Claudia Yombo: Sharing her story to inspire others to go for their goals

CY: I started at First National in January 2015. I had always been in underwriting/team lead roles, first at Maquarie Financial and then at CMHC. When CMHC did a big round of layoffs in December 2014, I received calls from friends in the industry and brokers I had worked with who urged me to contact First National. They knew First National was hiring and thought I would be a great fit. I also had a friend working in First National’s commercial division who passed on my CV. Rene Allard called me right away and asked when I could come in for an interview. I went the next day. As soon as I walked into the Montreal office, I had a great feeling about the place. I was at ease and knew it was right where I was supposed to be. My interview felt like a comfortable conversation with someone I knew. Later that afternoon, I received the offer. 

CY: The first year was challenging but also fulfilling and a lot of fun. In Quebec, everyone moves on July 1, so they need to have their mortgages set up by that date. Mid-February to mid-May is an incredibly busy time for Quebec’s mortgage industry. A month after I started, we headed into that busy time. I was still learning the policies, even though I had a lot of underwriting experience. We had 25 – 30 new deals coming in every day, which required answers within 24 – 48 hours. It was challenging but it was great. Everyone was so supportive and sharing information to make sure I didn’t feel overwhelmed. It was amazing to experience the First National culture right from the beginning. It felt like a big family. Everybody was there for everybody.

CY: It didn’t take long for me. From the first time I walked in, I knew where I wanted to be. A month after I started, my Director, Rene Allard, called me into his office. I had been hired for the TDMS third-party team. He asked how I would feel about staying in the First National department. He felt my skills and expertise would be more valuable in his department. I told him I was willing to stay wherever I was needed most.  

CY: I started at First National in 2015 and became a manager in 2017. That promotion validated the work I was doing and leadership’s confidence in my abilities. I hesitated to apply because there were underwriters that had been there longer than me. But I felt ready to contribute more. I wanted to use my experience to help others succeed at First National. My manager encouraged me and told me he would support me. And he gave me great advice – “even if you don’t get it, it shows that path you want to take.” I went all in with my preparation for the interview and gave it my all. The hard work paid off, and I got the position. 

CY: I love mentoring others. I like to see the people I work with succeed and grow. Many people in the Montreal office started on my team. I trained them and coached them. Seeing people advance makes me happy. It’s gratifying to know I can make a difference in people’s lives.  

CY: I am proud of my team. They are fantastic people, and we work well together. I am also proud of myself, where I am now and what I’ve accomplished. I moved to Canada from Belgium 25 years ago. I didn’t speak English, but that didn’t stop me from moving forward in my career and getting to where I am today.  

CY: The first time I attended the management conference in 2019. It was in Kelowna, BC and it was a great experience for me. I met colleagues from all over the country and made new friends. It’s one thing to talk to people on the phone. But when you see them and spend time with them, you really get to know them. I look forward to those conferences every year. It’s a great opportunity to share experiences and best practices.  

CY: First National’s values align with my personal values. Our purpose is to provide excellent service. We do that every day. For me that means treating people the way you want to be treated and providing the type of service you would want yourself. Respect is also really important. Everyone is here to help, no matter your role. Everyone is someone at First National.

CY: I’ve never felt like I was different because I was a woman. I am part of the team and expected to do my job. Everywhere you look at First National, there are supportive people and strong female leaders like Wendy Burkin, Linda Craenen and Connie Altomari. I look up to them. The male leaders are supportive as well. I’ve never felt like I had to prove myself more as a woman. I can just be myself and do a great job. 

CY: I think First National is doing a really great job in promoting diversity. These events give people a platform to share their voices, opinions, perspectives and culture. I had the opportunity to do an interview for Black History Month. Most of the people I work with didn’t know that part of my story, and it inspired them. So many people commented about it. I am happy that my story inspired people to go for their goals, keep their heads up and go forward. How we chose to celebrate Black History Month gave me a platform to share my story and who I really am. 

CY: Don’t be shy. Work hard, be ready to learn and ask questions. If you don’t ask, you won’t know. Be open and be a team player. We are all about the team and working together. Don’t stay in your corner, do your job and think you’re done. Check with others to see if they need help. If you give it your best and stay patient, you’ll be successful.  

CY: I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. It goes by so fast. My time at First National so far has been really great. I love working here because people value my opinion and who I am. They care about what I have to say, and people genuinely listen to each other. We can disagree and share why in a supportive environment. Our direction and goals are clear. Everyone knows what they are supposed to do. I look forward to many more years at First National.