‘The Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program challenges you to work harder, accelerates your learning and unlocks outstanding career opportunities’

Philippe Hynes, BComm 02, President, Tonus Capital

Philippe Hynes was in the first cohort of students in the KWPMP.

“This program was the highlight of my undergrad at Concordia,” says Hynes, who describes those first years as like being part of a startup, building the foundation for what was to come.

He recalls the dedication of the instructors who taught him and his classmates the basics of markets – knowledge that would jump start his career.

“They inspired me to give back,” he says.

And he’s delivered on that commitment. Hynes has been teaching FINA 409: Applied Investment Analysis since 2007. The introductory course equips students in their first year of the program with the fundamentals of equity investing.

He says the course is mutually beneficial: he loves hearing from students about how the course has helped them and he has been able to strengthen his communication and planning skills over the years – key competencies for any business leader.

When asked to share the three most important skills to be a successful entrepreneur, Hynes identified perseverance, focus and confidence.

“It’s very hard to build a business and there are always setbacks and difficulties that need to be overcome,” he says. “Perseverance is essential. The entrepreneur also needs the focus to stay the course even when a seemingly easier path presents itself. And finally, as a leader, you must trust yourself and be able to manage stress to truly succeed.”

Michael Gentile, BComm 03, Founding Partner and Senior Portfolio Manager at Bastion Asset Management Inc.

Michael Gentile has had a passion for the stock market since the age of 10. He says he chose Concordia for its practical, hands-on approach to business. When the KWPMP started up shortly after he arrived, it seemed meant to be.

He echoes Hynes’s sentiment that those first years felt much like a startup.

“Students played a key role in defining investment strategies, mandates and structure,” he says. “This made for an incredibly valuable entrepreneurial experience.”

He adds that managing a real portfolio at such a young age showed him just how much work was involved if you wanted to succeed in business, especially as he and his classmates had to present to the client committee, made up of the biggest names in the finance industry in Montreal.

“Taking risks with real money and having to support and live with your decisions – successful or not - is a key attribute of entrepreneurship,” he says.

He shares the desire to give back to the program with other KWPMP alumni. He taught FINA 409 with fellow first cohort member Philippe Hynes, mentored students and has facilitated internships over the years.

“This program opened many doors for me that otherwise would have been much harder to open,” he adds. “I came from a humble background with little to no family connections in the business world, so I am quite passionate about helping others achieve their potential, especially when I see that shared passion for the industry.”

Gentile’s top three skills for any successful entrepreneur:

1. Passion for the business you are about to launch
2. Belief in yourself and your ability to succeed
3. Staying power and resilience when things get tough

“As an added bonus,” says Gentile, “I even met my good friend, long-time current business partner and co-founder of Bastion Asset Management, Charles Haggar, in the KWPMP.”

Kevin Henley, BComm 17, President & CEO, Canadian Net REIT

Kevin Henley credits three aspects of the program for setting him up for success.

The first, he says, is the discipline required. The program is rigorous and requires time and dedication, qualities Henley says are essential for success in the marketplace.

The second is the real-life investing and analysis required.

“It’s one thing to evaluate a potential investment on paper, but it’s entirely different to actually deploy capital into it,” he says. Presenting to the client committee fostered the critical thinking and confidence he uses every day as president and CEO of Canadian Net REIT.

And, like Hynes and Gentile, Henley says the program’s focus on mastering your communication skills is invaluable.

“The client committee meetings were an exceptional training ground for learning how to articulate and present financial decisions effectively,” he says.

He also cited focus and communication as key to any successful entrepreneur’s tool kit. He added that surrounding yourself with the right people is another important element.

“The right people don’t just support you; they also serve as a powerful source of motivation, pushing you to grow and strive for excellence,” says Henley. “This principle is a cornerstone of the KWPMP, where you have the unique opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals and draw inspiration from the collective strength of those around you.”

In addition to mentorship, Henley has stayed involved in the program by teaching the real estate portion of the FINA 455B course.

“The KWPMP challenges you to work harder, accelerates your learning, connects you to incredible people and unlocks outstanding career opportunities,” he says.

“If every alumnus contributes even a little, the collective impact will be immense, ensuring the program thrives and benefits future generations.”

Learn more about the Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program at the John Molson School of Business.