Tania Kvakic

Financial advisor Tania Kvakic has 17 years of industry experience and works as the head of RBC Sports Professionals Leadership Council at RBC Wealth Management. She joined RBC in 2006 and has held a variety of positions working with international families, business professionals, expats, athletes and entertainment professionals. In addition to earning a master’s degree in personal financial planning, she holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor ^SM and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor ^SM designations. Tania has been named to Forbes’ lists of Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Best-in-State Wealth Advisors and Top Women Wealth Advisors for several years. 

What would you like potential clients to know about you?

I am committed to integrating what really matters to you and your family: your lifestyle, values, goals and sense of purpose to create security and peace of mind. My accountability is to you and your family’s financial well-being. I take a view of all areas that affect your wealth—including asset accumulation, income, protection, preservation, distribution, succession and legacy. This will allow you to focus your wealth where it can have the most impact. You need to know that everything that matters to you and your family is in its proper place. My discussion with you begins with that understanding.

How do you foster a positive work environment? 

We collaborate and always work as a team, communicate well, respect each other, laugh and have fun at work! Handling people’s finances and providing support for anything they need is a serious job and can come with many emotions, so we do our best to keep things light and fun when appropriate. I strive to bring the best out of my team by allowing them to build their roles based on skills they feel most confident in and showing that I trust them by giving them the autonomy to own their projects without oversight. I also understand that recognition is imperative to fostering a positive work environment; I always want to ensure my team feels appreciated and empowered.

How has your industry changed, and how have you adapted?

Billions of dollars of investment capital continue to flow through the sports landscape, driving expansion and acquisition. We’re seeing trends such as record team franchise valuations for both major and emerging leagues; the fractionalization of media rights with streaming contributing to record sales; explosive growth in women’s sports; major sports agencies well capitalized by private equity firms seeking to acquire small and mid-sized competitors; athletes generating more revenue from business outside the game than playing contracts—and this starting at much younger ages; and ownership groups investing in mixed-use real estate and ancillary businesses to create entertainment centers in and around team facilities.

In my position, I keep a lens on all areas of the sports eco- system to ensure I can make informed and actionable recommendations. Through my years of experience, I am able to leverage my network and make meaningful introductions that take into account not only matching businesses but personalities for the best possible strategic outcome. 

What advice would you give your younger self just starting out in business?

I would tell myself to go with the flow and not be too hard on myself. To listen to my gut and not get stuck on “no.” Things have a funny way of working out when you do the right things, accept or ask for help, and are consistent and open to change and new ideas. This is even when you have no idea how.

What are some key qualities that are essential for women in leadership roles? 

Empathy (emotional intelligence) and strong interpersonal skills to build authentic connections, such as listening, communication, flexibility and adaptability to change, integrity, enthusiasm, the ability to inspire and resiliency. Given the nature of my clients, confidentiality is also essential. 

What does success mean to you?

Relationships are #1 to me. Along with trust, they are the foundation of success in business and life. If I can go to sleep at night knowing that I gave 110% that day—that my clients have peace of mind, are achieving financial security and feel supported by me—I know I have achieved success while helping them do the same. Knowing that my clients trust me regardless of the ebbs and flows of the economy allows me to see the impact I have made in their lives. It is truly an integral piece of how I gauge my success.

Have you had mentors who influenced your career?

I have had many mentors and still do. It started at home with my mom and dad. I get the best personal and life/work advice from them. I have had clients who have become mentors, sports coaches, managers, employees and professional business coaches. Taking risks is the only way to evolve and get ahead; having role models and mentors help you push further and dig deeper.