INTERIM EXECUTIVE . ON-DEMAND CONTRACTOR. FINANCIAL SERVICES.
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Wiser Together Advisors provides interim executive and on-demand contractor services. Over more than fifteen years then it, previously named Clean West Capital, has completed numerous mandates to clients in financial services; technology; and government. Wiser Together engages directly with clients and through selected talent placement and/or regulatory agencies.
ROSS MCDONALD, PRINCIPAL
Ross is an interim executive; on-demand contractor; board director; and digital nomad. He holds the role of Principal at Wiser Together Advisors. His professional commitments and personal activities can involve significant international travel.
Ross has over 25 years diverse experience in financial services. Roles include CFO; CRO; SVP; VP; CEO-level consultant; and Board advisor. Functions include finance; corporate strategy; risk; regulation; trade support; audit. Organizations include US banks; Canadian credit unions; financial regulator and government entities. Business scope includes retail banking; corporate & investment banking; wealth management; securities/derivatives trading; and clean technology / clean energy.
Ross proactively drives progressive change. Depending on situational needs, this has included strategic matters; commercial growth; functional maturity and operational efficiency. Over recent years, his focus has been regulatory remediation of financial services firms. VUCA comfortable. Hand-on, as appropriate. He is a strong advocate of active curiosity; applied experimentation; and cultural courage. He has authored ten publications - with topics across strategy, regulation, legislation, treasury and governance in the Canadian financial services industry.
Ross has held positions as Board Chair; Board Director; Board Advisor; and volunteer at multiple organizations. He currently holds the position of Board Director of Parkinson Canada, a prominent charity; and Board Director and Chair Governance Committee of Advantage B.C. a sustainable finance policy advocate. As a ‘GlobalScot’ for many years, he supports the trade & investment activities of the Scottish government. He has mentored CEOs of many B.C. early-stage technology ventures. He is a certified coach in multiple sports. He has an MBA from London Business School; is a Chartered Accountant; and a Bachelor of Accountancy & Finance degree.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work”
“Your mind is like a parachute. If it isn’t open, it doesn’t work”