Anna Mercier and Jules Trolet, winners of the CEOx1 Day program
Shadowing the Presidents & CEOs of Héma-Québec and Cominar
April 12, 2023
Anna Mercier and Jules Trolet enjoyed the unique experience of spending a day of mentorship with prominent Canadian Presidents & CEOs, Nathalie Fagnan from Héma-Québec and Mario D. Morroni from Cominar. These Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students from HEC Montréal are 2 of the 32 winners from Canada — including 6 from Quebec — who took part in the CEOx1 Day program, organized every year by the executive recruitment firm Odgers Berndtson.
After undergoing a rigorous application process, these students were selected on the basis of their positive contribution to the community, their growing leadership abilities, and their stellar academic records.
Experiencing the culture of Héma-Québec
On February 13, 2023, Anna Mercier, who is completing her BBA and has enrolled in the Master of Management in International Arts Management program offered by HEC Montréal in partnership with SMU and SDA Bocconi School of Management, met Nathalie Fagnan and the entire Héma-Québec management team. She sat in on the team’s committee, had a one-on-one lunch with the President & CEO, and took part in meetings to present the strategic plan, where she was able to contribute her ideas.
What left the greatest impression on you?
“I felt inspired at the sight of such a humane and empathetic leader occupying a key role in an organization like Héma-Québec. Of course, this is all due to her rigour, commitment, determination and listening skills. I was also pleasantly surprised to note how much she and I had in common. That’s why I felt really lucky that someone in her position discussed certain issues with me and asked me my opinion so attentively.”
Is there any advice you can apply?
“Yes, to always remain genuine with others and in my life choices.”
What was the most memorable part of your experience?
“There was my lunch with Ms. Fagnan, as well as the meeting with the management committee, but my favourite memory by far was the laughing fit that I shared with the President & CEO during the official photo shoot. This incident totally reflected her genuineness and all that she taught me that day.”
Anna Mercier
Living the daily reality of Cominar's President & CEO
Meanwhile, on March 7, 2023, Jules Trolet spent his day with Mario D. Morroni, whose company is currently undergoing a strategic asset restructuring phase. Besides attending the management committee and having a meal with the President & CEO, he also participated in meetings and discussions with several teams (asset management, investments, information technology, human resources). The 3rd year BBA student (spécialisation en intelligence d’affaires) also enjoyed an afternoon get-together organized in his honour.
What left the greatest impression on you?
“The large number of extremely complex subjects and the important decisions that needed to be made in such a short time, through the example of Mr. Morroni’s leadership impressed me, as did the attention paid to me by everyone.”
Is there any advice you can apply?
“Yes, in order to become CEO of a large company, you must first understand the reality of your staff members at all levels. What’s more, it’s crucial to surround yourself with experienced people who share your values, and to trust their judgment and give them the required autonomy to move forward.”
What was the most memorable part of your experience?
“My meal with Mr. Morroni was a privileged and particularly rewarding experience for an aspiring manager like me. He took out time to answer all my questions and to understand my reality. His humane, sincere, ambitious, and empathetic leadership is something I can identify with perfectly.”
