country will fill your eyes with the beauty of magnificent landscapes, fill your heart with the energy of good people, and, of course, spoil your taste buds because we have really good food. I totally recommend it.
What is one of your favourite books and why?
Reading is one of my favourite pastimes, and while there are many books I enjoyed, there are two that I really liked: Brené Brown's "Dare to Lead," which explains how leading with a heart is impactful to humanity. “The Happiness Hypothesis” by Jonathan Haidt is an interesting psychological approach to personal transformation.
What sports do you play, and why is it important to you?
I am actually not into sports, so I do not play any particular sport. While I know many people find enjoyment in playing a sport, my interests lie in other areas. I prefer to focus on gardening, cooking, reading, travelling, and going on nature walks. They are important to me because they align more closely to my personal passions.
What do you like to do when you are not behind your desk?
My husband and our children are my number one priority. I love doing things for and with them, and they are the motor that keeps me running.
Want to learn more about Dana?