Zinat Damji from Alliance Trust Company Artwork

Beyond The Lair

Beyond the Lair explores the untamed spirit of Indigenous business innovation by guiding and celebrating Indigenous-owned enterprises at every step of their incredible journey. Building on the success of the renowned TV show "Bears' Lair" on APTN, this podcast spotlights the visionaries and resilient minds behind these ventures. As well, it will feature industry leaders talking about the initiatives and campaigns they have to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and how their companies are making a difference and the teams they have to do so. Each episode is a beacon of guidance and empowerment, amplifying success stories, sharing invaluable insights, and crafting a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Unlock the secrets of success and delve into the heart of Indigenous entrepreneurship. "Beyond the Lair" is not just a podcast; it's a movement, a commitment to honoring tradition while fostering a thriving, modern economic landscape. Tune in, be inspired, and be part of this incredible journey towards empowerment and reconciliation.

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Zinat Damji from Alliance Trust Company

December 04, 2024 • Bears' Lair • Season 1 • Episode 28

Zinat H. Damji - President & CEO, Alliance Trust Company: Core values from the first female in Canada to have founded a Corporate Trust company and how the social impact from supporting Indigenous communities feels.

Zinat comes from a family of entrepreneurs and believes in paying it forward. She thrives on the excitement of starting and growing successful companies, with a strong reputation for integrity and professionalism—key traits for running a trust company. Early in her career, Zinat founded Corporate Shareholder Services Inc., driven by a desire to provide cost‐effective, high‐quality service. She raised $100,000 in 30 minutes from a corporate contact, later securing $2.7 million from 14 investors to launch Valiant Trust Company, which was sold to Canadian Western Bank. Zinat took a break to travel the world, then raised $2.8 million for a new venture, Alliance Trust Company, which received its Trust Charter in 2007. Alliance Trust emphasizes community support, including initiatives like camps for Indigenous teens through Bears Lair. Zinat’s journey is a testament to succeeding as a female and visible minority in the male‐dominated finance industry.