Article en anglais
Success is a concept that many aspire to, yet it often eludes clear definition. Alain Dadoun, Vice-President of Digital Services at Bell, a McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA alumnus, offers a nuanced perspective on success, highlighting its multifaceted nature and the journey it entails.
Defining Success
« Success is achieving the right balance between multiple aspects of your life that make every day motivating and fulfilling, » Alain explains. This definition underscores the importance of a holistic approach to success, where professional achievements are harmonized with personal well-being. Over the years, Dadoun’s view of success has evolved from focusing on a single aspect to recognizing the trade-offs required to maintain balance.
« Each choice has a price and weight on the balance you personally want to achieve. With time, you make decisions based on the trade-offs rather than just one variable. »
A Story of Success
One of Alain’s most significant successes was his promotion to Vice-President with a new mandate to integrate a recent acquisition outside of Montreal. This role presented a steep learning curve with numerous challenges, including extensive travel.
« What I take as a success was the fact that I was able to manage the right balance while learning quickly about the culture, people, and objectives of the new acquisition, » he shares.
Despite the demands, Alain ensured the acquisition’s bottom line was met while fostering a cohesive team environment.
The key to overcoming these challenges, according to Alain, lies in an open-minded approach. « Come with an open mind to learn, trust people in the new organization, ask what they would do to improve the business, learn from data points, and connect with customers to accelerate the learning curve, » he advises. Balancing these aspects allowed him to stay focused and effective in his role.
Lessons Learned
Alain’s career is a testament to the value of persistence and adaptability. Facing stiff competition for promotions, he chose to reassess his goals and embrace opportunities that offered a clearer path to advancement.
« As much as persistence is a great quality, sometimes stepping back and re-assessing your goal and how to get there is important, » he notes.
This strategic approach eventually led to his desired role, demonstrating the importance of flexibility in career planning.
Contributions of the EMBA
Alain attributes part of his professional success to the EMBA McGill-HEC Montréal program.
« When you are working full-time and add an EMBA to your schedule, it sends a strong message that you can do more, that you are resourceful in finding ways to achieve multiple goals, and that you are focused on learning new skills and challenging yourself, » he says.
The program also provided a network of peers that he can rely on for solving complex business problems.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Alain is committed to supporting individuals who strive to make a difference. He is particularly passionate about mental health, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
« It’s important to support people that want to make a difference, » he emphasizes, highlighting his dedication to contributing positively to societal causes.
Alain Dadoun’s journey offers profound insights into the nature of success. By prioritizing balance, embracing learning, and remaining adaptable, managers can navigate their careers more effectively.
This article is part of « The 15 Years of Success Series, » a special series celebrating the 15th anniversary of the EMBA McGill-HEC Montréal program and its 15 cohorts of exceptional leaders.
