At the beginning of June, I received news that truly moved me : I had been selected as a finalist for the Fidéides Gala in the Female Leadership category. I had submitted my application with conviction, but without any particular expectations. It was therefore a wonderful surprise, followed by great pride. For me, it represents much more than simple recognition or an award.
It’s an opportunity to talk about leadership — a subject that truly matters to me. To encourage women to showcase everything they can bring to the table, the very thing that makes them exceptional leaders. And to give greater visibility to all those who want to take the leap, in their own way.
Leadership Starts Young
For as long as I can remember, initiative has been part of who I am. As a child, I was the one who came up with ideas, organized games, and put together lip-sync or theater shows with my sisters and cousins. The desire to bring people together and motivate them around a shared goal was already there. In elementary school, I participated in public speaking contests where I defended values like motivation, determination, and self-confidence.
At 13, I took on my first official leadership role as president of the Opti-Jeunesse club. I wasn’t intimidated, even though I was new. I simply wanted to contribute and learn. That passion for involvement never left me. Later, in high school, college, and university, I joined every student committee I could. When I entered the workforce, I kept getting involved — networking, event planning, social committees, and more. I loved it. I love when things move forward and when I can play a part in making that happen.
Developing Soft Skills and Seizing Opportunities
I joined several boards of directors where many members had been in place for years. I always got actively involved, often taking on or being entrusted with strategic roles. I was elected president several times, sometimes shortly after joining. It was clear proof to me that leadership has nothing to do with hierarchy or seniority — it’s about action and the ability to rally others around a vision.
I also created my own opportunities. In the early 2000s, for example, I helped launch a professional women’s committee — one of my first concrete experiences of female leadership. At the time, more and more women were entering the profession but still struggled to find their place in business circles largely dominated by men. Networking events could be intimidating. By organizing gatherings by and for women, we created a space where they could discuss relevant issues, hear from inspiring speakers, and grow their networks confidently.
These initiatives helped boost self-esteem, assertiveness, and even helped some to break the glass ceiling. Twenty-five years later, such events have evolved a lot — but they still matter.
Both the opportunities I was given — strong marks of trust — and those I created myself were chances to learn, develop soft skills, and grow both professionally and personally. For that, I’m grateful.
A Defining Experience: The CCIQ Cohort
In 2017, I had the privilege of joining the very first cohort of the Female Leadership Program by the Québec City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIQ). It had a significant impact on me. For a full year, I deepened my understanding of the many dimensions of leadership. I met passionate, inspiring women, attended conferences, workshops, and training sessions. I learned a lot about myself, about leadership, and about what I wanted to pass on. And I realized something important: leadership isn’t a label — it’s an attitude, an energy, and a desire to help others grow alongside you.
Making a Difference and Leaving a Mark
My time on the board of Convivio gave me the chance to implement healthy management practices. Over nine years, I initiated several improvement projects that led the organization to win a Fidéides award in 2019 for Good Governance. What makes me the proudest? Knowing that these practices are still in place today and continue to guide the organization even after my departure. That means the impact was real — and lasting.
Understanding Female Leadership
Leadership isn’t a matter of gender. It’s the ability to mobilize and positively influence people toward shared goals.
That said, it’s important to recognize that women have sometimes been excluded or hesitant to claim their rightful place. Female leadership initiatives exist to create opportunities, shine a light, and encourage those who hesitate.
Everyone brings a different color to the table; empowering women to develop and share their full potential enriches organizations — and in the end, when women express their leadership, everyone benefits.
And Now? Helping Others Grow
Within Bakofis, our most recent venture, I’m fortunate to contribute to an initiative close to my heart: the creation of a Leadership Academy.
The goal? To offer our current and future leaders a space that fosters both personal and professional growth — a place for exchange, learning, and inspiration. We want to equip them with the tools and opportunities to shine, strengthen their management skills, and, most importantly, nurture soft skills by emphasizing emotional intelligence and the human element.
I want to keep inspiring and guiding individuals and organizations toward their greatest ambitions.
To Those Who Hesitate…
If you’re reading this and wondering whether you can be a leader — the answer is yes.
You don’t need a title, and you don’t have to wait for someone to ask you. Leadership is something you build and practice every day, in your own way. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone. Challenges are opportunities to learn — don’t shy away from them. I’ll leave you with a quote I love:
“Time isn’t something you have. It’s something you take.”
I think it’s the same with leadership — you have to take the opportunities that come your way, or even create them yourself.
