August 13, 2025Articles Leadership Thrives When Empathy and Teamwork Lead the Way In many organizations, leaders rise through the ranks by excelling in their area of expertise – and staying squarely within it. Bindhu Alvar Thiruvenkadathan took a different path. CIO for Wealth Management at the BMO and winner of the 2021 Gold Stevie® Award for New-Normal Digital Transformation, she has built her career by stepping out of her comfort zone, challenging norms and leading with connection, curiosity and empathy. From her start in India as a technologist to senior roles in Canada spanning development, architecture, design and eventually sales, Thiruvenkadathan embraced opportunities others might shy away from. The move to sales, in particular, marked a turning point. While it was unfamiliar territory, it was a leap that opened doors to the leadership roles she holds today. “I had to decide whether to stay where I felt safe or try something completely new,” she shares in a recent conversation. That bold decision set the tone for a career defined not just by technical skill, but by a deep commitment to people and progress. Advice for Emerging LeadersFor those at the beginning of their career, Thiruvenkadathan offers three key pieces of advice:1. Work hard.“There’s no substitute for hard work. Know your craft and keep learning.”2. Build your network.“Talk to people. That’s how you find mentors and sponsors. Someone will notice—and open doors.”3. Take the leap.“Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. Be bold when opportunity knocks, even if you’re unsure.”Ascend offers the networking and support systems that can lead to opportunities for young professionals. From events to mentorship to education sessions, taking advantage of what’s available can help professionals at any level thrive and sustain momentum throughout their careers. Connecting people, ideas, and technology At the heart of Thiruvenkadathan’s leadership philosophy is the power of connection. Whether bringing people together, translating complex technology into business terms or bridging gaps between teams, her strength lies in making things – and people – work better together. “I realized my role wasn’t just about solving problems,” she says. “It was about connecting the dots between people, processes and technology.” This ability to connect has fuelled her rise through the ranks and remains central to her leadership approach today. Join as a member Leadership means letting go One of the most valuable lessons Thiruvenkadathan learned came early in her leadership journey. Accustomed to being a high-performing individual contributor, she initially responded to new responsibilities by taking on even more herself. But it didn’t take long to realize that true leadership wasn’t about doing more – it was about building a strong team and trusting them to deliver. Empowering others, she learned, isn’t just about delegating tasks. It means listening, making space for others to lead and recognizing that growth happens when people are trusted to make decisions and learn through experience. “When I first moved into leadership, I told people how to work,” she explains, sharing that she wanted people to work how she worked. “But that’s not empowering. True leadership is about listening and helping others build their own path.” Many voices build stronger teams Thiruvenkadathan also champions teams comprised of various skill sets, perspectives and lived experiences. She’s seen firsthand how teams that reflect a range of viewpoints leads to more resilience and innovation.“To me, the foundation of a strong team is bringing together people who’ve done different things, who see the world in different ways and who can draw on those experiences to succeed,” she says. The strength in vulnerability In the early years of her career, Thiruvenkadathan believed showing emotion at work was a liability. As a woman in a male-dominated field, and as a newcomer to Canada, she feared vulnerability would be seen as weakness. That changed when a mentor offered a new perspective: showing care, passion, and authenticity isn’t a flaw – it’s a strength.Since then, she’s made vulnerability part of her leadership style. Being open, acknowledging challenges and sharing what she genuinely cares about has helped her build stronger relationships and inspired others to do the same. Join us at our events Putting people at the centre of innovation For Thiruvenkadathan, innovation is never just about technology – it’s about people. As she puts it, “Even though it’s called digital, it’s for people and done by people.”This people-first approach is reflected in how she leads digital transformation. One of her favourite examples is a team member’s experience helping their parents navigate banking. They didn’t want to come into a branch – what solution could they offer as an alternative? It’s a real-life insight that helped sparked improvements in digital services and inspire broader thinking across the team.Thiruvenkadathan believes in grounding innovation in client experiences so that their transformation efforts can make products more accessible and intuitive for the end user. Keep moving forward Any corporate landscape is filled with obstacles and roadblocks – and Thiruvenkadathan has faced her fair share. Her secret to overcoming them? Keep moving forward.“Life is like a bicycle” she says. “You can’t be static. To actually balance on it, you need to keep moving.” The same holds true for a corporate setting. “No matter what’s happening, you need to keep learning and moving,” she notes, explaining that refusing to stay stagnant provides you with deeper knowledge to handle any challenge – and to grow into a stronger leader and contributor. Legacy through leadership At every stage of her career, Thiruvenkadathan has been driven by something greater than personal success: the desire to create space and opportunities for others. “I need to leave that legacy – for our kids, for the next generation,” she says. “That’s what keeps me moving forward.”Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or control – it’s about connection, courage and the will to make things better for those who follow. Read more FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn
