MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT

PIRAVEENA THARMALINGAM

VP, Executive Product Owner, Business Banking Deposits & Cash Management

 TD

Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.

Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?

Inspiration for me comes from many places, but my biggest source is home. My mother has been a boss-lady for most of her life—she lost her own mother at age nine and took charge of the household from then on. She’s a true jack-of-all-trades: fluent in three languages, with a career spanning multiple industries. She continues to empower other women, including her three daughters, and inspires me to give back to the community while staying present at home.

It’s a tough balancing act, but I’ve seen her do it seamlessly my whole life. That example pushes me to be my best—whether I’m at home, in the office, at board meetings, or in the community.

Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?

It’s part luck and a large part work ethic. I’ve been fortunate to work for a large organization like TD, where there are countless opportunities and a strong culture that supports the growth of diverse leaders.

I started in Treasury and Balance Sheet Management, moved into Retail Banking as a Sales Leader, and now lead Product for the Business Bank. Luck played a role in placing me on high-impact projects that gave me visibility with fantastic leaders—many of whom became sponsors. But it was grit, determination, and a strong work ethic that helped me build a personal brand and earn those opportunities.

What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?

I didn’t start out with ambitions to be an executive or have a 10-year career plan, but I care deeply about the impact I could have on customers and colleagues. I make it a priority to voice ideas that will better serve our customers or support our colleagues with simpler, more effective ways of working. I’m driven to leave every team I lead stronger than when I joined and push for change to ensure that’s possible.

As a Retail Sales Leader (DVP), I advocated on behalf of our customers and sales colleagues in the National Advisory Council. Now, as a Product Owner in the Business Bank, I’m modernizing our customer banking platform and delivering new capabilities for Small Businesses.

The more senior I’ve become, the more influence I’ve had to support our customers and colleagues. That’s what has kept me going. Challenging the status quo has become an integral part of my brand.

If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?

There are many little things, but one stands out: early in my career, I wish I’d taken more chances. I had opportunities to move globally, but I was deeply rooted in my community work and family, and hesitant to take that leap.

At the time, I didn’t have kids or a husband—so in hindsight, it would’ve been easier to uproot my life for a few years and gain a unique perspective. I did have the opportunity to travel across and support our U.S. franchise, but now, having hired staff with global experience, I see the value of that global experience.

What was your most favourite job/role and why?

It’s hard to choose—I’ve enjoyed every role in some way. But here are my top three:

  •  Chief of Staff to the Treasurer and Head of Corporate Development: This role introduced me to the Senior Executive table and gave me an insight into the culture at TD and a focus on keeping customers and shareholders top of mind with every decision made. It was fast-paced and a masterclass in C-suite decision-making that provided a perspective other roles at that level can’t give you.
  •   Head of Interest Rate Risk Management and Transfer Pricing Operations: Managing the interest rate risk of a $2 trillion global balance sheet redefined my definition of ‘complexity’. Backed by a brilliant team of 65, I felt like no problem was too complex and every day was a new challenge as new product launches across any segment in the bank, macroeconomic conditions or global news could alter the day.
  •  Regional Sales Leader (DVP) in Metro East, Toronto: This role brought me closest to the customer and brought meaning to everything we do at TD. Leading a team of 270, I witnessed the full customer journey – from opening their first account to retirement planning. It changed how I make decisions in Head Office roles. I always consider how the decision will be received on the front lines both by our customers and our sales teams.

Each of these roles shaped my perspective and deepened my connection to TD’s purpose.

Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?

My motto for myself has been: “Take the job that scares you and knock it out of the park!”

My mantra for operating as a leader has always been: “You’re nothing without your team!”