It Takes a Village

We don’t exist in isolation. As creatures of interaction, we flourish and prosper when surrounded by those that believe in our progress. Our prosperity also often depends on how others benefit from us. This is especially true for professionals striving to reach the top of their fields. 

Getting there is hard work and requires years and lots of experience. But it’s not a journey anyone can complete on their own. That’s why successful professionals surround themselves with people that exude similar energy. 

Keeping that in mind, it’s a no-brainer to become part of a group that provides synergy with others. Being part of a professional networking group sets you on the path to reach the zenith of your career. 

Networking is an investment. It takes time, energy, long-term strategy, and careful thought into which group to attach yourself with. 

So how do you figure out which professional syndicate is the best for you? It’s a good idea to start by outlining the goals you want to achieve by joining a group. If it’s kinship, personal and professional development, and advocacy for your field and your colleagues, you’re on the right track.

Financial Executive International (FEI) – Canada 

tcobi has found kinship in this high-quality group of executives that brings thousands of valuable professional connections under its umbrella. FEI’s diverse membership comes from a variety of specializations in the financial field. Members are experts in their fields with one prominent goal: to promote mutual success. At FEI, you will meet chief financial officers, vice presidents of finance, controllers, treasurers, directors of finance, tax or internal auditors, accounting professors, and audit committee members.

Joining this specialized North American organization gives you access to 9,000 best-in-business financial professional that you can interact with at more than a hundred networking opportunities a year. There are 55 incredible chapters to choose from. 

And it doesn’t just end there. As soon as you sign up to become part of FEI, you open yourself to a world of tangible value for your time and money. 

Let’s take a closer look at some benefits of becoming a part of this hive mind.

Counting the Blessings

• Seminars and educational programs: Financial professionals are dedicated to developing solutions for their field. Ever-changing circumstances compel executives to think on their feet and improvise as they deal with issues they encounter. But best practices aren’t cultivated in isolation; teamwork promotes healthy brainstorming resulting in workable remedies. With years of expertise, the solutions these professionals find are world-class. FEI gives its members the ability to join lectures, conferences, and seminars to gather knowledge and enhance skills. You learn from those that have perfected their skills and are masters of the field. They’ve developed best practices in matters, such as intelligent financial planning, analysis transformation, modern accounting, automation in finance, and environmental sustainability and governance.
• Mentorship: Whether you seek to lead or to inspire, FEI is the right place for you. There are dozens of executives part of the group that are looking for opportunities to give back. They’ve all forged their way forward with others shining the light ahead of them. FEI gives you access to such mentors. Alternatively, if you’re looking to guide someone along their executive journey, this is the best place to find an eager mentee.
• Gain Industry Insight: Knowledge is power, and FEI has plenty of it to share with its fellowship. By attending FEI events, you gain expertise in strategy, accounting, compliance, policy, and crisis management. All these are skills that you may otherwise have to sharpen through trial and error. Learning from specialists cuts your journey short. As a member, you also receive regular newsletters containing industry news and advice right in your inbox. Industry news awareness keeps you up-to-date on policy issues that affect your profession.
• Advocacy and Collaboration: You can use the FEI platform to amplify your influence in the industry. It’s a way for you to reach the regulators and put forward your perspective when it comes to changemaking. With an FEI membership, you can collaborate with other leaders in the field to plan and execute advocacy campaigns around industry trends. 
• Access to Talent: If one succeeds, we all succeed. That’s the philosophy all FEI members follow. The sense of kinship goes beyond just sharing advice and mentoring others. Their aim is to help each other grow, whether it’s by recommending the best in field or helping make connections that will take your business to the next level.
• Regular Networking & Events: There are plenty of chances to mix and mingle and rub shoulders with others in your field. FEI’s networking events give you a chance to have open conversations with other specialists. And the events aren’t just limited to the local chapter you decide to join. You will be invited to expand your impact by joining national events, too. 
• Volunteering & Sponsorship: There are multiple ways of getting involved in FEI. And it’s not just about taking; it’s also about giving back. The organization actively pursues every opportunity to make an impact. You can take up a volunteer role on a committee or become an FEI event sponsor to show your support.

Selecting Your Chapter

FEI Canada has numerous chapters that you can choose to make your clan. Take a peek at the options and consider reaching out to someone at the chapter to have a quick chat. It’s even better if you can get a testimonial from a professional who of the FEI family. We at tcobi would be happy to share our FEI experience to bring you into the fold. We have years of camaraderie and successes that bear evidence to the significance of being an FEI member.  We are happy to invite you as a guest to an upcoming meeting of either the Southwestern Ontario (London) chapter or the Golden Triangle Ontario (Kitchener Waterloo) chapter.