S8 E4: Embrace the Power of a Growth Mindset with Breann Kelly

In this episode of The Inspire Podcast, Bart Egnal speaks with Breann Kelly, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at Ewing Morris, about why a growth mindset is more important than ever.

Breann reflects on her career journey and the choices that shaped it, sharing how a consistent focus on learning and curiosity guided her path from law into the world of investment management. She discusses what it takes to navigate uncertainty, build confidence in new environments, and lead through moments of real pressure, including guiding the firm through the COVID era and helping evolve the business along the way.

A clear through line in the conversation is the power of a growth mindset. Breann shares how a willingness to step into new spaces and learn along the way has shaped her career, and why that mindset continues to matter in a world defined by AI and constant change. Her insights offer a clear lens on how to keep progressing, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

00:23 Standard show intro 01:00 Introducing Breann 01:37 What is Ewing Morris? 02:23 Bart’s disclaimer: I am a client and investor 03:13 Bart introduces the concept of “embracing the growth mindset” 03:47 How it all began for Breann 04:28 Specializing in the asset management space 05:08 BlackRock gig 05:46 Why did you leave the predictable legal profession path? 06:51 Legal profession — live to work rather than work to live 09:10 Moving from BlackRock to Ewing Morris 09:34 Natural ceiling at BlackRock Canada 13:24 Bart observes her ambition for advancement 13:51 What questions should people be asking of their current career path? 14:01 Through-line: passion for learning and growing 14:36 Challenge yourself: if you're not challenging yourself, you're not growing 15:45 The culture shock moving to EM 16:12 New mom + new job 17:21 Imposter syndrome challenge 17:42 You can't learn everyone’s jobs inside out as a manager 18:58 From big support team to team of one 19:04 The buck really stopped with me 19:26 The more you seek reassurance, the more it erodes confidence 21:05 Staying relevant in the age of AI? 21:51 Leading through the COVID era 23:58 The business impact of COVID on the markets 27:34 Fixed vs. growth mindset 28:07 The genesis of the SPV business 28:30 SPVs explained 31:21 Pivoting to wealth management 33:01 Aventine 34:18 Bart observes growth mindset at EM 35:04 Pale, male, and stale 35:41 How to have a growth mindset in turbulent/changing times 35:51 Advice: challenge yourself to always do hard things 36:03 Fostering a growth mindset with her kids 36:27 Always find something hard to do!