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Brenda Thibault doesn't know the meaning of the phrase 'idle curiosity'. In fact, when she develops an interest in anything she loves nothing more than to read and research it.
So, when Brenda's children left home and she and her husband found themselves as empty nesters with a little cash to spare at the end of the month, she didn't just call in a financial planner and ask for advice. In characteristic form, she read all she could about investing and financial management until she thoroughly understood all the options.
She then came to a point where she felt she knew what she needed to do, but she didn't know how to go about doing it. That was when a friend suggested that she attend a business presentation sponsored by the World Financial Group. Finally, she found a company that is in the business of helping clients implement concepts and strategies that have been used by the wealthy for years. J. Paul Getty said, “In order to get ahead, you can not just make money; you have to learn to understand money.”
Brenda found that she loved the values of the company that believes that everyone deserves a shot at financial independence— in fact; their motto is 'No family left behind'. She found herself joining their ranks on a part time basis. While this means extra hours, it creates the opportunity to transition from her current full time employment to owning her own business.
Brenda grew up in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, but after leaving High School she had a strong urge to get away and see more of the world. Joining the military was her ticket to freedom and adventure.
Brenda stayed in the military for five years, and left shortly after having her first child. She and her husband left the military and moved to Edmonton, where she joined the private sector, working as the finance manager first for an oil-field services company, and then for a construction firm.
Over the next few years, Brenda worked full-time, raised two children on her own, and completed a Business Administration degree through Athabasca University.
She joined the Federal Government in 1982 and worked for Transport Canada and eventually moved to The Department of Western Economic Diversification. She says that for some reason she felt impelled to join this brand new department in 1987, because she knew it was history in the making and she was excited about the prospects and potential. She sees herself as a pioneer and often on the leading edge of new opportunities.
Brenda is retiring from the Department in December 2006 even though she loves the diversity and opportunities that this work has provided. Of course, not being one to coast, during her time with the government, she also became a coach through Coach University and completed her Masters of Arts in Knowledge Management at Royal Roads University. Her interests lie in helping others uncover their potential and then take action to achieve it.
Now Brenda and husband Ralph are building a business with World Financial Group together, and love every minute of it. Both are motivated knowing they do meaningful work and make a difference in the world one family at a time. This is a noble profession where success is based on personal effort and not politics. Brenda sees this as a wonderful opportunity particularly for women because there is no glass ceiling. The training is superb where new advisors are matched with those with the expertise so confidence grows and clients are well served.
When talking about her future, Brenda says that one of the most attractive elements of her business is the potential for financial freedom. She dreams of getting to a point where she can become a philanthropist. While she may never be as wealthy as Bill Gates, she is sure she can have as much fun finding ways to use some of her money to make a difference in the world.
As soon as she has some free time, Brenda plans to relearn the violin, which she used to play as a child. Her husband has already bought her the violin as a graduation gift, but as she seems to have a flair for filling every moment with her insatiable desire to learn and experience more, one wonders whether 'free time' is a realistic concept for Brenda.
As Brenda devotes herself to helping families who are serious about building financial security she is able to converge her passion for learning and being in service to others as well. She surely has bright future building dreams with her clients and new colleagues.
By Wendy Zak |
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