When Michelle Gayse Leader and her husband Al Leader were starting up their video production company in 2002, they had a vision but no capital. They needed a small business loan to get the basics—cameras, editing suites, office supplies and furniture.

They set out making calls to the big banks to find out what was possible, and were met with disappointment, if they received a call back at all.  

So they decided to try ATB—and in the Leaders’ case it was a resounding ‘yes.’

“We called them, they said, okay, we’re interested,” Michelle recounts. “What is a video production company? What do you need to start up? And where do you see yourself in 10, 20, 30 years? They believed in us, and that was a big deal.”

That initial ‘yes’ not only powered possibility for the launch of a successful company, but also a profound, decades-long relationship with their financial advisor.

“ATB is truly like a family,” Michelle says. “I know that sounds cliche, but it is so true. When I walk into the branch or when I set up a meeting with ATB Wealth and they meet me at a restaurant or at an event, it always feels like I’m coming home.”

It was through her local branch that Michelle met Senior Financial Advisor Salma Garde—a connection she describes as a 'game changer' for her family’s financial well-being.

“All the other financial advisors I had worked with were always looking to talk with my husband, but I was the one managing the money and making the decisions since he was often away for work. Salma respected that, and she worked with that. We clicked right from the very beginning.” 

Michelle appreciates seeing women in these pivotal financial roles, believing they offer a uniquely empathetic understanding. She was particularly thrilled when ATB launched W by ATB, an initiative dedicated to supporting women business owners, leaders and investors. ATB Wealth advisors who are W by ATB Accredited (including Michelle’s advisor Salma) offer a holistic approach to financial planning that is consciously unbiased and recognizes women’s financial values and approach.

“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend a few W by ATB events, all of which I found extremely valuable,” says Michelle. “The speakers were engaging and informative, and fellow attendees were smart, friendly women with interesting backgrounds. Each time, I returned to work with knowledge to incorporate into my business and a newly expanded network.” 

Today, Leader Productions has grown into one of Canada’s premier production companies, boasting an impressive portfolio that includes credits like The Last of Us, Ghostbusters, Under the Banner of Heaven, and Fraggle Rock. Their impressive client list features names such as National Geographic, Oprah, NBA, and Ford.