Position and Role
Manisha Burman is the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at CI Financial, based in Toronto. She plays a pivotal role in leading the company's people strategy, execution of corporate programs, and community giving efforts. Manisha's leadership is instrumental in the integration of over 28 disparate HR teams into a centralized US HR function at Corient, a division within CI Financial.
Professional Background
Ms. Burman is an experienced, global CHRO with a track record of mobilizing high-performing teams. Her prior roles include senior positions in HR, Business Strategy, and Transformation at top-tier global organizations like Ernst & Young (E&Y), General Electric (GE), Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), and Bank of Montreal (BMO), underscoring her extensive experience in the industry.
Achievements and Initiatives
- Community Engagement: Under her leadership, CI Financial has supported major community initiatives including:
- Providing 227,000 meals to individuals through annual donations.
- Offering 300 in-kind donations to Nellie's Shelter for women.
- Partnering with the Children’s Aid Foundation to develop scholarships.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Manisha has significantly contributed to centralizing and automating recruitment processes to attract a diverse talent pool. Her efforts have been aimed at enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the firm.
- HR Innovation: She has standardized the reporting of HR Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to improve accountability and oversight, thereby enhancing outcomes within the HR function.
Manisha is also recognized for her high-touch approach to human resources, focusing on collaboration and mentorship, serving as an active mentor and developer of talent.
Professional Network and Visibility
With a robust network of over 500 connections on LinkedIn, Manisha maintains a significant online presence, underscoring her professional influence and reach in the domain of human resources and corporate leadership.
Philosophy
Manisha's guiding philosophy involves creating environments where individuals feel comfortable to be themselves, as highlighted by her favorite quote: _"Watch carefully the magic that occurs when you give a person enough comfort to just be themselves." – Atticus_
Overall, Ms. Burman's role and accomplishments at CI Financial underscore her strategic leadership in human resources and her commitment to community and organizational development.