For the second year, Women in Capital Markets is continuing the Executive Coaching Award Program to provide career coaching and development to qualified senior women working in the capital markets in Canada.

The program, which provides coaching services from Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions, is directed to applicants with a minimum of 10 years experience and who have achieved significant success in their careers. The 2009 program will officially launch at a cocktail reception on Thursday.

“While many women in the Canadian capital markets have already achieved success in their career, the executive coaching experience offers them a chance to further enhance their skills,” said Murina Chan, president of Women in Capital Markets.

“During this time of economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever to develop, recognize and celebrate success, as it can be that much more challenging to achieve it. In a downsizing environment, finding ways to remain competitive and motivated is critical. Leadership becomes even more important as a result, and the Executive Coaching Award Program provides our participants with the tools necessary to effectively lead their organizations through these challenging times,” Chan added.

Carrie Freeborough, a recipient of the award and former head of Canadian Sales Trading at Citigroup Global Markets Canada Inc., said the coaching experience was very helpful to her career. “My coach was integral in helping me manage my new role at Citigroup and I have learned life skills that will help me throughout my future career,” she said.

Candidates must be currently employed in the Canadian capital markets, which include the issuing, buying, selling or trading of securities, currencies and derivatives. The program provides six months of free individual career coaching to five qualified senior women.

“It is clear we must make every effort to ensure that competent and talented women get a fair chance to reach the top rungs of the corporate ladder. Even in the most progressive organizations, the continual promotion of women must remain a priority,” said Charyl Galpin, chief operating officer at BMO Nesbitt Burns, which sponsors the program. “This unique award is especially important to BMO Nesbitt Burns – we are committed to being a leader in diversity and workplace equity and we firmly stand behind the advancement of women in the Canadian financial services industry.”

IE