leadership · RBC

A space for the
leaders who
hold the room.
HT Leadership by Design is a private leadership practice founded by Harriet Thornhill, convening senior leaders at the moments that continue to shape their leadership.
About the Founderleadership · RBC
Canada & Caribbean
Leaders
space
The Practice
A private practice for leaders navigating pivotal leadership moments, the broader role, the unexpected pivot, the question of what comes next.
Founding Cohort
Ten women at director level and above, gathered by introduction or invitation. Bookended by 1:1 sessions with the Lead Facilitator.
Featured Experts
The Master Classes are led by experts. The Lead Facilitator will lead sessions on themes that emerge from the participants and from her experience, alongside experts of national and international standing.
Designed quietly. Curated with care. Carried forward.
A private
leadership
practice.
Leadership by Design convenes senior leaders at the moments that continue to shape their leadership.
“This practice is for leaders at the moments that matter most in their leadership journey: the broader role, the unexpected pivot, the question of what comes next, or the resolve to continue with greater impact and clarity. The intent is the same throughout: a considered space, the company of peers, and counsel that endures.”Begin a Conversation
What the practice is.
The practice operates by introduction or invitation. Each cohort is intentionally selective and drawn from leaders whose work, conduct, and trajectory commend them to the room.
Cohorts are formed by sector, stage, and circumstance. The first, the founding cohort, is dedicated to women in leadership. Future cohorts will be announced as they are confirmed, and each will be shaped to the particular work of the leaders in the room.
The cohorts.
Each cohort is shaped around the work of the leaders in the room. The founding cohort is dedicated to women in leadership; subsequent cohorts will be announced as they are formed.
Designed quietly. Curated with care. Carried forward.
For women
navigating
pivotal moments
of leadership.
Ten women at director level and above, gathered by introduction or invitation. The founding cohort is bookended by one-to-one sessions with the Lead Facilitator, a private conversation pre-cohort, and another once it concludes.
Who the cohort is for.
For women navigating pivotal moments of leadership, the broader role, the unexpected pivot, the quiet question of what comes next, or the resolve to continue leading with greater impact and clarity.
If a leader comes to mind whose career leadership warrants a seat in this room, recommendations may be sent to harriet@htleadershipbydesign.com.
The shape of the program.
Ten leaders. One room. Designed with intent.
Master classes led by experts
of national and international standing.
Each expert has been invited by Harriet to lead a session within their domain. Together they reflect the disciplines that distinguish leadership at the highest levels, performance psychology, change, resilience, and the inner work of leading.






A faculty of national and international standing. A room composed with care.

Harriet
Thornhill
Harriet Thornhill is a respected leadership voice in the community, with over four decades of experience at RBC, Canada's largest bank by market capitalization. She held senior leadership roles across Canada and internationally, helping lead through periods of growth, transformation, and increasing complexity.
Throughout her career, she has mentored, coached, and developed leaders across diverse backgrounds, and is recognized for building strong teams and leading with clarity, intention, and humanity.
- Vice-President, Global Contact Centres · RBC
- Regional Vice-President, Greater Toronto Area · RBC
- Head of Retail Banking, Caribbean · RBC
- MBA
- ICD.D · Institute of Corporate Directors
Recognition
from those who
have led alongside.
“On behalf of the Board of Governors and as a proud Tyndale University alumnus myself, I am delighted to have Harriet serve in the role of Chancellor,” said Board Chair Ross Clark. “Demonstrated through her extraordinary leadership, Harriet embodies what we hope for students, who will emerge from Tyndale to live lives with passion and purpose, engage societal issues and make an impact in the lives of those around them.”
“Harriet is a respected leader whose influence spans business performance, leadership development, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated effective change leadership and built high-performing teams that contributed to a strong client experience, employee growth, and business results.
Beyond her professional achievements, Harriet is committed to creating opportunities for others, championing youth engagement, empowerment, and community development. She has not only broken barriers throughout her career but has held the door open for countless others to follow. I admire Harriet's leadership and integrity, and greatly value our friendship. ”
“As Regional President, Personal Banking, Harriet played a key role in shaping the RBC Caribbean strategy, which included a major regional acquisition. She amplified Caribbean Banking's performance improvement efforts, driving revenue growth by launching new sales forces in key market segments, delivering efficiencies through productivity enhancements, and structuring and developing local market leadership. Harriet left an indelible mark, making a significant contribution to both the employee and client experience.”
“As Vice President, Global Contact Centres, Harriet led a team of over 4,000 professionals providing investment, lending, and cross-border credit card and banking advice. Her leadership drove leading employee satisfaction scores and #1 call centre service awards year after year. From digital and social media support to launching the first AI virtual assistant in the company and Canadian banking industry, Harriet was a champion for innovation and digital adoption.”
“Harriet's deep leadership experience has brought tremendous value to our work together. Her leadership approach is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and a growth mindset, consistently driving thoughtful decisions and strong outcomes. Her insight and advisory are highly valued and regularly sought out.”
“As a business leader and coach, Harriet is recognized for her courageous and thoughtful decision-making. Her proficiency in empowering colleagues is exceptional, and her leadership methodology is firmly rooted in personal example, character, and integrity. Additionally, her aptitude for translating a strategic vision into tangible outcomes, while simultaneously cultivating talent, has consistently yielded sustained business results, enhanced service delivery, and meaningful impact.”
“Harriet is a leader par excellence!
She joined RBC Caribbean banking at an extraordinary time of significant challenge and transformation. During that time, Harriet led with clarity, purpose, authenticity and composure. Personally, her mentorship strengthened my confidence, expanded my perspective and deepened my approach to leadership. She created an environment where I felt supported, trusted and encouraged to grow even amid complexity and uncertainty. She taught me that true leadership is not just about inspiring performance but uplifting others along the way. Harriet's influence shaped an important chapter of my career, and I am eternally grateful for the enduring impact she has had on my professional journey.”
Forty years of leading. One practice designed.
A note to the
practice.
For enquiries regarding the founding cohort, future cohorts, or to begin a conversation with the Lead Facilitator. Recommendations of leaders who warrant a seat are welcome.
If a leader
comes to mind.
The founding cohort is gathered by introduction or invitation.
Toronto, Canada
Begin a conversation.
For enquiries about cohorts, programs, mentorship, advisory, or other engagements with the Founder.