2004 ALUMNI RECIPIENTS

Peter D. Thompson, 37

Biggest achievement: I successfully negotiated 13 deals for more than $90 million in my first year with structured finance when our initial objective was $30 million.

Best skill: written and verbal communication skills.

Most admired businessperson: I admire my father, John, a successful businessman, for his wisdom and quiet self-confidence.

Biggest business lesson learned: To be of significant value to your clients, you must listen carefully and ask the right questions to truly understand your clients' business, needs and objectives. A client of mine expressed concern over the strategic direction his company was taking. His partners, who were not active in the business, consistently withdrew money while he wanted to invest to grow the business. I discovered he never considered offering to buy out his partners because he felt it was not financially feasible. In fact, we could structure such a transaction and, shortly thereafter, my client bought out his partners to everyone's satisfaction. It pays to know.

Favourite charity: SCO Health Services.

Professional recognition that would mean the most: Recognition for being an important contributor to the bank's success while positively impacting the lives of those with whom I work.