Northwood Staff Profile: CC Shaver

In the world of finance, especially in the family office space, leadership roles are often defined not only by expertise but also by empathy, agility, and a long-term vision. CC Shaver, VP of Finance and Firm Operations at Northwood Family Office, exemplifies what it means to lead with all three. In this Q&A staff profile, CC reflects on her career journey, offers insights into maintaining balance as a working mom, and shares advice for young women entering the finance and family office space.

When did you start at Northwood Family Office? What were you doing then, and how has your role evolved?

I joined Northwood in 2017 after moving to Toronto following more than a decade living internationally in Bermuda, London, and Australia. At that time, Northwood was a much smaller firm with only about a dozen team members. Like many roles in growing companies, mine was multi-faceted: I oversaw the Finance function while also leading Operations, Human Resources, Technology, Compliance, and Office Management.

From the beginning, I was drawn to the ability to make a tangible difference and see the immediate impact of our decisions in a growing firm. As Northwood has continued to evolve, my role has reached a turning point, with People & Culture emerging as a core pillar of my work, alongside Finance and Operations, rather than simply a supporting function.

We quickly recognized that People & Culture needed to be more than an administrative function; it had to become a strategic priority. I’ve had the privilege to lead that transformation, formalizing People & Culture as a dedicated area and shaping its vision and structure. This has included initiatives to strengthen the employee experience, launch the Northwood Women’s Network, and define our long-term cultural strategy.

In a family office, our people are at the heart of the business. Our clients expect continuity; they often experience turnover across other advisory relationships, and they rely on us to be the constant. Having a trusted quarterback who understands the full picture of their affairs can’t be a revolving door.

Today, my People & Culture work continues with even greater purpose: creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work every day.

What motivates you to continue to grow and succeed in your career?

What drives me every day are two things: the people and the mission. I genuinely enjoy working with such a smart, thoughtful, and driven team. At the same time, I’m deeply motivated by the opportunity to advocate for women in our industry. For me, that means creating the right culture, policies, and frameworks so that every person who joins Northwood feels supported, valued, and energized.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is bridging the gap between policy and people, listening to individual experiences, and turning those insights into meaningful change. I see myself as an advocate for our people, ensuring that every voice is heard and that decisions reflect both organizational goals and the needs of our team.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the family office industry, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced early in my career was helping others understand the unique needs of being a mom while still striving for professional excellence. When my children were young, I was committed to both my family and my career, but balancing those priorities required a shift in mindset from those around me.

How did I navigate it? I became my own advocate. I learned to communicate what I needed and show that it’s about trust and enabling people to deliver in ways that work for their lives.

That experience has shaped how I lead People & Culture today. I’m passionate about building policies and a culture that moves beyond outdated norms, fostering inclusion and trust while striking the right balance between personal well-being, professional growth, and organizational success.

What advice would you give to someone navigating similar challenges?

Build your professional support network, whether inside or outside your organization. Having people you can turn to for advice, perspective, or simply a listening ear is incredibly valuable. You are not alone. A circle that can support you, uplift you, or relate to your experience can make all the difference.

It does take time and effort to build those relationships, especially when personal responsibilities compete for your attention. That’s why I believe organizations have a responsibility to step up. We should be asking: How can we support you through major life transitions? What resources can we provide to help you thrive both personally and professionally? These moments can be some of the most rewarding and challenging in life, and no one should have to navigate them without support.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement in your career that you're particularly proud of?

One of the moments I’m most proud of was helping our team navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Northwood doubled in size while transitioning to fully remote work, at a time when uncertainty was at an all-time high. This was a pivotal period for the firm: not only were we scaling rapidly, but we also had to reimagine how we collaborated, stayed connected, and supported one another without the benefit of being in the same room.

Through it all, we managed to maintain the close-knit, value-driven culture that defines Northwood. That’s not easy when you’re growing quickly, especially in a virtual environment, but we came out the other side as a bigger, stronger, and more resilient team. Being part of that transformation and knowing the role I played in sustaining our culture during such a critical time is something I’ll always be proud of.

What’s one piece of advice about money or success you’d share with someone just starting their career?

Live within your means. Financial responsibility is the foundation of long-term security and success, but it’s equally important to enjoy the journey along the way. Early in your career, it’s easy to feel pressure to keep up or overspend, but real confidence comes from being in control of your finances, not the other way around.

Be smart with your money, yes, but also give yourself permission to create experiences, celebrate milestones, and have fun. That balance matters because success isn’t just about building wealth; it’s about building a life you love. At Northwood, we believe in investing in both financial and human capital, helping families thrive not just in their portfolios, but in their lives.

What’s one thing people are often surprised to learn about you?

People are often surprised to learn that I have an adventurous streak. I’ve gone skydiving, not once, but twice, and I’m also a certified scuba diver. One of my most memorable adventures was taking a year-long leave to backpack around Australia after completing my CPA, CA exams.  

It wasn’t easy stepping away from my career while watching my peers advance, but the experience was absolutely worth it. That decision opened the door to an incredible opportunity to work in Bermuda and ultimately changed my life.  It’s where I met my husband and started our family, with both of our children born there.

That experience taught me adaptability and resilience. I learned that stepping outside your comfort zone is often where the most growth happens, lessons I carry into my professional life every day.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Spending time with my family is everything to me. We share a love for travel and exploring new places; our most recent adventure took us through Panama, Rio, and Buenos Aires. Over the years, we’ve also wandered through Greece, Paris, Capri, and Rome, creating some unforgettable memories. Closer to home, we enjoy biking together and discovering new restaurants.

With both of our kids in competitive sports, personal time looks a little different these days, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Before kids, I lived a full life of adventure; now, my greatest joy comes from creating those moments together as a family.

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With 20 years of industry experience and nearly a decade in the family office space, CC’s story is one of thoughtful growth and a deep commitment to people. Her message to the next generation is clear: know your priorities, advocate for yourself, and never underestimate the power of community. Inspired by her journey? Follow along as we continue to spotlight the different voices at Northwood Family Office.