McCarthy Tétrault’s Lara Nathans is Leading With Intention

Lara Nathans has built a career she loves. As McCarthy Tétrault ’s Industry Strategy Leader, she is responsible for leading the firm and its people to truly understand and align with the unique needs of its clients and their industries. As a Partner, she advises on retail and consumer-facing M&A transactions and helps retailers and brands enter the Canadian market. Her leadership approach is rooted in service: to her organization, team and the community at large.??

Early in her career, she realized that taking time to reflect before taking action revealed where she could find new opportunities in her professional life. And now, it helps guide how she gives.?

"It was through reflection that I had a lightbulb moment regarding connections among the clients I work with in the retail and consumer industry," she said. "It allowed me to think critically about what I can do differently, to better connect to the clients I was working with, connect others at the firm and find new opportunities by asking questions, seeking alignment and thinking about the impact that could have on clients and colleagues."

She prioritizes giving back to her community and points out that understanding her values is an important part of creating meaningful action. When faced with her own personal challenges, receiving support from others instilled a strong desire to give back when she could.??

“Women United is an opportunity to give in a targeted way to women and children, which is really close to my heart,” she said. “I love the ability to engage deeply in a community by supporting other women and their families.”??

When thinking about giving back, she suggests reflecting on these two questions:????

“What is most meaningful and what resonates with you?” she said. “And where will I have the most impact?”??

Lara appreciates how Women United touches so many in the Greater Toronto Area. The pandemic underscored how the inequality gap continues to grow. Issues like the gender wage gap, precarious employment and unaffordable housing challenge women across the region and disproportionately impact Indigenous, Black and racialized women, women with disabilities, and newcomer women. Nearly 450,000 women in Peel, Toronto and York Region live on low incomes. Now more than ever, the need is there.???

“One of the great things about giving to United Way is that they direct donations to where they are needed most — and I won’t pretend to know where all those needs are,” she said. As part of United Way, Women United focuses support and investment on women-focused programs which are critically needed during these challenging times.? “My family and I are fortunate, and it is very meaningful to me to be able to support others.”?