Meet Doe MacLean
Small Business Advisor
At CUA, we pride ourselves on knowing our customers and having customers get to know our staff, including those who look after our commercial clients. We recently sat down with one of our staff members to help you get to know them as well.Doe joined the CUA team in 2020. Her experience in banking spans financial planning, investments, estate planning, as well as debt and cash flow management and she holds a PFP® designation. She is currently in the role of Small Business Advisor.
Where did you grow up and if you moved to the Halifax area, what brought you here?
I grew up in the gorgeous Annapolis Valley (Halls Harbour, specifically!). I now live in Ellershouse and love that I’m in between Halifax and the Valley as they are both wonderful communities with a lot to offer.Can you highlight your education background and professional experience?
I studied financial services at NSCC where I graduated as valedictorian and also attended Hanze University in the Netherlands to study international business. I have my PFP® designation from the Canadian Securities Institute, and prior to joining CUA, I was a senior personal advisor at one of Canada’s largest banks. I have extensive experience providing investment advice, debt/cash flow management, and estate planning. I’ve been with CUA for just over a year as a Small Business Advisor and I’m continuously learning new ways and resources to support small business owners in our community.
What drew you to banking?
I think there is a HUGE need for financial education and this spans across every demographic. Speaking from personal experience, I know what it is like to be on the other side of the desk and wanting to know more about how to put myself in a better financial situation, but not really knowing the right questions to ask or how to get there. When you’re telling somebody your fears and your dreams, it can feel very vulnerable and you place a lot of trust in the advisor you’re dealing with. I pride myself on being a down-to-earth person that truly wants to see you succeed and provide you with the information and tools you need to get there without any judgment.
What does a “regular” workday look like for you?
I spend the majority of my day connecting with small business owners and discussing ways to improve/expand their existing operations or how to get make their business idea a reality.
What is the best part of your job?
By far, the best part of my job is feeling the excitement and passion in other people when you’re talking to them about their hopes and dreams. It’s contagious!
Since being in your role with CUA, what is the most valuable thing you’ve learned?
The most valuable thing I’ve learned since joining CUA is that there are tons of resources and organizations available to entrepreneurs. Half of the battle is knowing where to go to take advantage of these resources. It’s one thing I love about the team here at CUA—we are very community-focussed and partner with many different organizations to ensure our members are getting the best advice possible.
What is one piece of financial advice that you believe everyone should follow?
Know where your money is going. It may sound like common sense, but you might be surprised to learn how many people live paycheque to paycheque and spend money they don’t have, simply because they don’t have a good handle on what’s coming in and where it’s going. This is such a critical thing to know regardless of whether you own a business or not.
I’m giving two pieces of advice here because I feel they go hand-in-hand, but it’s important to be honest with yourself about what you don’t know/what you can’t do. If you don’t have the time or ability to manage your finances, ensure you employ the right people to help you with this. There is no shame in getting help. Nobody is expecting you to be an expert in all areas.
Outside of your professional life, what is your favourite activity or hobby?
I have two amazing kids who are hungry constantly! I have a huge love for food and spend a lot of my free time preparing/making meal plans. I also attend fitness classes at Studio in Essence in Halifax and try to spend as much time as possible “smelling the roses” and being grateful for the beautiful things in my life.
Do you perform volunteer or community work (boards, committees, sports, etc) and if so, what?
I have previously been involved in teaching financial literacy programs at women and children’s shelters. There is such a huge need for accessible financial advice in a “no judgement” environment. If you have, or know of, an organization that would be interested in facilitating something like this, please let me know! dmaclean@cua.com
What is your favourite meal to cook at home or order at a restaurant?
As much as I love fine dining, I don’t think anything beats a BBQ on a sunny day.
