Jonathan Douville (EMBA 2020)

Senior Product Manager
Walter Surface Technologies

You can’t dream of a business, a career or anything if you haven’t dreamt of yourself first. For go-getters, it might seem like a waste of time, but when it is well done, it is powerful.

Describe yourself in 25 words or less:

An appreciative son, a loving husband, a caring father, a true friend that really tries to lead by example and walk the talk.

Fun fact about yourself:

I started my career in feminine hygiene and I loved it. I learned quite early in my career that what makes me tick is to be the catalyst in bridging consumer needs and value proposition.

Describe your current job in a sentence or two.

At Walter Surface Technologies,  I am a senior product manager and we believe in external collaboration to fast track innovation.

Did you change job during the EMBA program?

No. I am still in the same position. However, I naturally took on more responsibilities of a strategic nature and I reorganized my team, the work we do and our product portfolio so we can deliver more value to everyone.

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles:

Being a father of 3 toddlers, I am getting involved in the things that matter to them which currently ranges from daycare to gymnastics. I can’t wait for them to start school to get involved! 

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

The process improvement challenge. Having 5 of my EMBA colleagues working with me at Walter was such an amazing experience. It paved the way to a more strategic New Product Development Process.

What achievement are you most proud of in life?

Other than having a wonderful career, traveling the world, and improving the daily life of thousands of welders? I would say marrying the man of my dreams, the father of my children and having a home that feels like this is where I belong.

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

I don’t think it is fair to choose one. They are all part of a process. But one business insight I could share from the EMBA is that culture eats strategy for breakfast. So you’d better take care of it.

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

Looking back, I feel like they chose me and not the other way around. We all play a role and this is something you understand moving throughout the program. However, on my side, I chose the EMBA McGill-HEC Montréal mostly because of the alumni. The people I met were so interesting but also so interested, smart and humble. From that moment I knew I wanted to be part of the EMBA McGill-HEC Montréal family.

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

I feel like I have a second family. I gained a safe space that I am sure will help me tremendously in my leadership roles to come.

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

Reflect. Take the time to think. Also, you can’t dream of a business, a career or anything if you haven’t dreamt of yourself first. For go-getters, it might seem like a waste of time, but when it is well done, it is powerful.

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

I did have to change my workouts at the gym so they can accommodate reading books: bye-bye weight lifting, hello cardio. I traveled less at work and I did work more from home so my children would not feel neglected.

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

Be ready to change your perspective on just about everything you know.