For prime ministers and presidents, the first hundred days are a talismanic period that sets the stage for whatever type of leadership is to follow. The stakes are not quite so high for IROs, but many of the principles are the same. First impressions matter, and how an IRO is perceived internally and externally may affect his or her ability to flourish professionally. | Read Article |

CFOs have increasingly moved beyond their traditional role as financial stewards and become capability builders across the organization – often acting as copilots to the CEO and taking a lead role in steering the organization. They are still responsible for the finances of the organization, but they've also become the point person for tackling many of the issues facing businesses today. They are building workforce capabilities, reimaging and rebuilding the supply chain, steering the ESG reporting and compliance of the company and ensuring the ongoing digital resilience and sustainability of the organization. | Read Article |

How an issuer addresses social issues is becoming an increasingly important consideration for investors in their investment decision-making process, as well as playing a critical role in external factors such as brand reputation and customer loyalty. Keeping current on significant social issues and publicly taking a stance on such issues can positively impact an issuer’s image and increase investor and consumer engagement. Conversely, if an issuer takes a neutral stance or adverse stance on certain social issues, there may be a negative effect on such engagement. Internally, addressing social issues can create a positive work environment and meaningful employee engagement. | Read Article |

During the opening panel of CIRI’s 2022 Annual Conference, one of the topics CIBC’s Corporate Medical Director, Dr. David Brown, spoke about was how we can think about things we want more of – and with whom we need to negotiate to get them – given the finite amount of time we each have. I suspect I am not alone in being hooked on IR because, at its best, it operates at the crossroads of so many things. It requires you to function effectively in a world of corporate finance and strategy, while simultaneously managing the psychology of management teams and Boards, with an eye on regulatory compliance. And while it is an important element of the job, it’s easy as an investor relations officer to spend too much time focusing on the short term – in the form of quarterly material production, quarterly consensus and guidance management, and turning to internally focused demands. | Read Article |

Reading the headlines these days, especially those south of the border, you would think that ESG is dead or at least on life support. Sadly, this is not just confined to the headlines but is making its way into the United States political process through new legislation as well as anti-ESG shareholder proposals finding their way onto AGM ballots. | Read Article |