Our graduates from the 2024 cohort of the EMBA McGill-HEC Montreal share their visions of success and their perspective on the Executive MBA program.

EMBA 2024

Senior Director – Bank of the Futur, Strategy, Transformation and Innovation

National Bank

Definition of Success:

How do you define success?

Success, for me, goes far beyond simply performing or succeeding in everything we undertake. It’s rather a constant learning process at every stage of our projects. This encompasses not only successes but especially failures, which are opportunities for growth and enrichment of our experience. Each failure offers us a precious opportunity for reflection and allows us to shape our way of doing things.

Moreover, I connect success with our ability to learn from our colleagues and leverage our differences to fill our gaps. By collaborating with people with diverse perspectives, we have the opportunity to broaden our horizons and acquire new skills.

In summary, for me, success is more associated with effort and learning than with just the final outcome. The latter is often oversimplified by our society, which tends to categorize it as success or failure, while true success lies in the journey, in how we develop as individuals and as collaborative teams.

How has your definition of success evolved over the years and at different stages of your career?

My definition of success has undergone significant evolution throughout my career, influenced by my resilient nature and deep conviction in the value of perseverance. I’ve learned that to achieve success, it’s essential to never give up, even in the most uncertain times. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that success often stems from a series of failures and unsuccessful attempts. The worst thing that can happen is to be paralyzed by the fear of the unknown. Thus, I’ve learned to combat my own doubts and encourage my colleagues to step into the unknown, even when feeling timid or uncertain.

Stepping out of our comfort zone, taking risks, that’s where the true catalyst for our evolution lies. This conviction has been further strengthened during my journey in the EMBA program. This program constantly challenges us to question ourselves, try new things, and step out of our comfort zone. It has taught me that success is not just a destination but a continuous journey of learning and personal growth. Thus, my vision of success has become less focused on immediate results and more centered on the ability to face challenges with resilience and embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth.

Greatest Success:

In your opinion, what is your greatest success to date? Can you share an experience or a project that represents a true success story in your career?

My greatest success so far lies in my resilience and my ability to bounce back after analyzing what worked and what didn’t. This ability to learn from my experiences, whether they are successes or failures, has allowed me to progress both personally and professionally.

One experience that exemplifies this ability is a project I worked on a few years ago. Despite all the efforts invested, the project did not yield the expected results. Instead of being discouraged, I took the time to thoroughly analyze the reasons for this failure. This reflection allowed me to better understand my own strengths and weaknesses, as well as aspects of the project that could have been improved.

This experience also taught me the importance of taking breaks to reflect on my journey, my successes, and my failures. It helped me to better understand myself and to continue building my future in a more informed way.

Thus, my greatest success so far is not a specific project or a particular achievement, but rather my ability to turn failures into opportunities for learning and personal growth. It is this resilience and ability to learn that allow me to move forward confidently in my career.

Future Success:

Looking ahead, what impact would you like to have?

Looking ahead, the impact I would like to have is to positively influence others by encouraging them to adopt a mindset focused on learning and growth. I aim to be a catalyst for their personal and professional development, helping them realize their full potential.

Furthermore, I aspire to play a leading role in strategy, transformation, and innovation. This could materialize by leveraging my expertise and experience to support young, growing companies, either by serving on their board of directors or advising them through specific organizations. My goal is to assist these companies in thriving and overcoming the challenges they face.

On a daily basis, I intend to leverage the knowledge and tools acquired during my EMBA journey. Whether in my professional projects, interactions with colleagues, or future community engagements, I aim to contribute significantly to innovation and growth while inspiring others to pursue their own learning and development journey. Ultimately, my ambition is to leave a positive legacy by making a lasting impact in the fields of strategy, transformation, and innovation, while helping others achieve their full potential.

Do you feel that the McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA will play a role in your professional journey and future success?

I am convinced that the EMBA McGill-HEC Montreal will play an essential role in my journey and future success. This program has had a considerable impact on me, offering valuable tools and enriching my self-awareness. It has ignited a true thirst for learning and taking on new challenges.

The bonds I have formed with my fellow classmates and members of the EMBA network will also be invaluable to me in the future. These relationships are a source of inspiration and support, and I am confident that they will continue to foster a rewarding exchange of experiences and knowledge. This dynamic community represents a valuable opportunity for furthering my professional and personal development.

Additionally, my future participation in Toastmasters, an initiative encouraged by the EMBA program, will regularly allow me to step out of my comfort zone and improve my communication and leadership skills in a supportive and stimulating environment.

The EMBA McGill-HEC Montreal has been a catalyst for my development and will play a crucial role in my ability to achieve my future goals. It has equipped me with tools, knowledge, and a strong network that will be invaluable in my future endeavors and in my constant desire to progress and make a positive impact in the world around me.

The McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA program:

How would you describe your EMBA experience to a potential candidate?

I would describe my EMBA experience as a unique and transformative journey. From the outset, I was faced with challenges that quickly pushed me out of my comfort zone. However, what truly makes this experience exceptional is the kindness that prevails within the program. This encouraging and supportive atmosphere allows for taking risks without fearing failure.

The wealth of knowledge imparted by the professors is immense, but what truly enriches this experience is the diversity and collective experience of the cohort. We learn a great deal from each other, not only from the professors but also through sharing experiences among cohort members. This sharing allows us to challenge our own perspectives and see our past experiences from a new angle, enabling us to reconsider certain concepts or habits we had taken for granted.

The EMBA is an intense but rewarding experience that pushes you to push your limits and see the business world in a new light. It’s a continuous learning opportunity where one grows not only as a professional but also as an individual.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your EMBA journey or the impact it has had on you?

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of questioning our preconceived beliefs and assumptions. Within the program, I have learned that it is when we put ourselves in a position of vulnerability that we have the most to learn. Daring to share our experiences and viewpoints, even if we think they are ordinary, is crucial. Every perspective and line of thought is important and contributes to enriching the dialogue within the cohort.

Do not hesitate to challenge your assumptions or beliefs, and do not hesitate to make yourself vulnerable to get the most out of the EMBA experience. By sharing our experiences and listening to those of others, we all have the opportunity to grow and evolve. This constant exchange has been at the heart of my EMBA journey and has had a profound impact on my view of the business world and my own personal growth.