Lavender Neff has recently joined the Stride Capital team as Director of Operations, based out of our head office in Calgary, Alberta. Lavender took some time to tell us more about her previous work experience and education, why she’s looking forward to her new position and Stride, and what opportunities she sees on Stride Capital’s horizon as she takes on this role. Plus, she also gave us a sneak peek into her personal life and what keeps her busy outside of the office. Get to know Lavender better below!

Tell us about your previous work experience and education and how it led you to Stride Capital.

My career journey has been quite fulfilling! I have spent the past 15 years at Servus Credit Union Ltd., starting as a teller and quickly transitioning to business banking, where I have honed my skills and expertise. My educational background includes various self-led accounting courses through the University of Athabasca and continuous learning opportunities provided by Servus. Currently, I am pursuing my CPA designation through the CPA Western School of Business, tackling pre-requisite courses such as managerial accounting, business law, economics, corporate finance, and taxation via self-led/online learning. Servus Credit Union has been instrumental in my professional growth, and I am excited to bring my experience and knowledge to Stride Capital.

Servus Credit Union ultimately led me to Stride. I am very lucky that Servus is growing and creating more opportunities to move into!

What are you looking forward to about your new role as Director of Operations at Stride Capital?

I am eager to meet the new team and contribute to the company’s continued growth. I look forward to supporting the staff and serving as a strong liaison between Servus Credit Union and Stride Capital. Building relationships and fostering a collaborative environment are key aspects of my role that I am particularly excited about.

What opportunities do you see as part of Stride and within this new role?

This role presents a fantastic opportunity for me to step into a leadership position and be able to tap into my entrepreneurial spirit. I am passionate about supporting and helping people in all aspects of my life. As a leader at Stride, I aim to connect with employees and assist them in their career growth. I am excited to contribute to the development of a dynamic and supportive workplace.

What would you like to accomplish alongside the Stride Capital team?

I hope to achieve significant milestones with the Stride Capital team, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. My goal is to support the team in achieving their professional aspirations while driving the company’s success.

What is your life like outside of work?

My life is a blend of organized chaos! My husband and I have three wonderful children: a 16-year-old son and two daughters aged 10 and 7 who are my absolute world. We own and operate Xact Installs Ltd., which my husband manages daily alongside two partners. Additionally, I own a few residential rental properties in Calgary that keep me busy during evenings and weekends.

On top of my professional commitments, I am working towards completing my prerequisite courses for the CPA program. When I find some free time, I immerse myself in sports. In the past I played a lot of competitive volleyball, I enjoy playing golf (despite not being very good at it), and I’ve recently been playing some recreational soccer. My preferred workouts include Muay Thai, boxing, and hiking/walking/jogging. I thrive on staying active and always seek new challenges!

Learn more about Lavender and get in touch today.