With an MBA in Finance and a BS in Communications, Christina Baker (left) is a passionate community lending professional and an integral part of the new $25,000,000 Canadian Co-operative Investment Fund. Delivering a workshop during Day 1 of the 2018 Gathering, we reached out to Christina to get to know what drives her day in and day out.

WHAT WILL YOUR SESSION FOCUS ON?:

Co-operative entrepreneurs need access to financial tools that recognize the value of the democratic ownership. This session will cover the new investment funds that are playing an increasing role in financing the future growth of co-operatives. How do they work together at the local and national level? How do the investment funds fit in the start-up phase and others phases of co-operative financing?

WHICH LEADER INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

Sheryl Sandberg – She is a resilient woman whose leadership style is to encourage others to grow and push themselves to achieve their goals. Outside of working in the tech industry Sandberg focuses her energy on bettering the lives of women around the world. I am inspired by Sandberg’s accomplishments but also the hard work and dedication she has put in to encourage and support women around the world.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN GROWING THE CO-OPERATIVE AND CREDIT UNION SECTOR?: 

Global Competition: There is an increased demand for cheaper pricing on products and services. Time and again I see cooperatives facing financial challenges due to competition from global competitors. Providing cooperatives the ability to compete in global markets and against global competitors is a critical issue.

TELL US ABOUT THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?

The importance of writing down goals and reviewing them regularly. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns and writing down my goals keeps me moving in the right direction. I have found I am more productive and feel more fulfilled when I achieve goals that I have set and worked hard to obtain.

RECOMMEND A PODCAST, ARTICLE OR BOOK

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. The book covers the successful traits of introverts and how to use the power of silence and excellent listening skills to move forward in life and succeed in business and relationship building.