A Leadership Reset for Rediscovering Her Strengths

Rediscovering Her Strengths: Karrie Van Belle’s Leadership Reset 

After years of executive experience at top firms like BlackRock Canada and AGF Investments Inc. (AGF), Karrie Van Belle found herself at a professional crossroads. Rather than rush into the next role, she chose to pause, reflect and invest in her growth. Through Ivey’s Leading Digital Innovation and Change program, Karrie gained not only fresh insights and practical tools—but also a renewed sense of confidence. Today, as she launches her own business, she credits her time at Ivey with helping her better articulate her value, expand her thinking beyond one industry, and step into entrepreneurship with purpose. 

What motivated you to take part in Ivey Executive Education's programming? 

I was in transition at the time—I'd just left my role as Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at AGF, and I saw that moment as a chance to take a breath and reinvest in myself. So, I started looking into programs that would help me sharpen my skills and think more expansively about what I could do next. 

I’m someone who values learning that’s practical—not overly theoretical. That’s why Ivey’s case-based approach appealed to me. When I joined the in-person three-day course, I found it incredibly interactive, relevant and engaging. The faculty members were fantastic, and I loved that they brought in outside speakers. It was exactly the kind of immersive, real-world learning I was looking for. 

What did you hope to get out of the experience? 

More than anything, I wanted time and space to reflect. We rarely get that in corporate life. The program helped me realize that I actually knew a lot more than I gave myself credit for. When you're deep in the day-to-day, you often don’t realize how much real-world knowledge you've accumulated. 

Being in a room with people from different industries helped me see things from new perspectives. It reminded me that while industries may differ, the leadership challenges are often the same—and that diversity of thought really energized me. It helped me broaden how I position myself on my renewed career journey as I launch my own company and begin working with clients in sectors beyond financial services. 

Since you were between roles, how did you apply what you learned? 

I didn’t have a team or an organization to go back to, so I couldn’t immediately apply the tools in a traditional sense. But I did apply them to myself—especially when thinking about my own value proposition as I transitioned into entrepreneurship and explored new opportunities. 

That period of learning gave me the confidence to step forward with more clarity about what I bring to the table. It also highlighted some of the areas where I need to grow—particularly around business development. I'm very comfortable delivering work once I have a client, but the sales side does not come easy. Putting myself out there, networking—that's the stretch zone for me.

What challenges did you face during your learning journey? 

The main challenge for me has always been carving out the time for it and attending programs while working full-time, especially in-person opportunities. That’s why doing this while in transition was such a gift. I could fully commit—no distractions, no multitasking. I was all in. 

When I joined an online program later, I noticed a big difference. Engagement was tougher. People had cameras off, likely multitasking. I wasn’t working at the time, so I could be fully present, but I know how hard that can be for others. That’s why I really valued the in-person format. You’re physically there, interacting, connecting—that changes everything.  

What stood out most to you from the in-person experience? 

The networking. And that surprised me. I’m more introverted, so I had to push myself and step out of my comfort zone. I made a point to sit with different people at every meal, to introduce myself, to have real conversations. The facilitators helped too—they made sure we were always meeting new people and switching groups. 

That sense of community, of being surrounded by people who are also trying to grow and stretch, was powerful. It’s easy to underestimate how important those connections are, especially when you’re going through a big career shift. 

What competencies are you hoping to develop next? 

Sales and executive presence. I’m comfortable delivering results, but selling myself and putting my name forward isn’t something that comes naturally. And continuing to build confidence in networking. The in-person Ivey course provided me with a unique, and comfortable, environment to trial my networking skills, and while I know it’s a muscle I need to keep exercising, I felt I was successful in leveraging the opportunity the Ivey experience delivered. I’m hoping to take another in-person course soon—one that keeps stretching me both personally and professionally. 

Any final thoughts on your Ivey experience? 

Karrie Van Belle: I’ve been really impressed with the support model. Every time I had a question, someone got back to me right away—it felt very personal and responsive. The in-person course was by far the most impactful, and I’d encourage others to choose that format when they can. Ivey helped me realize how much I already know, while giving me tools to grow further. That’s a great place to be.