Peer Intelligence | Winter 2025

Having been at CEM for so many years, how has the transition to a new CEO been like for you?

It’s been very exciting – Rashay breathed new life into everything and looking forward I only see opportunities for more growth! 

What has been your favorite experience at CEM?

Definitely our Pension Administration conferences, all 22 of them that I’ve attended.  Meeting clients in person and sharing in the positive experience of the event is always memorable.   

What are you most proud of during your time with the company?

Challenging myself to continually improve – sometimes it’s something small, like adding coloured logos to our conference attendee name badges but sometimes it’s something bigger, like organizing our office when we last changed locations. 

What’s something that people may not know about you?

I enjoy scuba diving and my most incredible trip was to the Galapagos. Diving is incredibly peaceful – it’s a 360-degree world to explore but it’s so quiet, you can really reflect on yourself.  Galapagos was incredible because I saw a whale shark that was the biggest creature I’ve ever seen but also a seahorse smaller than my smallest finger. We crossed the equator four times!  

What’s something memorable that a client or CEM colleague has told you that you still remember to this day?

On my very first day I fixed a problem with the phone system and the former CEO said he was glad they hired me! It’s stuck with me because the fix was a small task for me, but, it had a big impact for the rest of the team and I was proud to be contributing so soon. 

What inspired you to join CEM Benchmarking, and what has kept you motivated over the years?

I had an instant rapport with the team at CEM (3 of whom still work for the company!), it felt like a home away from home. The role was clearly going to be a challenge but I felt I had the skills to make it work, and here I still am! 

Can you share a particularly challenging project you’ve worked on and how you overcame the obstacles?

Every year the Pension Administration conference is a challenge – there are so many moving parts and balancing the logistics with business as usual takes a lot of effort. I prioritize my time and that sees me through.  I remember one year for the networking tour I’d organized guided tour buses.  There were supposed to be three, but, come the time to board only two showed up. Without guides. The clients were all very good natured about the delay while I scrambled to find a guide – offering to have them on the phone so I could parrot the narrative on the other bus.  Luckily two guides were found, but, it was pretty stressful waiting for it to all come together for our clients. 

What do you think sets CEM apart from other benchmarking firms in the industry?

No one else has the years of data accumulated. And to my knowledge, no one else benchmarks pension administration to the depth we do. 

Can you describe a moment when you felt that your work had a significant impact on a client’s success?

Many clients have regulations and red tape, and we’re often asked for documentation – whether it’s a Certificate of Insurance or a W9 I’m pleased to provide what’s necessary as soon as possible. When I’ve received a “Wow, that was fast, thank you!” reply I feel proud. 

How do you foster a collaborative and positive work environment?

I stop and think before saying something can’t be done – almost always it can be done!  I maintain a sunny disposition and am friendly. 

How do you balance your professional responsibilities with personal interests and hobbies?

Time management is key to turning the laptop off at the end of a productive day and then it’s time for music!  CEM is very supportive of work/life balance and although working later happens sometimes, I generally feel management is conscious of my day ending at 4 and respects that I’ll be offline at that time. 

What’s one thing you’re looking forward to in the coming year, both professionally and personally?

I’ll repeat myself – the Pension Administration conference is what I look forward to every year!  It’s such a challenge to prepare and manage, but, it’s so worthwhile. :)