Jatinder Bassi (MAcc '10) is a graduate of the Accounting and Financial Management Program and Master of Accounting program at the University of Waterloo’s School of Accounting and Finance (SAF).
Since graduating, he has built an impressive career, serving as a senior auditor, audit manager, chief financial officer and now as the president of Echelon Insurance.
Read along as Bassi shares career insights, leadership lessons and guidance for the next generation.
Q: Looking back on your career path, what key decisions, mindset shifts, or opportunities helped you progress from technical roles in accounting and finance to executive leadership?
Jatinder: I would actively seek out cross-functional projects to broaden my perspective beyond finance and take on stretch assignments that would help push me out of my comfort zone. Early on in my career, I took on a position at a regional firm which allowed me to gain hands-on experience across a wide range of responsibilities rather than a narrower scope at a larger company. I always embrace a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities not only to learn new skills and gain experience, but also to demonstrate my capabilities and test my abilities in demanding situations. I learned the importance of demonstrating an understanding of strategic thinking by prioritizing long-term objectives to support the organization's overall direction. I also consistently ensure that each project, task, or initiative was clearly aligned with the organization's foundational goals, reinforcing overall mission coherence and focus.
Q: What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in moving from finance-focused roles (like CFO and VP Finance) into broader executive leadership?
Jatinder: It is important to always maintain an open-minded approach, serving not only as a finance professional but also as a valued business partner. Leadership requires a holistic understanding of the business, not just financial expertise. Another key to success is networking. Cultivate partnerships and social connections within the organization and beyond, consistently seek opportunities to learn, remain adaptable and increase your contribution. Utilize your expertise to share knowledge with others, thereby strengthening the organization's resilience. Continuous learning is essential — our industry and the markets we serve are always evolving. Focus on delivering results and creating value, rather than chasing job titles — advancement comes naturally when you consistently prove your capabilities and commitment. Lastly, effective decision-making requires balancing competing priorities and perspectives, while empowering and trusting your team—not resorting to micromanagement—consistently leads to better results.
Q: In your experience, how important are soft skills — like communication, collaboration and emotional intelligence — for success in leadership and finance roles?
Jatinder: As important as technical skills in leadership programs, soft skills are also crucial. Strong communication fosters trust and clarity among teams and stakeholders, leading to more effective collaboration, ultimately enabling more innovative and effective problem-solving. Emotional intelligence is essential for navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and managing conflicts, especially in leadership and finance roles. Success today relies not only on the ability to analyze numbers but, increasingly, on building strong relationships through effective communication, trust and collaboration.
Waterloo’s Accounting and Finance Management program has played a key role in developing my communication and collaboration skills — from Undergraduate courses in Speech Communication to the Master’s Strategy course, the learning has been foundational.
Q: What advice would you give to younger professionals or students about developing these skills early in their careers?
Jatinder: I would say to proactively seek opportunities to work in teams, practice listening to others and ask for feedback from your peers and leaders. Embrace constructive criticism as a valuable tool for growth, using it to continually improve your collaboration, communication and leadership skills. Dedicate time to networking and cultivating meaningful professional relationships, participate in extracurricular activities to enhance your leadership and communication skills and make it a habit to read broadly, nurturing a sense of curiosity about people and ideas that extend beyond your immediate field. Together, these practices will enrich your personal growth and open new pathways for professional success.
Q: How do you see AI, automation and emerging technologies shaping the insurance and finance sectors over the next decade?
Jatinder: AI and automation are poised to dramatically improve efficiency across insurance and finance by streamlining workflows and eliminating many time-consuming manual tasks. By automating routine processes such as data entry, reporting, etc. teams will be freed up to focus on higher-value, strategic initiatives that drive growth and innovation. While technology will transform the way we work, the human element remains absolutely critical. People bring the judgment, creativity and relationship-building skills that are essential for effective decision-making and navigating complex challenges. Being a leading Specialty Insurer requires Echelon to engage on individual risks and deliver tailored risk management solutions to Canadian businesses and consumers. We have adopted advanced technologies to empower our Associates to consistently provide the highest level of service. Ultimately, the greatest impact will come from leveraging advanced technologies to empower teams, allowing professionals to devote their energy to solving problems, developing new solutions and delivering exceptional value to clients.
Q: How is Echelon adapting to these changes and what qualities do you think future leaders will need to thrive in this environment?
Jatinder: At Echelon, our strategy for adopting AI focuses on enhancing operational efficiency rather than replacing our talented Associates. By leveraging technology to streamline processes, we empower our teams to dedicate more time to providing exceptional insurance solutions tailored to the Canadian market. Preserving the human touch is fundamental to our mission—it's what sets us apart and ensures our services go beyond transactions to build meaningful relationships with our brokers and customers. To truly thrive amid these technological advancements, leaders must cultivate adaptability, resilience and a willingness to embrace change. Being tech-savvy and open to learning is essential, but so is maintaining strong ethical standards and a customer-focused mindset. Effective leaders will foster collaboration, encourage lifelong learning and inspire their teams to innovate while navigating new challenges. The ability to lead diverse groups and champion inclusive innovation will distinguish those who succeed in this evolving environment.