I worked at IDRC from 1983 to 1997, holding several positions:
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- 1983-1985: Data clerk in the Human Resources Division.
- 1985-1992: Human Resources Assistant.
- 1992-1994: Program Analyst in the Environment and Natural Resources Management Division.
- 1994-1995: Financial Analyst in the Finance and Administration Division.
- 1995-1997: Program Administrator, where I participated in a Canadian/South African project to accredit local business service centres.
My time at IDRC is full of vivid memories, but certain moments stand out for their impact and human richness.
One of the most stimulating projects was working with Rachel Desrosiers on the optimization of foreign exchange gains and losses. This project represented a demanding intellectual challenge, and was a unique opportunity to push my limits while strengthening our collective financial expertise. It was a privilege to work with such a brilliant and dedicated colleague.
Another memory dear to my heart is my role as chair of Santa’s activities for the staff Christmas party. Organizing these magical moments, seeing the children’s bright smiles, and feeling the community spirit that united our teams was a deeply gratifying experience. These moments are a reminder of the extent to which humanity and benevolence are an integral part of a successful working environment.
Finally, my involvement in a structuring project in South Africa remains one of the highlights of my career. Participating in the establishment and accreditation of service centres for local businesses in a country undergoing rapid transformation was an invaluable experience. This project, which directly touched the lives of many entrepreneurs, had a profound impact on me, showing me the concrete impact that well-structured initiatives can have on entire communities. It was this transformative experience that inspired me to become actively involved in entrepreneurship in Québec, determined to support and accompany entrepreneurs in their quest for success and resilience.
These memories testify to the impact IDRC has had not only on my career, but also on my personal life, and how fortunate I have been to contribute to such meaningful projects.
Today, my professional life is a vibrant reflection of my passions, experiences, and desire to inspire others to overcome challenges with resilience and creativity.
As Fractional CFO, I continue to play a strategic role in helping companies optimize their finances and increase their profitability. I accompany executives through complex decisions, offering sharp analysis and robust financial plans to help them achieve their goals. This role keeps me close to the action, while bringing clarity and structure to a field often perceived as intimidating.
Alongside this career in finance, I also thrive as an author and speaker on the subject of resilience. After going through some life-changing personal ordeals, including a cancer diagnosis, I have turned these experiences into a source of inspiration for others. My book Cancer Sucks is not just a testimonial, but a practical guide to help entrepreneurs and individuals navigate life’s difficult moments while pursuing their ambitions. On stage, I share this story with authenticity, reminding people that it’s possible to turn adversity into opportunity, and be reborn stronger and wiser.
But my creativity doesn’t stop there. As the owner of an online boutique, I design and offer bracelets made from lava and semi-precious stones. These creations are more than just accessories; they are an extension of my commitment to well-being and positive energy. Each bracelet is carefully crafted with the intention of bringing strength and balance to those who wear them. This artisanal activity allows me to forge a more personal bond with my customers, while exploring a different facet of my creativity.
As a result, each of my activities, whether advising companies, writing, speaking, or creating, is linked by a common thread: the desire to build, pass on, and support. What I do today is much more than a profession, it’s a vocation, an expression of my resilience and commitment to others.
Outside my career, I have a passion for traveling and exploring new continents, experiences that enrich my perspective and feed my curiosity. Nothing makes me happier than sharing good dinners and precious moments with my family, moments that bring balance and happiness to my life.
Bulletin 76
April 2025