TD Bank Group in association with Rotman School of Management over the past two years have spoken with over 400 women and here is what they found: 10 ways that women can achieve success in life, work, and their legacy.

1. Communicate your aspirations

• Define both your family and career aspirations and reflect and revisit them often.

• Communicate your career aspirations to those within your organization or network who can influence your career progression.

• Have an open and honest dialogue with your partner about your family and career aspirations – ensure you are ‘on the same page’.

2. Get an education

• Focus on obtaining an education early in life as it is a critical success factor to achieving career advancement, financial security and independence.

• Be mindful that mothers, grandmothers and other key women play a key role in passing along the importance of education across generations.

3. Be financially prepared for the unexpected

• Be financially prepared for the unexpected to navigate life’s changes more smoothly. Financial preparedness includes having a solid understanding of your financial affairs, having a long-term financial plan and having an emergency fund.

• Plan for an emergency before an emergency happens.

4. Develop business acumen

• Own your personal development by actively seeking out opportunities to hone your ability to make sound business judgments.

• Ensure your business acumen skills are well developed and use these skills in making decisions in both your professional and personal life.

5. Understand the trade-offs of a career break

• Consider long-term financial and skills implications when making the decision to opt out of the labour market.

• If you take a career break, consider an ongoing reentry plan in the event you wish to return to the work force.

6. Rethink guilt – focus on the positive

• Focus on the positive, long term benefits and outcome of a career.

7. Be confident – take career & life risks

• Be aware of the self-imposed obstacles that could be holding you back.

• Take risks, both in career and life, to achieve the life you want.

8. Find and learn from trusted mentors and mentees

• Build your network of mentors to help guide and support you.

• Build a network of mentees to help you develop leadership skills and leave a legacy.

9. Network, network, network!

• Think carefully, creatively and strategically about how you develop and maintain your networks.

• Build networking into your career plan.

10. Think about your legacy

• Be deliberate - identify your legacy early and revisit it often.

• Use your desired legacy as a foundation for your life goals and as a guide to achieving your goals.

And finally when it came to getting business experience outside of Canada here are a few stats from HSBC. Shattering the glass ceiling: Hong Kong may just be the best country for career-minded expats, with 63 percent of women saying that it’s a good place for those who want to progress a career. Show her the money! Qatar offers the best financial rewards, with 57 percent of female respondents reporting they earn more than in their home country. In comparison, just 26 percent of female respondents in Canada say they earned more – just below the global average of 31 percent, and placing Canada in 9thplace.

On March 8th the good news is the conversation continues as we focus on the advancement of women.

As the Chief Financial Commentator for CTV News, Pattie Lovett-Reid gives viewers an informed opinion of the Canadian financial climate. Follow her on Twitter @PattieCTV