(L:R; Jennifer Joynt-Johal, Lisa Beaman, Tiffany Pedersen, Laura Shelton)
At Strive, we believe influence isn’t about volume – it’s about impact. In a rapidly evolving mortgage industry, true leadership is rooted not just in expertise, but in authenticity, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. Through a series of honest conversations, four of our own recognized for the 2025 CMP Top 50 Women of Influence – Lisa Beaman (Chief Operating Officer), Laura Shelton (Vice President of Marketing), Jennifer Joynt-Johal (Vice President of Credit Operations), and Tiffany Pedersen (Associate Vice President of Business Development for Western Canada) – shared their perspectives on navigating change, earning trust, and finding fulfillment in the work they do every day.
These remarkable women didn’t set out to be influential because of their gender – they’ve left their mark because of their work, their mindset, and their undeniable commitment to the mortgage industry and the people in it. These reflections offer more than a look into individual career paths. They’re a snapshot of the values shaping the next generation of mortgage professionals – those who lead with both head and heart.
(L:R; Jennifer Joynt-Johal, Lisa Beaman, Tiffany Pedersen, Laura Shelton)
At Strive, we believe influence isn’t about volume – it’s about impact. In a rapidly evolving mortgage industry, true leadership is rooted not just in expertise, but in authenticity, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. Through a series of honest conversations, four of our own recognized for the 2025 CMP Top 50 Women of Influence – Lisa Beaman (Chief Operating Officer), Laura Shelton (Vice President of Marketing), Jennifer Joynt-Johal (Vice President of Credit Operations), and Tiffany Pedersen (Associate Vice President of Business Development for Western Canada) – shared their perspectives on navigating change, earning trust, and finding fulfillment in the work they do every day.
These remarkable women didn’t set out to be influential because of their gender – they’ve left their mark because of their work, their mindset, and their undeniable commitment to the mortgage industry and the people in it. These reflections offer more than a look into individual career paths. They’re a snapshot of the values shaping the next generation of mortgage professionals – those who lead with both head and heart.
Defining Moments: Building Something Real
In any career, there are moments that redefine the path ahead. For all four leaders, the most powerful ones have come when they were trusted to build – whether a team, a vision, or a company culture worth believing in.
Lisa, Chief Operating Officer, reflects on her early chapter at Strive with clarity and pride. “Being the first employee and helping grow an award-winning company with over 150 incredible colleagues in under four years has been incredibly rewarding. It’s about building something real, with people who share your passion.”
For Laura, career-defining moments have always involved creation. “I’m a builder. Whether it was launching BMO BrokerEdge or now helping shape the leadership and marketing story at Strive – being part of a team that’s truly in step is life-changing.”
Tiffany’s pivotal moment came with a leap into launching products in Western Canada. “The trust placed in me ignited a deep drive – not just to succeed for myself, but for the entire team. I’ve found rare alignment here, where we’re building something that matters.”
Chief Operations Officer
Chief Operations Officer
Defining Moments: Building Something Real
In any career, there are moments that redefine the path ahead. For all four leaders, the most powerful ones have come when they were trusted to build – whether a team, a vision, or a company culture worth believing in.
Lisa, Chief Operating Officer, reflects on her early chapter at Strive with clarity and pride. “Being the first employee and helping grow an award-winning company with over 150 incredible colleagues in under four years has been incredibly rewarding. It’s about building something real, with people who share your passion.”
For Laura, career-defining moments have always involved creation. “I’m a builder. Whether it was launching BMO BrokerEdge or now helping shape the leadership and marketing story at Strive – being part of a team that’s truly in step is life-changing.”
Tiffany’s pivotal moment came with a leap into launching products in Western Canada. “The trust placed in me ignited a deep drive – not just to succeed for myself, but for the entire team. I’ve found rare alignment here, where we’re building something that matters.”
(L:R; Lisa Beaman, Laura Shelton, Jennifer Joynt-Johal, Tiffany Pedersen)
Seeing the Industry’s Evolution Through Their Lens
As each have grown, so too has their perspective on the mortgage industry itself. The conversation reveals a collective awareness of the industry’s evolution and a determination to help it grow in the right direction.
Jen speaks to the increasing complexity of regulation. “The regulations that have been added over the years have made things more difficult in many ways. While some rules are diligent in safeguarding everyone involved, others make things harder. A lot has changed since my start in the industry; my hope is to see productive changes in regulation that our clients can benefit from.”
