Natalia Kourant 

Director of Business Development
ACTIF

Describe yourself in 25 words or less:

Determination is the word that serves me well.

I believe in myself and I am grateful to have an amazing family and friends in my life who, like my parents did, encourage and support me along the way.

 

Fun fact about yourself:

I love people and having a good time – it’s my Ukrainian DNA.

 

Where are you currently working? Describe your current job in a sentence or two.

I am in the process of developing two interconnected enterprises: Actif, Énergie du bâtiment and Evaluation Emperia. I love it, as the process is full of adrenaline.

 

Did you change job during the EMBA program?

Yes, I did. I left Brookfield to go back to what I truly love, and what I am excellent at: Being an entrepreneur. I strive on developing companies, creating strategies and lean processes, creating employment and profits, and being financially able to share with others that are in need. It’s a very exciting work.

 

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles:

Volunteer and a Member of the Boards of Directors of:

  • Appraisal Institute of Canada (professional association of real estate appraisers)
  • Horizon pour Elle (shelter for women that are victims of domestic violence)

 

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during the EMBA?

I ran Bromont Ultra (not the usual marathon that I imagined…), despite the workload and life challenges during the EMBA.

 

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career?

After I quit my “well paid and easy” full-time job, our family earnings on that day of April 2019 were 0$. In fact, we were in deficit and started to live on our life savings.

Less than one year later, we created employment and started paying ourselves a salary that we are happy and comfortable with. All this, while growing our market share, increasing the revenues and profits every month since October 2019.

Looking back, I realize how risky this undertaking was, especially during the EMBA, our moves, etc. Determination, focus, sticking together with my partner and good people around me, as well as believing that success is inevitable, proved that if you have the correct ingredients, your dream WILL become a reality.

 

What was your favorite EMBA course and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it?

I enjoyed all, not possible for me to pick one… I would do it all again.

 

Why did you choose the McGill-HEC Montréal Executive MBA program?

Reputation, prestige, curiosity, teachers and staff.

 

What did you enjoy most about the EMBA experience in general?

Academic and personal learning. Reflections, listen more and talk less.

 

What is the biggest lesson you gained during your EMBA and how did you apply it at work?

Learning about my weaknesses but in different ways – more real and exact.

 

Give us a story during your time as an Executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, personal life and education?

I have moved to a new location, built a house, quit my job, opened 2 companies, traveled to 5 countries for fun, presented at 2 conferences, organized a charity event – all with my 5-year-old daughter, three adult sons, my buddy/husband and my friends who embarked on this venture with me and made it doable, enjoyable and memorable.

 

What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program?

Failing is not an option – determination will bring you an amazing feeling of a lifetime.

 

What is the biggest myth about going back to school?

Not enough time: It’s a myth just as not having enough time to go to the gym.

 

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal?

Create a positive and sustainable legacy for humans and having fun doing it.