“Do you remember your dad putting cotton balls in his ears?”

It was a question from Anne-Marie’s mother, recalling the time Anne-Marie was practicing for the final of a public speaking competition in grade school.  He wanted his daughter to speak more loudly, so he put cotton balls in his ears, walked away down the hall, and insisted she raise her voice until he could hear her.

He wanted her to win.

It was a formative experience that echoes to this day, in Anne-Marie’s drive to always be better than the day before – and to elevate the wealth of ultra-high-net-worth clients and help them achieve their most ambitious visions.

She and her team do it by driving toward a vision of their own:  To be the estate planning team of choice by putting people first.

It is, indeed, all about people.  Known for their emotional intelligence, Anne-Marie and team live each day by the Maya Angelou maxim: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

That is why the team – by being extremely knowledgeable, responsive and precise – puts so much energy into elevating the relationship that clients have with their trusted advisors.  As Anne-Marie puts it, “It all adds up to a carefully-curated estate planning experience for our trusted partners, based on our deep expertise and fascination with their clients’ lives.”

Fascination?  Yes.  Anyone who has met Anne-Marie has experienced her genuine interest in them, her perceptiveness, and the way she makes them feel comfortable.

Having entered the financial services industry in 1997, Anne-Marie’s background in accounting and auditing has been instrumental in creating tax strategies for ultra-high-net-worth clients and corporations. Her certifications include the elite Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS™).

Anne-Marie grew up in a big family in which there was a lot of laughter, a legacy carried on in her office.  She is committed to exceeding both her own standards and yours – paired with a drive to dream boldly, grow relentlessly, and deliver exceptional results for those she serves.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

This quote isn’t just part of the team’s brand — it’s how Laura approaches her work, relationships, and life. It is also reflected in her emotional intelligence, which allows Laura to build caring and trusted relationships with clients, never losing sight of the importance of ensuring each client’s family and legacy are protected.

Emotional intelligence is also one of the many traits that Laura greatly admires in Anne-Marie and the rest of their team. She also values the unique benefits of being part of that team, like stronger communication and greater collaboration — all of which lead to unparalleled client service. It’s this culture of kindness and care that Laura embodies in her daily work.

Laura brings positivity and joy to every interaction with a contagious laugh and warm sense of humour. Her work ethic and genuine care for others shine through whether she is leading client meetings, supporting team members, answering emails or returning phone calls.

Outside of work, Laura is a loving wife and mother, and a caring friend. On weekends, she enjoys a balance of laughing and connecting with loved ones as well as relaxing at home — her favourite place to recharge.

Whether at home or at work, Laura is guided by her core belief: “If you put in the time, effort, and passion, success will follow.”

Mary McIntosh is a seasoned Estate Planning Assistant with a robust career in the financial services industry that began in 1999. Since then, she has held several supporting roles that have significantly contributed to the success of estate planning specialists. CIBC was fortunate to welcome Mary to the team in May 2017, where she has since become an invaluable member, respected, and appreciated by both her colleagues and clients.

Mary brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role. She excels at building long-term relationships, understanding that trust and effective communication are essential in the estate planning process. Her exceptional interpersonal skills enable her to connect with clients on a personal level, ensuring their needs and aspirations are thoroughly understood and addressed.

In her capacity as an Estate Planning Assistant, Mary supports the estate planning team by coordinating client meetings, managing documentation, and facilitating communication between clients and advisors. Her meticulous attention to detail and organizational prowess ensure that all aspects of the estate planning process run smoothly, providing clients with peace of mind as they navigate their financial futures.

Mary’s commitment to client service is complemented by her passion for continuous learning. She stays updated on industry trends and best practices, allowing her to provide clients with the most relevant and effective solutions tailored to their unique situations.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Mary enjoys spending time with her large family, cherishing the moments they share together. She is also an avid animal lover, particularly devoted to her dog, Oscar.

With her extensive experience, dedication to fostering meaningful relationships, and unwavering support for her team, Mary is a key contributor to the success of the estate planning team and the satisfaction of its clients.

You will know Emilie is nearby by the sound of her laugh. She embodies the team’s brand promise to bring energy – and laughter – into everything they do.

Even as a child, Emilie always had a lot of energy and was eager to spread joy to everyone around her.  She’s also quite spontaneous – recently adopting a Portuguese waterdog, who goes by Louie.

Outside of work, Emilie enjoys shopping, traveling, and spending time with her family. No matter the season, she loves spending time outdoors – whether that’s going for a walk, skiing, or relaxing on the beach.

Emilie earned her Bachelor of General Science degree from Brock University. While studying, she also worked at her father’s engineering company, where she discovered a passion for business. At just 20 years old, she began her career at a major bank — starting in filing before moving to reception, where she worked before joining Anne-Marie’s team.

It’s her positive energy that allows Emilie to deliver information with a smile, whether she is helping someone with an application or liaising between an insurance company and a client.

The team’s brand promise to always be better than the day before is more than a philosophy for Emilie — it’s a daily practice. Never satisfied with “good enough,” she is dedicated to finding ways to make the client experience even better. Her favourite quote, proudly displayed on her desk, is a reminder of that drive:

“A wise girl knows her limits, a smart girl knows she has none.” — Marilyn Monroe

It was her mother, an engineer and the family matriarch, who taught Ivy the importance of being happy with what you currently have – and that women can do everything. “Don’t worry too much,” her mother said. “Be happy and be yourself.”

Those were some of the lessons that Ivy brought with her when she emigrated from China to attend Simon Fraser University. The big move was inspired by both her mother and her father, who wanted Ivy to see new parts of the world and have different experiences than if she would have stayed in her hometown.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Ivy worked for three years as a banking advisor at another major bank in Vancouver, helping Mandarin- and English-speaking clients. She then completed a Masters of Information Systems with a Concentration in Data Science at the University of Toronto. Her favourite thing about living in Toronto? “All the good food.”

Ivy is a licensed LLQP advisor and assists the team with administration — processing documents, getting quotes from insurance companies, helping clients understand their policies, and answering client enquiries. Ivy is fluent in Mandarin and can also understand Cantonese, allowing her to assist clients who speak either language.

Ivy’s attention to detail and care for clients is guided by her deep concern for ensuring excellent client service. She understands that when helping people manage their finances, it’s essential to build a trusting relationship — so that clients feel comfortable and are happy with their overall experience.

Ivy’s dedication to client care is inspired by her favourite quote from the team’s brand foundation:  “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou