How to Climb in Your Career and Lift Others Up With You

We caught up with Eileen O’Connor, Senior Vice President and Division Manager of Computershare Corporate Trust, and Helen Lau, Global Operations Director for Service Strategy and Implementation at Computershare, to learn more about their journeys to becoming senior leaders and discover how they lift other women up in the workplace.

Can you share a few details about your career journey to becoming a senior leader? How have you grown your career? How have other women aided in your career growth?

Eileen O’Connor: I recently celebrated my 35th year with Computershare through an acquisition with Wells Fargo. I started my career working at Wells Fargo’s mortgage company where I spent six years, progressing through various positions, and into a management role. In my last year at the company, I was accepted into a two-year bank training program, where I mentored with senior-level managers and executives, was given the opportunity to learn about Corporate Trust and later accepted an Account Manager position. Throughout my career in Corporate Trust, I’ve held multiple roles leading to my current position as the Division Manager over the Asset-Backed and Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities product groups.   

I’ve been lucky to work with some phenomenal women leaders and managers who have given me advice and opportunities, and who have acted as role models for me as I have advanced my career.

Helen Lau: My career journey has been a blend of strategic planning, continuous learning, seizing opportunities, and a bit of luck. I started as a Project Manager at Computershare, and within two months, I took the challenge of becoming an Operations Manager overseeing four services in Toronto and, within the year, becoming the National Manager for the services across Canada. This was my first incredible opportunity at Computershare that stretched my abilities and allowed me to develop a deep understanding of operations, service strategies, and risk management while developing strong partnerships/allies and relationships. My later journeys involved making lateral moves and taking on completely different work, which was outside of my expertise. I’ve grown my career by stepping out of my comfort zone, believing in and selling myself, overcoming my fears, and taking on new challenges.  

How have women aided in my career growth? Interestingly, the first person who aided in my career growth was actually male, someone who challenged me to do things that I didn’t think I was either responsible for or could do. However, there were definitely women that aided in my career growth as well. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had senior women leaders who have been invaluable to my career growth. Their guidance and support have helped me navigate challenges and grow professionally. Networking with women in our Computershare North America Women4Women Board has provided me with a platform for sharing experiences and learning from each other.

As you’ve grown your career, how have you ensured that you lift other women up with you?

Eileen O’Connor: Over the years, I’ve found mentoring women a great way to share my experiences, develop them to be the best they can be at work, and help them foster the confidence needed to achieve their professional goals. In addition, I’m a board member on the Computershare Employee Resource Group, Women4Women, North America. Along with the other incredible women I serve with on the board, we strive to find topics and lead sessions that interest women and help them explore new and different opportunities, network, and tackle issues they may face as women in their careers. 

Helen Lau: I’ve been mentoring and coaching women and men alike throughout my career where I saw potential and/or if I’ve been asked. Today, I’m the Chair of our Computershare North American Women4Women’s network and a Board Director since May 2020. I joined the network as I was passionate about helping others eliminate those barriers that are often in their minds, such as self-doubt and fears, and replacing those thoughts with confidence and a “can-do” attitude. I also wanted to create opportunities for them to network, develop, and learn from each other. By creating a safe environment for sharing, supporting, learning, building awareness, and encouraging open communication, I strive to help women achieve their goals, whether it be career or personal.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Eileen O’Connor: My management style is to empower my team and to lead by example. I want each team member to know I’m here for them and will have their back. I entrust them to manage their teams and make decisions; however, they know I’m right there if they need my support. I provide real-time feedback, both positive and constructive, so my team knows where they stand. I want to give them the tools to effectively perform their roles as independent leaders and be the best versions of themselves. It doesn’t matter what position you’re in, we all play an important role in making our business a success. It takes everyone, and I’m honored and fortunate to be able to lead the team to achieve our goals. 

Helen Lau: I’d consider my leadership style to be transformational in the sense that I change the way I lead depending on the state of the environment. At the heart, I strongly believe that I’m not successful without my team and/or my key partnerships.  I believe in teamwork and collaboration, inclusivity, and empowering team members by providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed, even if I need to roll up my sleeves. I encourage open communication and value diverse perspectives, which helps in making well-informed decisions and avoiding unconscious bias.

What’s one strategy you’ve used when managing an individual or team that you think has been particularly effective?

Eileen O’Connor: Listening. It is so important to really listen to what your team is saying. Listen to their concerns and ideas and make yourself available.  I know I’m not the smartest person in the room nor do I have all the answers. Our success depends on everyone contributing, respectfully challenging each other, and knowing what they have to say is important and valued.

Helen Lau: One effective strategy I use is setting clear goals and expectations while providing and receiving feedback. This helps team members understand their roles and responsibilities and allows them to track their progress, but it also gives them an opportunity to provide feedback to me. Additionally, recognising and celebrating achievements boosts morale and motivates the team to perform at their best.

How do you make sure that your direct reports feel well-supported in their lives both in and out of the office?

Eileen O’Connor: By creating an environment where my direct reports feel respected, valued, and supported. My favorite part of my job is getting to work with such an incredible team. I want to know them on a personal level because it helps me understand how they approach things based on their interests, what is important to them, what makes them tick, etc. I want my team to know that I value their personal lives and truly care for them. We spend a lot of time together, so having that personal connection is important. I’ve found this strengthens our relationship individually and as a whole team, thus making the team more successful.  

Helen Lau: I prioritize work-life balance and encourage my team to take time off when needed. Regular check-ins help me understand their challenges and provide support where necessary. I also promote a culture of flexibility, allowing team members to manage their work schedules in a way that suits their personal lives. I also encourage team activities to build morale and relationships.

What is your number one piece of advice for other women who are moving into or want to move into leadership?

Eileen O’Connor: Find a leader you admire and ask them to be your mentor. I know I’ve benefited tremendously over the years from strong women (and men) leaders, managers, and mentors who have supported and helped me grow in my career. 

Helen Lau: My top advice for women aspiring to leadership roles is to believe in themselves and their abilities. Seek out mentors, build a strong network, and never hesitate to take on new challenges. Confidence and resilience are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success in leadership.

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