News

Empowering Women Leaders Spotlight: Yvonne David

Yvonne David, Director, Audit & Compliance, 990 Capital Management Corp.

What brought you to the asset-based finance and leasing industry?

It was quite by accident. I started my career in banking and was networking while looking to switch out of banking and happened to run into someone that I went to high school with. He mentioned his brother, a VP at a finance company, was looking for someone with a banking type background and I ended up in the leasing industry as a result.

What do you wish you had known when you started out in this industry?

Literally anything! I knew absolutely nothing about it. Did not even know independent leasing companies existed before I started in the industry.

What do you like about working in this industry?

For me personally, it’s been the variety of roles that I’ve taken on during the 30 years I’ve been in the industry – from documentation specialist, broker desk, credit, VP Ops, to my current role as Director of Audit and Compliance with 990 Capital. The variety has kept things interesting. Also, the industry is small enough that you get to know many of the people in it.

What motivates you?

New challenges. Figuring out new processes, taking on new roles and generally keeping things from getting too routine and monotonous.

What is your greatest achievement?

Building a role/department from the ground up – having to figure out and implement all the processes, develop the policies, document everything and train and teach others within the dept as it grows. I’ve accomplished this twice now in my career.

How do you feel the industry has changed since you began your career?

Happy to see more women in the industry at more senior levels. That was not the case when I started 30 years ago. Also, everything is much more automated. Things were very much a manual process when I started (I’m sounding really old!). I’m now seeing the use of AI for many routine day-to-day processes and routine functions.

What do you feel you still want to keep working on?

My main focus these days is to mentor my team and get them working independently and at a level where they do not need me anymore. Sharing knowledge and training others is my prime goal at this point in my career. I feel it’s important to pass knowledge onto those who will one day (in the not-too-distant future) assume the responsibilities of the department.

How do you overcome the challenges you face at work?

Simple – “Teamwork makes the Dreamwork.” I like to believe that everyone is given a voice in my department and as a team we discuss issues and challenges, and work on solutions, together.

What industry is your favourite industry to finance and why?

Not really applicable to my current role, as we provide financing solutions to all types of leasing/finance companies, however, my favourite client is one that is converting from a pure “broker” business model to more of a “finance” company model. We’ve been able to facilitate the transition process by providing guidance, expertise, and knowledge. Many of these companies have since gone on to become very successful players in the industry.

What is your number one travel destination and why?

I don’t have a number one travel destination – yet, because I have so many places that are still on my bucket list. At this point, the one that stands out the most is Iceland because of it’s natural beauty, surreal landscape, waterfalls, hot springs (both natural and man made) and Icelandic horses. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and otherworldly.

What is one of your favourite books and why?

I can’t say I have a favourite but, I currently prefer books either written by, or about, interesting/significant people. I’m currently reading the Elon Musk biography by Walter Isaacson*. My Xmas list currently includes the book “Boldly Go” by William Shatner.

What sports do you play and why is it important to you?

I ride horses and take lessons (jumping) a couple of times a week at a barn located in Campbellville. The most frequent comment I hear from those that are not familiar with riding or horses is, “but doesn’t the horse do all the work?”  I challenge anyone to ride for one hour at a brisk pace and tell me it’s not a great cardio workout! My 3-4 hours at the barn during the week is when I can set aside everything else and be in the moment. It’s hard not to be “in the moment” when you’re sitting on a 1200lbs animal with a mind of its own! In addition, I like to get out hiking and skiing when possible (I love skiing but, sadly, I’m not that great)

What do you like to do when you are not behind your desk? 

Riding (horses), hiking – I’ve joined a local Oakville walking/hiking and wellness group, reading (usually only at night though), getting together with friends (I host a women’s get together once a month on a Friday), booking new local experiences with friends such as pottery, wine tours etc., and travelling. My most recent travels have been equestrian vacations. I’ve been to Ireland (stayed at Castle Leslie in Co. Monaghan – put this on the list if you’ve never been – spectacular!), Portugal, Spain and this summer I’m headed to a “dude ranch (yep, you read that correctly!) in Wyoming with 4 other women I met through a previous ride*. Lastly, but not least, spending time with my immediate family (husband and two daughters 21 and 23). We’ve become foodies and like trying new restaurants around the GTA. The last restaurant we went to that stands out is Lee (by Susur Lee on Richmond in TO)

* Update: I wrote the above prior to Xmas 2024 and since then (largely influenced by world events) some changes have occured. I cancelled my trip to Wyoming in favour of a family vacation to Victoria BC – we decided to explore more of the beautiful country that we live in and spend our vacation dollars in Canada. In addition, the Elon Musk book that I started (and couldn’t finish) has been replaced with a Canadian centric “fictional” series by Louise Penny – the Inspector Gamache series (it takes place in a fictional town in Quebec)