Leila Ladjevardi
Before moving to Canada, I worked as the IT Sales and Marketing Manager of a well-known telecommunications company in Iran, where I received numerous awards and letters of recognition for my work. I was proud of my accomplishments and my career, but in 2006, I made one of the hardest yet most defining decisions of my life — to immigrate to Canada with my two-year-old daughter and my then-husband, for a better life.
Immigration was not easy. Leaving behind my parents, siblings, and friends at 33, and arriving in a new country with a different language and culture, was a true test of strength. Only two months after arriving, I had to start over completely on my own. With just two suitcases and my little girl, I began rebuilding our life.
I am so grateful and proud to have such amazing parents who raised me to be strong, resilient, and independent — qualities that gave me the courage to stand on my own and carry both myself and my child forward in a new country. Their love, guidance, and example have been my greatest source of strength and inspiration throughout my journey.
I will never forget the kindness of friends who opened their doors to us when we had nowhere else to go. The Canadian government also helped us get back on our feet, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities this country has given me. I registered my daughter in daycare, started looking for work, and tried to continue my education — but without access to my credentials, it was difficult. Eventually, with help from the University of Toronto and my university back home, my degree was verified, allowing me to pursue an MBA online through the University of Bradford while working full-time.
In 2007, I joined Gold Line Telemanagement Inc., founded in 1991, which was the largest provider of prepaid long-distance products and services in North America, where I worked for 11 years as the Executive Assistant to the CEO — one of the most inspiring and kind leaders I have ever known. That experience shaped me deeply and reminded me that integrity, empathy, and hard work are the keys to success.
After more than a decade in telecommunications, I decided it was time to follow a passion that connected my financial knowledge with my desire to help people directly. I earned my Mortgage Agent License and entered the financial industry.
My motivation came from personal experience — when I bought my first condo in 2010. The process was complicated, and due to an error, my broker placed me with a B lender at double the market rate. That experience made me realize how many people face unnecessary challenges in securing their mortgage, and I wanted to change that.
Since then, my mission has been clear: to make mortgage financing simple, fair, and empowering for every client I serve. During my time at CIBC, one of the 5 major banks in Canada, I was proud to earn multiple Bronze Awards for achieving over $50 million in annual mortgage volume, but my greatest reward has always been seeing my clients’ happiness and relief when they achieve their dream of homeownership.
Today, I combine my analytical background with compassion — offering customized mortgage solutions, refinancing, and debt restructuring with honesty and precision. I take great pride in being not only a mortgage professional but also a trusted advisor who truly cares.
Outside of work, I love swimming, tennis, reading, and painting. My biggest inspiration is my daughter, who speaks Farsi, English, and French fluently and is now studying Life Sciences at the University of Toronto, with the goal of attending medical school. Watching her grow into a strong, independent young woman is my proudest accomplishment.
My journey has been filled with challenges, but I’ve always believed that education, resilience, and integrity are the most powerful tools for success — especially for women. I work hard every day to be the best version of myself and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
• Master of Science, in Computer Science and Programming
• Shahid Beheshti University- M.S.
• MBA Essentials from Rotman School of University of Toronto
• Bronze Award from CIBC
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my education, strong work ethic, and the joy I find in facing challenges and turning them into opportunities for growth. Through my studies in Computer Software, I learned how to write programs and create flowcharts — starting from point A and methodically reaching point Z. That mindset taught me how to approach every real-life challenge the same way: with structure, logic, and determination until I find the right solution.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never let anything stand in the way of your goals. Stay determined, stay focused, and believe in yourself even when things seem impossible. I also believe that success requires staying up to date and never stopping your education — because growth, both personal and professional, comes from continually learning and adapting to build a better future.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Embrace every challenge, keep learning, and never underestimate your power to make a difference. Knowledge and confidence are the strongest tools a woman can have.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The mortgage industry is constantly evolving, especially with rising interest rates, changing lending guidelines, and the growing complexity of clients’ financial profiles. One of the biggest challenges today is helping clients navigate these changes with confidence and clarity. At the same time, these challenges bring great opportunities — to educate clients, build stronger relationships, and leverage technology to provide faster, more transparent, and more personalized mortgage solutions. I believe adaptability and continuous learning are key to turning every challenge into a meaningful opportunity for growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Helping others, making a difference, and never stopping learning. Success means creating value for others while continuing to grow as a person.