Isabelle Brassard
Senior Vice President,
Logistics and sustainable development
Fednav Limited
Isabelle supports Fednav’s long-term vision and sustainability initiatives while overseeing all land-based logistics activities. She is also responsible for External Relations and Communications.
- What characterizes your career path?
I have a non-traditional background as an engineer in a predominantly male environment. My career has taken me to several countries, with significant cultural challenges, but where my wildest dreams have been fulfilled and even exceeded. Pushing myself to the limit has always been the hallmark of my career. Each new role took me out of my comfort zone, whether socially, technically or otherwise.
- What are the biggest obstacles you’ve had to overcome to thrive in the workplace?
Self-confidence is the key to overcoming obstacles. I’ve always needed to surpass myself, and this self-demand sometimes leads me to underestimate my results. So I have to remember how far I’ve come and appreciate it. Of course, self-confidence also comes from the environment around us, and this aspect is more difficult to control. There’s still a lot of bias in society. However, I was lucky enough to have very good managers who believed in me and opened doors for me. That’s what I’m now doing for others. I’d like to phrase the question differently: What helped me the most? And the answer is simple: parents who supported me from an early age, who always told me that anything was possible, and a partner who remains my biggest fan.
- As a woman, what have been the main changes since you entered the job market?
A lot has changed for the better. It’s a shame, however, that certain debates are still going on when they should have been over a long time ago. For example, why should we explain the value of diversity and convince leaders of its merit? At the beginning of my career, I was really the minority in a male environment. I avoided being an exception at all costs. I blended in and many women did the same. When the going got tough or the talk got tougher, we were told to forge a shell. Unacceptable behavior and language are no longer tolerated. There are more female role models and it’s a role I take very seriously. When it comes to fairness, parity and respect, there’s still a long way to go, but there has been enormous progress.
- Which achievement are you most proud of?
My visit to Oman in the Middle East. A difficult experience, but so rewarding (I had to deal with political turbulence in the community). I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, of the role I’ve been able to play with women, of the cultural learning I’ve gained by working with people from several countries, and all this in a truly different environment. A place where I’d lost my bearings. I’ve developed a lot of resilience and a better understanding of cultural differences. As a result, I’ve developed a much more inclusive approach in general. I quickly had to call on my emotional intelligence rather than a strictly rational approach.
- What advice would you give to women who want to follow in your footsteps?
To be surrounded by people who push you up rather than down. People who create the right environment for you to thrive. Never accept the limits that some people set for you. Anything is possible, as long as you make the effort. Don’t be afraid to go for it. There are no failures, only learnings.
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