Barbara Bridgeman (formerly Waddell), B. Comm, MBA, CLU
Executive Profile
A successful entrepreneur, business owner and respected Chartered Life Underwriter, Barbara brings passion, commitment and inspirational leadership to a career spanning over 30 years.
Skill Highlights
A successful entrepreneur, business owner and respected Chartered Life Underwriter, Barbara brings passion, commitment and inspirational leadership to a career spanning over 30 years.
- Business Operations
- Staff/Leadership Development
- Cross-Functional Team Management
- Change Management
- Leadership/Communications Skills
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Conflict Resolution
Conflict Resolution
Operations Management
Created and managed a successful life insurance brokerage for 15 years.
Leadership, Change Management and Conflict Resolution
Directed a $1M business through restructuring to avoid bankruptcy. Successfully operational today.
Inspirational Leadership
Achieved 83% increase in donations in one year while heading a hospice fundraising event.
Project Management
Directed changeover from one investment software platform to another, resulting in 100% client retention. Implemented a new and more efficient financial reporting system.
Staff Development
Created a team environment resulting in a 30% increase in assets under management (AUM) in one year.
Cross-Functional Team Management
Created a three-person management committee from a traditional line management structure that led to stability in the company.
Professional Experience
Township of Muskoka Lakes Councillor
Chair of Planning Committee
Successfully guided council through to adoption of our new Township Official Plan 2022 and Minett Official Plan 2022 (Clevelands House and other commercial and residential development in Minett)
Successfully had Council approve the first ever Working Committee for the redevelopment of Cleveland’s House. The Working Committee included the developer, Legacy, the Marriott Resort.
Director of Operations
Wise Riddell Financial Group, Oakville, ON – October 2011 to June 2016
- Accountable for all operations of the company from staffing and human resources to exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Implemented initiatives for new and improved operations, including a dynamic website, a cost-saving investment platform, and an efficient investment reporting system, resulting in 100% client retention.
- Team leader: Recruited an enterprising team responsible for increasing AUM by 180%.
President and Owner
Waddell Financial Consultants Limited, Mississauga, ON – October 1997 to July 2011
- Created and managed a successful insurance agency, specializing in life insurance, financial services, group insurance and individual benefits.
President, Treasurer
Mansfield Skiways, Mansfield, ON – September 1992 to September 1996
- Through hands-on inspirational leadership, successfully reorganized and restructured the operating company that was insolvent at the time.
- Implemented a new management structure and re-instituted the committee structure.
- Spearheaded a new accounting system.
- Board of Directors Liaison.
Instructor, Business School
Sheridan College, Mississauga, ON – September 1992 to June 1996
- Instructor of organizational behaviour and marketing to business and legal assistant students.
Administration Manager
Jiffy Lube Canada, Brampton, ON – September 1990 to June 1992
- Member of the Canadian franchisor management team.
- Managed all administrative functions.
- Head Office Liaison.
Administration Manager
Jiffy Lube Canada, Brampton, ON – September 1990 to June 1992
- Member of the Canadian franchisor management team.
- Managed all administrative functions.
- Head Office Liaison.
Education
- MBA, University of Miami, Florida
- Bachelor of Commerce, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON
- Canadian Securities Course, Finance, Toronto, ON
Activities and Interests (current and past)
- Board Director (Treasurer) for PPC306 condominium Corporation
- Heart House Hospice, Board Member
- Brampton-Caledon East Community Living, Golf Committee
- University Women's Club, Oakville; coordinator of interest group
- Caledon Coalition of Concerned Citizens, Fundraising Committee
- Board member Caledon chapter Cancer Society of Canada
- Cycling - participated in Wellspring Peloton fundraiser which cycled from Toronto to Miami
- 200 km Ride to Conquer Cancer
- Chair the Comprehensive By-Law Review Steering Committee
- Sit on the Committee of Adjustment
- A member of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library Board
- Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club member
- Residents Against Muskoka Poverty
- Andy's House
- European biking tours
- Skiing
- Golfing
- Bridge
- Skeet and Trap Shooting
Next Activities
- A member of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library Board
- Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club member
- Established residence against Muskoka poverty (RAMP), now under the Muskoka Community Foundation Hospice Muskoka
- Safe Quiet Lakes Nominee - YWCA Women of Distinction 2025 "Transforming Community"