MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT
Lisa Christie
Head of Commercial Digital Channels
TD
Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?
I’ve been most inspired by the incredible women around me — both professionally and personally. I was raised by hardworking, accomplished women and supported by men who reinforced the importance of resilience, collaboration, and lifting others as you grow.
At the heart of that influence was my grandmother, an original Rosie the Riveter during World War II. She showed me what strength and perseverance look like in action, not just in words. She inspired confidence, believed deeply in community, and taught me that success carries a responsibility to help others rise with you.
Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside teams of women who embody those same values – women who champion one another, create space for growth, and lead with both confidence and generosity. Their impact continues to shape how I show up as a leader today.
Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?
I’d say it’s about 20% luck and 80% hard work.
The luck came from having the right people in my corner — leaders and mentors who believed in my potential and advocated for me, even when I wasn’t in the room. That kind of support opens doors and creates opportunities.
But opportunity alone isn’t enough. On the other side of that luck was the responsibility to deliver, to earn trust, follow through, and consistently show up with results. I’ve always felt accountable for making the most of the opportunities I was given by pushing myself to improve and by doing the work, day in and day out.
That combination of support paired with sustained effort is what ultimately allowed me to build momentum and grow my career.
What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?
The people I work with are the driving force behind my career aspirations.
I’m energized by talented, passionate teams and the diverse perspectives they bring to the table. Working alongside people who challenge my thinking, raise the bar, and encourage continuous learning pushes me to grow — not just professionally, but personally as well.
Being part of a collaborative environment where people learn from one another and work toward shared goals makes the work meaningful. Above all, my aspiration is to be a leader worthy of the team around me; someone who grows alongside them and helps create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?
Early on, I was more timid and hesitant to push past the discomfort of reaching out or asking for engagement. I worried about imposing on people’s time or getting it “wrong”. Over time, I’ve learned how powerful relationships can be — mentors who offer perspective, peers who challenge your thinking, and advocates who open doors when you’re not in the room. That network creates a kind of compounding growth that no individual effort can replace.
I was fortunate to have advocates early on — part of what I often describe as that “20% luck.” But I’ve also learned that networking doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective. The real value comes from simply showing up, staying curious, and engaging. You don’t have to be great at it; you just have to start.
What was your most favourite job/role and why?
My current role as Head of Commercial Digital Channels at TD Bank stands out as my favourite.
The payments and digital landscape is evolving rapidly, shaped by emerging technology, shifting customer expectations, and constant innovation. That pace of change means there’s always something new to learn and a new challenge to solve, which keeps the work both demanding and deeply engaging. What I value most is the opportunity to stay curious. This role allows me to continuously adapt, learn, and consider new perspectives. And to work with a team that isn’t just responding to change, but thoughtfully shaping what comes next.
That sense of shared purpose makes the work especially rewarding.
Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
This quote has always resonated with me because it reflects what I’ve seen time and again throughout my career: the most meaningful progress rarely happens alone.
Behind every milestone, challenge, and achievement has been a supportive team — people who showed up for one another, especially when it was hard. My work is the product of those collaborations, and I’m deeply grateful for the teams I’ve been part of and proud of what we’ve built together.
We truly are better together.