Laura Shelton, Vice President of Marketing, offers a wider lens: “Over the last two decades, the industry has matured. There’s more focus on professionalism, full-time commitment, and better education. The bar in accessibility keeps rising – and that’s a good thing.”
These insights remind us: change is constant, but progress is intentional. The kind of leadership that can navigate both is built on clarity, empathy, and focus.
Associate Vice President, Business Development, Western Canada
Success, Redefined
Asking leaders what “success” means is never just about the title or the numbers. It’s about understanding what drives them and how their definition of success has changed over time.
Jen now sees success as “being challenged, having room to grow, and leadership that helps me become a better version of myself.”
For Tiffany, Associate Vice President of Business Development for Western Canada, it’s about shared purpose: “Ten or twenty years ago, I didn’t always feel empowered to speak up. Now, I’m part of something collaborative, transparent, and respectful. That’s what success feels like today.”
It’s a powerful reminder that the best workplaces – like the best leaders – are ones where people feel seen, supported, and heard. The definition of success has grown to include not just performance but belonging.
Associate Vice President, Business Development, Western Canada
Success, Redefined
Asking leaders what “success” means is never just about the title or the numbers. It’s about understanding what drives them and how their definition of success has changed over time.
Jen now sees success as “being challenged, having room to grow, and leadership that helps me become a better version of myself.”
For Tiffany, Associate Vice President of Business Development for Western Canada, it’s about shared purpose: “Ten or twenty years ago, I didn’t always feel empowered to speak up. Now, I’m part of something collaborative, transparent, and respectful. That’s what success feels like today.”
It’s a powerful reminder that the best workplaces – like the best leaders – are ones where people feel seen, supported, and heard. The definition of success has grown to include not just performance but belonging.
Lessons That Shape Us
No path is without difficulty – but the hardest lessons often shape the strongest leaders. What matters is how those moments shape the way you show up for yourself and others.
Lisa speaks to the hard truth of workplace dynamics: “Not everyone is how they seem. Trusting your instincts, protecting your values, and standing up for yourself makes you stronger.”
Vice President of Credit Operations, Jennifer Joynt-Johal, reflects on personal growth: “Patience is a virtue! Early in my career, I thought every pat on the back meant I was ready for the next role. But success comes when you own your performance, learn from your mistakes, and define your own goals.”
Laura and Tiffany both speak to the power of trust and accountability – of believing people the first time they show you who they are, and of not shying away from hard conversations. “It’s not easy,” Tiffany says, “but it’s always worth it.”
Vice President, Credit Operations
Vice President, Credit Operations
Lessons That Shape Us
No path is without difficulty – but the hardest lessons often shape the strongest leaders. What matters is how those moments shape the way you show up for yourself and others.
Lisa speaks to the hard truth of workplace dynamics: “Not everyone is how they seem. Trusting your instincts, protecting your values, and standing up for yourself makes you stronger.”
Vice President of Credit Operations, Jennifer Joynt-Johal, reflects on personal growth: “Patience is a virtue! Early in my career, I thought every pat on the back meant I was ready for the next role. But success comes when you own your performance, learn from your mistakes, and define your own goals.”
Laura and Tiffany both speak to the power of trust and accountability – of believing people the first time they show you who they are, and of not shying away from hard conversations. “It’s not easy,” Tiffany says, “but it’s always worth it.”
Building Pride and Trust, Not Just Business
Pride isn’t always tied to title or accolade – it’s often rooted in culture, collaboration, and employee experience.
Jen takes pride in leading a team that understands the importance of “practical underwriting,” even when that means digging deeper, beyond the black-and-white. “It challenges them in a good way – it helps them grow as underwriters and as thinkers.”
Laura highlights the strength of women leaders across her team. Lisa finds purpose in delivering A Better Lending and workplace Experience, while Tiffany reflects on creating a Western team grounded in empathy, collaboration, and momentum.
As for how they build trust? The answers are beautifully simple:
- “Treat people how you want to be treated.” – Lisa Beaman
- “Be accountable, communicate, and pick up your phone.” – Jennifer Joynt-Johal
- “Say what you mean. Do what you say.” – Laura Shelton
- “Be all in, lead with heart.” – Tiffany Pedersen
What is abundantly clear is that their work goes far beyond job titles or deliverables. It’s about the energy they bring, the trust they build, and the space they hold for others to succeed. Whether it’s mentoring, listening, or simply following up when it matters most, their consistency is what creates ripple effects in culture and performance.
