We hosted our clients for a client appreciation summer soiree on our (secret) rooftop garden this week, featuring RBC Olympian Laura Brown (2-time Olympian, Rio bronze medalist in cycling). I dialogued with Laura on her inspirational journey to the Olympics, the RBC Olympian program and the parallels between elite sports and successful investing. The piece de resistance was Laura's weighty medal from Rio!
Photo by Terence Ng
Our clients are our team's raison d'etre. Everything we do focuses on our clients; from the financial plans we create for their family to how we manage their portfolios (actively managing downside risk while keeping our laser focus on growth). We are thankful for the infinite trust our clients place in us.
At RBC, the Olympic Games represent excellence, teamwork, diversity and commitment - the same values we hold true for our employees, clients and communities. That connection is a major reason why RBC has been one of the longest-standing corporate supporters of the Canadian Olympic Team - and, in fact, of any national Olympic team in the world!
It all started in 1947 when Sidney Dawes, the founder of the Canadian Olympic Committee, phoned the President of the Royal Bank of Canada, Sydney Dobson, and asked for the bank's help in getting the Canadian Olympic team to the Winter Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Royal Bank said "yes," and from that day forward, RBC Financial Group has been a supporter of the Canadian Olympic Team and Canadian athletes. In the 60 years since then, RBC has supported a wide range of programs with the goal of helping amateur athletes achieve their potential-whether that be on the Olympic stage, or at the grassroots level through initiatives that allow access to sport for kids.
Photo by Terence Ng
The RBC Olympians Program, which began in 2002, is a national initiative that provides elite athletes with an opportunity to gain valuable career experience alongside a flexible work schedule, to allow the time necessary to train and compete on the world stage. Athletes who participate in the program gain skills and experiences which help them to achieve success both on and off the field of play.
RBC Olympians act as community ambassadors in cities and towns across Canada — to share past experiences and Olympic accomplishments with students, communities, clients and employees. These athlete ambassadors work to champion and raise awareness about the importance of sport in daily life, inspiring the next generation to be physically active, make healthy decisions and participate in sports, no matter the level.
There's a lot of similarities in sport and investing. The road to successful investing is not an easy one. It has no shortcuts or backroads (despite what some people will tell you). It is paved with emotional hurdles and will challenge your commitment. That's why every elite athlete (successful investor) counts on his/her coach (advisor) to help map the way, encourage emotional control and advocate a disciplined focus.
Gold medals aren’t really made of real gold. They are made of sweat, determination and a hard-to-find alloy called guts. Keep in mind that winning an “inner” gold medal is your ultimate victory.
Photo by Terence Ng
Like elite athletes, our clients have allowed me to coach them to great investment outcomes. It’s never easy to listen to your coach when the sky seems to be falling, but how we learn from our failures often determines hugely successful outcomes.
Also like elite athletes, our clients have allowed me to coach them to dream big, to have those big hairy audacious goals but at the same time have a risk management plan in place.
Like elite athletes, our clients also know that there is no shortcut to success in wealth; get rich quick schemes often end up in tears. They know that a successful plan requires a disciplined savings strategy and a well thought out investment & financial plan. The plan is paramount; like elite athletes, our clients know that in order to be elite, you cannot just wing it.
Photo by Terence Ng