Today’s Notable Young Professional is Hugues Fournel. Growing up as the son of a Canadian Olympian, Hugues was inspired by his own family to pursue his goals in competitive kayaking and to follow his dream of competing in the Olympics. With accomplishments at the Provincial and National levels, one of Hugues’ proudest moments was placing seventh at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. We caught up with him to find out what inspires him and what advice he would share with other young professionals…
WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
Travelling and training to achieve my sports goals as a kayaker on the Canadian national team, most recently at Rio 2016!
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
My family serves as my career’s inspiration.
My father was a huge inspiration for my athletic career. As an athlete in canoe and kayak (like myself), he competed at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. When I was a boy, I saw my father, and other Olympians, on the same level as superheroes like Batman or Superman. I believed it was impossible to ever become an Olympian like dad.
My father passed away from leukaemia when I was 9, which changed a lot. My older sister (Canadian sprint kayaker Émilie Fournel) always had a vision of following in our father’s footsteps and competing at the Olympics. And when she qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it clicked that it was possible for me to train and dream to be an Olympian.
Seeing my father and sister move towards the Olympics inspired me to one of my life’s most important moments when I competed for the first time at London 2012.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Walking in the Olympic ceremony with my sister in 2012 and realizing how far we’ve come as a family, and honouring our father in our Olympic participation; realizing that the rings represented something stronger.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I like this question! In four years, I have the goal of participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games! However, I also have the understanding that there is more to life than competing in sport.
With the pleasure of being an elite athlete and travelling, my eyes are open to new adventures and possibilities. I am getting involved in many projects that I love, and my eyes are open to new passions that I hope to explore over the next 5, 10 or 20 years. For instance, working with youth in sport is something I plan on increasing my involvement. Currently I work with MEC as a member of their Outdoor Nation Leadership Council – which is an organization developed by the outdoor retailer to get Canadians active in the outdoors. I hope to scale up my work with organizations like this and others – staying active and having fun!
5. Do you have any advice for other young working professionals?
My advice to young working professionals is to not focus on only one thing. It’s not a straight line to the goal and that dream. Open your mind and branch out into the unknown – it will help you be happier and more connected! Also, being active and being outdoors and refreshing is very important, so don’t trap yourself in the office and get some fresh air! Rather than only focusing on one goal with laser precise vision, approach life with many goals and adventures. It might take longer, but it will bring greater satisfactions!
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I support two main charities in Quebec. As I mentioned, I lost my father to leukaemia, and I put a lot of time and effort into working with Fondation Centre de Cancérologie Charles-Bruneau in Montreal, which helps support children with cancer. Children who are sick spend so much time indoors at hospitals and the events that this organization provides help children to get outdoor, active and playing. I love my work with them! In Quebec City, I work with Opération Enfant Soleil, which raises funds for the development of high-quality paediatrics for all sick children in Quebec.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
In sport, we put a lot of pressure on our shoulders. This pressure can be good, and it can be bad. A lot of the time, too much pressure leads to bad performance. In 2016, I didn’t perform well at many races before the Olympic games – I was putting too much pressure on myself, thinking that I’d disappoint those around me if I didn’t excel. I had to learn that my friends, family, and country are just there to support me and that they want to see me do my best. They don’t care if I fail – they want to see me try again!
I’ve learned that those surrounding me just want to see me happy (in life or competition) and support as best they can.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I’ve been travelling a lot! I grew up in Lachine (in Montreal), so every time I come back, spending time in the area is very important and very fun. My good buddy has a little panini shop on the Lachine Canal Bike Path called Rossi Panini, and spending time there is the best!
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Instagram. So many pictures – my feed is filled with adventurous people that fuel me every day to reach my goals. I like Instagram because it is filled with happiness!
Most played song – new Red Hot Chili Peppers “Dark Necessities”
3. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Portugal! I’ve been four times and the main reason is that every time I’ve been, the Portuguese are amazing. They are incredibly welcoming, and the food is totally my taste. The country is beautiful – it has all terrains from ocean to mountains and valleys! Lots of great memories in Portugal! The next country I plan to visit is Bermuda to visit my sister.
4. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Poutine. Hands down. I love it.
5. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Toys! I have a big garage, and I want to fill it. I work with MEC, and we continue to fill my garage with outdoor gear like canoes, kayaks or bikes!
I wish I spent more on leisure travel. I travel a lot for training, but would like to spend more on travelling with the girlfriend!
6. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success has nothing to do with results and performance. It has everything to do with your journey: the people you meet along the way and the memories you share with those people. The more memories you have in the bank, the more successful you can be.
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