Meet Elizabeth Wood: Empowering Business Leaders Through Education

Elizabeth Wood’s career reflects her dedication to both leadership and education. With a diverse academic foundation that includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Commerce in Management, and an MBA, she has built a career that spans both the corporate and educational worlds. Elizabeth began her professional journey as a bookkeeper with CMI Financial Group in 2015, where she quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Executive Vice President of Operations in 2018. She was instrumental in scaling the company, helping it rank among Canada’s fastest-growing businesses. In 2024, she was appointed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), overseeing more than 150 employees and managing over $1 billion in assets.

Elizabeth’s passion for lifelong learning led her to McMaster Continuing Education in 2019, where she began teaching in the Business Administration and Marketing programs. She views education as an opportunity to empower others and share her experiences. “I love engaging with people about their passions and inspiring enthusiasm for subjects where it may not yet exist,” she says. For Elizabeth, teaching is not only about imparting knowledge but also about mentoring students and helping them grow.

She focuses primarily on the Business Administration program, which offers students a strong foundation in areas like strategic thinking, leadership, and marketing. “This program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in almost any career path,” she explains. Elizabeth believes that the key to success in today’s business world lies in balancing technical expertise with interpersonal skills, including communication, empathy, and adaptability.

Elizabeth encourages her students to embrace the learning process, no matter the challenges they face. “Be true to yourself, forgive yourself, and embrace mistakes as part of growth,” she advises. She stresses that failure is not an obstacle but a learning opportunity.

Beyond her work in business and education, Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for mental health, an area that deeply influences her approach to teaching. “Growth happens when we feel empowered, not intimidated,” she explains, highlighting her commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students feel safe to express themselves and learn from their mistakes.

Elizabeth’s ability to connect with students on a human level, combined with her extensive professional experience, makes her a unique and impactful educator. Whether in the boardroom or the classroom, she continues to inspire others to pursue success through continuous learning, resilience, and empathy.

­­­Learn more about the McMaster Continuing Education Business Administration program and courses.