Western Next Students Connect with CEO Grant Ostir
Investing in emerging talent is an important part of building a strong future, and recently our Western Next Early Career Program students had the opportunity to do just that during a coffee chat with Western Financial Group CEO, Grant Ostir.
The session brought together students from across several post-secondary institutions for an open and engaging conversation focused on career development, leadership, and professional growth. Rather than a formal presentation, the discussion encouraged students to ask questions, share their perspectives, and learn directly from one of Western's senior leaders.
Throughout the conversation, Grant shared insights from his own career journey, lessons learned through leadership experiences, and thoughts on what it takes to grow and succeed in today's evolving workplace. Students explored topics ranging from career progression and professional development to the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and building strong relationships.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was the opportunity for students to participate in a candid dialogue. These conversations help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, giving students practical perspectives that can support them as they begin their careers.
At Western, we believe meaningful learning extends beyond day-to-day work experience. Creating opportunities for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and leadership access helps students develop both professionally and personally while building confidence in their future career paths.
We're proud to welcome students from institutions including the University of Guelph, Wilfrid Laurier University, Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, University of Calgary, University of Alberta, and RRC Polytech. These partnerships help strengthen our ability to attract, develop, and support the next generation of talent.
The Western Next Early Career Program is designed to provide students with valuable hands-on experience, meaningful connections, and opportunities to learn from leaders across the organization. Experiences like this coffee chat reflect our commitment to fostering an inclusive culture where every voice is valued and where learning, mentorship, and growth remain at the heart of the employee experience.
A big thank you to Grant for taking the time to connect with our students and share his insights. We look forward to seeing the impact these future professionals will make as they continue their journeys at Western and beyond.
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