🎯 How to design a career—and a life—that works for you

🌍 Strategic Success: Intentional, Not Mercenary

Not long ago, a contact of mine reached out for a career chat. I met her 15 years ago when I joined WCM (now VersaFi), fresh off the train from Montreal. She wasn’t thrilled with her new role—some recent org changes had blindsided her, as they so often do in big banks—and she was contemplating leaving.

In the 20 minutes we spoke, I gave her my take on the current Canadian job market (not great), leaving a decent job over interpersonal challenges (usually not worth it—people rotate quickly), and the hard realities of ageism and sexism (still very real, unfortunately). I was glad she heard me out and factored that perspective into her next move.

💡 I’ve Made Strategic Mistakes—But I’ve Also Chosen Strategically

Let me be clear: I’ve made plenty of career mistakes. But I’ve also shaped my journey with clear intention.

Growing up, money was tight. That made the decision simple: I would study and work in a field that was financially rewarding—hence, finance. Yes, I took on student loans, but I knew I’d be able to pay them off. That’s one of the first conversations I have with young people or parents today: calculate the Net Present Value of your education.

• Will your career allow you to repay your student loans in a reasonable amount of time?

• Will it support the lifestyle you aspire to?

Of course, if you come from money, this might be irrelevant. But for most of us, it’s not. Taking on $75K in debt for a fine arts degree? That’s FMP not a wise decision. Yes, someone always knows someone who "made it"—but how many others are still juggling three jobs a decade later, still repaying debt, with no assets to show for it?

Unfair? Absolutely. But it’s reality—not Pollyanna world.

🏙️ The Power of Industry and Geography

Early in my career, I explored different industries and realized that some—like financial services, tech, and consulting—had higher margins, more corporate infrastructure, and better growth opportunities. They also happened to be located downtown and were a better cultural fit for me. So I zoomed in.

Yes, you can spend the same time and energy in a low-paying, stagnant industry as you would in a thriving, dynamic one. I can hear you shifting in your seat—"But what about purpose? Passion? Vocation?"
Sure, and:

• You can find just as much passion in an HR role in financial services as in manufacturing—while being better compensated.

• You can find just as much purpose in law as in HR—again, better compensated.

• And let’s be honest: you will have multiple careers in your lifetime. Passion will ebb and flow.

I also paid attention to geography. I started in a small French town—not exactly the next economic boom hub. So I moved to Montreal. A few years later, I realized Toronto was the place to be. At the time, I was working at CGI, which I loved—but I saw that senior finance roles were scarce there, so I moved to BMO.

🔑 Optionality Is Strategic Power

One of the best strategies I ever followed? Building optionality. For me, that meant:

• Collecting as many passports as I could

• Gaining experience that was globally recognized

• Earning credentials which hold value across markets (CFA anyone?)

After moving to Canada, I quickly learned the “Where is your Canadian experience?” and “What are your Canadian diplomas?” lines. I swore never to be in that position again. So I diversified my credentials, joined global networks like FrenchFounders, and worked for internationally respected companies.

My work experience now spans generalist and specialist roles, across regions and sectors. I designed it that way.

📈 Today: Surfing the Next Big Wave

As I look at the doom-and-gloom sentiment in Canada’s economic landscape, I’m leaning into the Middle East—specifically, the UAE. If you’ve read my book, you know I’ve always believed in surfing the biggest wave (or at least an ascending one). The tide lifts all boats. And the reverse? Also true.

🙅‍♀️ Be Strategic, Not Transactional

One final thought: being intentional doesn’t mean being mercenary.
This recent trend of only engaging in relationships or communities for personal gain is becoming frankly disgraceful. Choosing to be in the right city, industry, or organization by design? Great.
But joining a tennis club or charity board just to mine the network? That’s not OK.
Genuine friendships, trust, and opportunities can emerge over time—but treating people like stepping stones? No.

🚀 Design a Life That Works for You

There are countless ways to improve your station in life by being intentional, strategic, and purposeful. Yes, that might mean stepping outside your comfort zone—but in the long run, that’s often the least risky—and most rewarding—move you can make.

My mom did it. In her late sixties, she left a grey town in the North of France for a sunny village in the South. Sold her place, bought a beautiful condo for less, dropped her cost of living, and gained better weather. Boom. Instant lifestyle upgrade on the same fixed pension.

If she can do it, so can you.

Peggy Van de Plassche is an Operating Partner in Private Equity with over 20 years of experience across financial services, healthcare, and technology. She partners with investment firms, boards, and portfolio company leadership to accelerate performance, drive operational transformation, and unlock long-term value.

Peggy specializes in executing complex value creation plans—from capital allocation and digital enablement to transaction advisory and leadership alignment. Her work bridges strategy and implementation, helping investors and operators boost EBITDA and maximize enterprise value.

A founding board member of Invest in Canada, Peggy also brings deep expertise in institutional capital deployment and public-private partnerships—critical levers for competitive advantage in today’s global landscape.

Her clients have included BMO, CI Financial, HOOPP, OMERS, GreenShield Canada, Nicola Wealth, and Power Financial.
Learn more at peggyvandeplassche.com.