One on one

April 12, 2023 - One-on-One

1- What does it mean to you to be a communication leader these days?  

It’s quite simple. I believe that the power of communication is to enjoy making an impact on the lives of people and organisations. Regardless of the industry, a communicator, by definition, mobilises, engages and informs people, as well as advising and coaching them. To me, the most rewarding thing is to make people or brands shine, to take a stand and generate innovative ideas.

It’s also the chance to contribute to the development of tomorrow’s leaders, those whom we have the pleasure of accompanying and helping to grow. I have a good nose for identifying and maximising people’s potential, and it makes me proud to see that I may have contributed to their success.

2- If you had to describe your career path in two words, which would you choose and why?

Firstly, I would say evolutionary. Since the beginning of my career, all the roles I have held have always allowed me to grow. It’s a series of apprenticeships that have shaped the person I am today.

I have worked in both large and small companies, in internal and external communications, and in social responsibility. All these experiences have made me a leader with a 360° view of communications. It’s a great asset, and since I had the opportunity to familiarise myself with several aspects of this field, it allows me to have a broader perspective on strategic planning and executive team coaching. Adaptability and agility are really important qualities for a leader in communication.

Then I would say benevolence. Firstly, that of the leaders I have met throughout my career who have shaped my approach with my own teams, who have nurtured and inspired me. Engaging your teams is a necessity these days. I describe my leadership as caring, human. I am able to bring about positive changes in teams and organisations. I would add that I value the work ethic and am committed to ensuring that everyone contributes to the extent of their abilities, while naming the real things, with full transparency.  

Benevolence is the key to positive change! It keeps morale high while keeping our goals in mind.

3- Since you have been managing, what have you learned most about yourself?

That each of my actions has an impact on my team members and the people around me. My decisions as a leader can have an effect on the careers of my people, of course, but also on their personal lives. In my opinion, we must keep that in mind.

I have also learned that what characterises me is my ability to get ahead of things, to be the one who can be counted on. This is a quality that I try very hard to encourage in those around me as well.  

4- La tête chercheuse is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year and you are part of its history. Tell me about your unique experience and what influence we have had on it.

From my first meeting with Annie Bissonnette and her team at La tête chercheuse, about six years ago, I fell in love with them professionally… and personally!

Thanks to La tête chercheuse, I was able to understand a lot about myself, in my own career (I got two great roles with them) or even in the positions I had to fill in my teams. Honestly, I was always very well supported and accompanied, with enthusiasm, but above all with honesty.

Working with La tête chercheuse automatically implies being charmed by its human approach. You have a unique contact with candidates and clients. Each member of the team is attentive to our needs, and the exchanges are genuine. Honestly, we never feel like a number or like someone we just want to send resumes to. You quickly identify our needs, and the relationship with your teams is easy and pleasant until we find the perfect fit!

Even in a consultancy role, you provide food for thought. Let’s just say that you’ve taken me out of my comfort zone on more than one occasion over the past few years… and I like that!

5- What inspires you every day and nurtures your professional happiness?

At the risk of repeating myself, I would say the people again! It’s honestly what keeps me motivated! I am passionate about people: their motivations, achievements, behaviour. Above all, I like to accompany my people and see them grow and develop so that they can achieve their full potential.

Also, let’s face it, I always have results in mind. So I have a great need to feel that I am making a difference, that I am making a significant contribution to the organisation I work for. I need to feel that I am part of something bigger than myself.

6- What do you aspire to build and leave behind for the next, say, 25 years?

I have a lot of ambition, honestly. I want to keep that motivation to evolve and learn so that I am not treading water. If I can continue to inspire the same desire in the people I come into contact with, that’s great!

We spend most of our time at work, so it’s important to find happiness in it and to know how to pass on this motivation to have an impact on the organisation we are part of. The female leadership aspect also appeals to me a lot: it should be encouraged and serve as a model for other women. Maybe there will be something to do with this in the near future, who knows?