Today’s Notable Young Professional is Jenyfer Maisonneuve, who, together with a talented team of digital creatives, produces one of Canada’s leading events in the tech space. We caught up with her to find out what inspires her work and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
My job as the Co-President of eComMTL is to build and develop the #1 eCommerce event in Montreal alongside with a group of passionate young professionals. Our goal is to provide the best eCommerce tools and space for industry leaders to connect in order to work together for the evolution of Canada’s digital economy.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I am passionate about eCommerce, innovation and tech and became a digital marketing strategist first for Lise Watier, and now for SAQ. Two years ago, I felt the need to get more involved in Quebec’s digital economy. eComMTL was the perfect place to learn about the reality of our digital industry, plus I had the opportunity to meet my second passion: event organization.
My inspiration came when I realized that we didn’t have a minister of digital economy in Quebec at the time. Something was to be done, and through eComMTL I feel like I can be part of this fourth industrialization.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is our weekly meeting with the eComMTL team where we brainstorm, create and build every little piece of our upcoming event. But it is also challenging to manage a group of 20 passionate volunteers on a part-time basis. Everyone has a primary job and a life on the side and eComMTL can be demanding, especially the last two months before the event. It is a challenge, but it does teach me how to continuously be creative and get out of my comfort zone.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
When you keep saying to your friends and family that you are “busy.” One of Notable’s last articles was actually talking about this statement and it made me realize that I have to stop saying falsely that “I’m busy.”
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Many opportunities can present themselves in the next five years, but I’ll definitely be working on my eCommerce website somewhere in the world.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
The most important challenge I encountered was when I was offered to work in eCommerce. At the time, I only knew how to use Facebook and send emails. I surrounded myself with digital experts that would teach me how to think digital and understand this giant ecosystem. This wonderful opportunity started as a huge challenge and turned out to become my passion.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success is the accomplishment of a team daring to work non-stop during 40 weeks to create this one-day event. Money does help a lot when you organize events, but by experience it is when you lack money that you bring the best out of yourself because your main resource becomes your creativity. Money buys a lot of things nowadays, but it does not buy a team’s willpower to create Quebec’s best eCommerce event.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
When I joined eComMTL in 2014.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Focus on your vision, work hard, be patient, and never doubt your gut feeling.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
There are too many good restaurants in Montreal to actually choose one in particular. I have a special fallin’ for Christian Faure, especially when I crave an Éclair au Chocolat.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
With friends, family, and in my kitchen testing new recipes.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Paris. This city has its own way to make you feel special, from fashion to fine arts, to the art of the table, to secret streets bringing you into another world.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Doing a documentary on young women’s education across the world.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support children’s education and social work through Dianova Canada, which helps people with addiction find their autonomy and progressively brings them back into society’s economic cycle.
What to you is notable?
Being who you are; authentic, and doing what you do best.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone, although I like to have my notebook near me.
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