(L:R; Lisa Beaman, Jennifer Joynt-Johal, Tiffany Pedersen, Laura Shelton)
Human First, Always
Behind every successful professional is a deeply human element – one that often goes unseen in the day-to-day. As the conversation deepens, so does the humanity behind their journey.
Lisa remembers being promoted while on maternity leave – “It was rewarding and motivating. It made me a better manager of people.”
Laura finds energy in collaborating with her marketing team: “We’re all so different, and we’re always learning from each other.”
Jennifer shares how her children inspire her to lead with strength and empathy. And when asked what makes the mortgage industry so special, all point to the people. “Some of my best friends are people I worked with at the start,” says Jen. “It’s amazing to reflect on how far we’ve all come.”
Tiffany thrives on broker relationships and the culture they’ve helped create. “When people say, ‘It feels like I’m with friends,’ I know we’re doing something right.”
A Focus on Collaboration Over Competition
In an industry often painted as competitive, there’s something quietly powerful about choosing to lead with generosity and collaboration.
Laura shares her people-first mindset, stating that “Leadership isn’t about your own success – it’s about achieving goals together. And winning isn’t about the person who crosses the finish line first.” She leads by listening, by treating people the way she’d want to be treated, and by shaping impact with intention.
Jen brings a grounded clarity to the table: “Never take our success for granted. Things constantly change, we need to roll with it, always try to be innovative, and make people feel appreciated.” In her world, collaboration isn’t a buzzword – it’s built through consistency, humility, and showing up when it matters.
Collaboration isn’t a trend at Strive; it’s the way forward. It’s how real momentum is built together. Their paths, perspectives, and principles may differ, but what connects these leaders is a shared commitment to building something bigger than themselves – something that moves the industry forward.
Vice President, Marketing
Vice President, Marketing
A Focus on Collaboration Over Competition
In an industry often painted as competitive, there’s something quietly powerful about choosing to lead with generosity and collaboration.
Laura shares her people-first mindset, stating that “Leadership isn’t about your own success – it’s about achieving goals together. And winning isn’t about the person who crosses the finish line first.” She leads by listening, by treating people the way she’d want to be treated, and by shaping impact with intention.
Jen brings a grounded clarity to the table: “Never take our success for granted. Things constantly change, we need to roll with it, always try to be innovative, and make people feel appreciated.” In her world, collaboration isn’t a buzzword – it’s built through consistency, humility, and showing up when it matters.
Collaboration isn’t a trend at Strive; it’s the way forward. It’s how real momentum is built together. Their paths, perspectives, and principles may differ, but what connects these leaders is a shared commitment to building something bigger than themselves – something that moves the industry forward.
(L:R; Tiffany Pedersen, Lisa Beaman, Jennifer Joynt-Johal, Laura Shelton.)
Lisa Beaman, Laura Shelton, Jennifer Joynt-Johal, and Tiffany Pedersen aren’t just leaders in the mortgage industry. They’re builders, mentors, and culture-setters – women whose influence is felt not just in business outcomes, but in the way they show up for others every single day.
At Strive, we believe in creating space for people to lead with their whole selves, and in doing so, shape a more thoughtful, inclusive, and innovative future for the mortgage world. That belief isn’t aspirational. It’s operational. It’s how real progress happens, deal by deal, relationship by relationship. Their stories remind us that the future of mortgage in Canada isn’t just about rates or regulation – it’s about people who care enough to do it differently. Because in the end, success isn’t just about leading the way, it’s about bringing others with you.
(L:R; Tiffany Pedersen, Lisa Beaman, Jennifer Joynt-Johal, Laura Shelton.)
Lisa Beaman, Laura Shelton, Jennifer Joynt-Johal, and Tiffany Pedersen aren’t just leaders in the mortgage industry. They’re builders, mentors, and culture-setters – women whose influence is felt not just in business outcomes, but in the way they show up for others every single day.
At Strive, we believe in creating space for people to lead with their whole selves, and in doing so, shape a more thoughtful, inclusive, and innovative future for the mortgage world. That belief isn’t aspirational. It’s operational. It’s how real progress happens, deal by deal, relationship by relationship. Their stories remind us that the future of mortgage in Canada isn’t just about rates or regulation – it’s about people who care enough to do it differently. Because in the end, success isn’t just about leading the way, it’s about bringing others with you.
