If there were to be a single word to sum up the career of Mélissa Gilbert, Executive Vice-President and Leader, Financial Affairs at Beneva, it would have to be about transformation, an aspect of business that is close to her heart and guides her has many decisions in his career.
“I’m here to transform organizations, to build something bigger, and when we get to a point where we can’t transform anymore, when we’re no longer in a status quo, I’m not the person in the Situation. explains this manager and auditor. It doesn’t excite me. When I’m passionate, I work hard and don’t count my hours. »
Corporate acquisitions, investment and turnaround plans, opening international offices: there are never too many challenges for Mélissa Gilbert. She has identified them at Engrenage provincial, Taleo, Optel, Norda Stelo, R3D Conseil, Ernst & Young.
Since 2018, the Executive Vice President, along with her boss Jean-François Chalifoux and his colleague Patrick Cyr, have been part of the trio that played a key role in the integration of Beneva, which is expected to be largely completed this year. This is the result of a merger between Beneva, formerly La Capitale, and SSQ Assurances.
I also meet her in the company’s offices, on the very glazed floor, from which there is a wonderful view of the city. On the initiative of the Director of Public Affairs, she is presented with a copy of the Finances et Investissements newspaper. At the end of the article we can read a title that says it all: “Architect of a Union”.
Pretty fan of Quebec
Born in Montreal to an accountant father and an engineer father, Mélissa Gilbert moved to Quebec City at the age of 14, during a period when losing friends and direction makes it harder to start over. “It wasn’t easy, but it added to my appetite for change,” she says, eyes sparkling.
Then she fell in love with Quebec, not because Montreal isn’t a beautiful city, she says, but because of the different pace. “I like the quality of life, traffic is a number one element, I like to go skiing, it’s close, all outdoor activities are close. It’s like a dynamic big village where the people are friendly and we know each other.”
This bond ensures that despite returning to Montreal to study accounting at HEC and three years in Calgary to work with her spouse, Mélissa Gilbert has kept coming back to Quebec.
As a shy teenager, she had a lot of energy, just like today. “I’ve always done about three sports at a time, she recalls, I like to touch everything and that continues to this day. I have to feed myself.”
She tried swimming, basketball, rugby, judo, synchronized swimming and water polo. Then she skied all her youth. “My dad is a downhill ski maniac, we had our pass every year, every weekend of my youth.”
Skiing is still part of his life today, as are swimming, running and cycling. It is good for mental health, energy and stress management. “As a result, I get up a little earlier in the morning, but I’m less tired.”
women and youth
Throughout her career, Mélissa Gilbert has received numerous awards and recognitions that she attributes to her teamwork. As a mother of 13-year-old twins, “her biggest challenge” and “her treasure”, she is also very disciplined when it comes to time management.
“There are people who say you have to work hard to get up the ladder. But I’ve always worked very hard, I’m not saying I make it easy, but that’s what excites me. When I’m not working, I enjoy reading books on business, personal growth, business and team management,” she says.
Another aspect that is close to her heart in her work is building high-performing teams in which she tries to make people grow. “When I look at an organization and see that it can go on without me because it’s at the right level, I like that,” she admits. I don’t think I’m better than others, but if I’ve learned things that others can benefit from, all the better. I myself learned and why not pass this knowledge on to others. »
The manager also attaches great importance to the location of the successor. “Young talent is so important for our economy, our region, our business. She challenges us, takes us out of our slippers, which I think is important. Of course I also have my daughters and I tell myself that I want our society to welcome them and that they have many great challenges in their careers. This is my way of making my contribution. »
That is why the manager is particularly committed to young people and women through mentoring and moderation of conferences. She has also held the honorary presidency of the Young Chamber of Commerce of Quebec’s Young Business Personality competition, participates in several conferences and panels with l’Effet A, and is involved in women’s leadership at the Quebec Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m trying to give back, that’s what really drives me,” she says.
When she was young, Mélissa Gilbert saw her mother, who had a college teaching career and graduated from HEC, being denied promotions or raises because she was a woman and had a husband. Witnessing these injustices must have made her do it, analyzes the woman who could count on the support of her many bosses, men and women. In particular, she quotes Jean Saint-Gelais de Beneva, who believed in her even though she came from a completely different background.
“I was privileged, but I also had challenges. So I don’t take anything for granted and want to make sure the women around me have the same opportunities as I do. »
She will not forget the time when she was excluded from a fishing trip organized with the entire management team at a company where she worked when she was young, under the pretense that she was a woman. Or the times we reached out to her, the only girl in the room, to write a report. “I’ve always consciously rejected that and said: ‘I’ll do it, but if you’ve found a valid reason other than the fact that I’m a girl. »
politicians who listen
The first time I was told about Mélissa Gilbert was to tell me what a brilliant woman she was and also that more women were needed in politics and that she would make an excellent candidate.
When I tell her, the main prospect bursts out laughing. We feel very humble. Politics, she had never thought about it and had no plan in this direction. Even if it’s a thankless job, she understands that it can inspire people, especially those who are in business, because they realize that they are running not just a company but an entire society. For her part, she loves governance, which is why she sits on a number of boards, including that of the Museum of Civilization.
“What I also find interesting, she says, is when politicians listen to people. »
But, coming back to Beneva, in parallel with the company’s integration, the team was working on a strategic plan that envisages in particular an increased presence in Canada. “We’re the largest mutual insurance company in Canada, she insists, and we want to grow.” Watching her, it’s easy to believe that her team will succeed with flying colors.
MANY HONORS
- 2023: Financial Personality of the Year 2022 topped Quebec’s financial industry executives
- 2017: Finalist, Corporate Succession Category, Financial Executive International Canada (FEI) Aces of Finance Competition
- 2015 : Young Quebec Executive recognized by the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Montreal
- 2012: HEC Network Emerging Excellence Award
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