London Inc. May-June 2023 - 51

Geoffrey Sheeler
Director, National Accounts, Desjardins | 33 | HOMETOWN: Petrolia, Ontario
Working in a sector that often values profits over all else, Geoffrey Sheeler has made it his mission to put
personal relationships and community impact first, with the faith that by doing the right thing, financial results
will follow. Helping numerous commercial banking clients across the region through meticulously researched
financial advice and investment and expansion financing, he is a continuous advocate for the City of London,
working tirelessly to demonstrate you do not need to be in the GTA to progress in the world of finance.
Who, or what, was your biggest influence in business?
Without question, my wife Ali has had the most significant
influence on my business approach. Anyone who knows me
is well aware that I am a very competitive person. The desire
to excel has kept me laser-focused and been an important
driver professionally. However, being ultra-competitive
is not always a successful business approach.
My wife consistently emphasizes the importance
of simply doing what is right, with the belief
that positive outcomes will follow. Over the
years, I have adopted this philosophy and it has
become the foundation of how I conduct myself
professionally: to try to focus on doing the
right thing rather than simply winning at the
next opportunity. This change in outlook has
resulted in a more balanced and long-term
decision-making view, led to more
consistent success and provided
much-needed perspective.
ve
asize
ei g u tra
l busine
appro
ce
ht, with the belief
l follow. Over the
philosophy and it has
how I conduct myself
cus on doing the
ply winning at the
nge in outlook has
d and long-term
to more
vided
Knowing what you know
now, what advice would
you give your younger
self? Aside from perhaps
passing along a few stock
tips, I wish I could go back
to 2012 to tell my younger
self to calm down and
realize that you belong in
the business community.
Joining TD Commercial
Banking at 22 and not
being from a family of
bankers or entrepreneurs,
I initially lacked confidence
in a professional setting.
With experience, I was able
to branch out and find my
voice, but it would have
saved so much time and
anxiety if I had learned
this lesson sooner.
My wife consistently emphasizes the
importance of simply doing what is right,
with the belief that positive outcomes will
follow. Over the years, I have adopted this
philosophy and it has become
p
e yea
philosophy and
the foundation o
myself pro
is
the foundation of how I conduct
myself professionally.
An old friend is coming to visit London -
where are you taking them out to eat? I just
An old rie
e you ta
discovered Pizza M
obsessed. W
for pizza
Milos'
or pi
iscovere Pi a Madre and have become a bit
sesse
don W
Wh
yo
am
cu
e would likely be making a stop
, followed by a tour down to
s' Craft Beer Emporium or London
Wine Bar for a few beverages.
What's the best movie or show
you've watched this year? I
am really enjoying Ted Lasso: " Be
curious, not judgmental. "
MAY / JUNE 2023 | londonincmagazine.ca | 51
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