Isabelle Leclerc

« Taking action makes us better human beings. We have to make a difference. In every organization where I worked, I set up volunteering programs. You always get more out of giving than you do out of receiving. I know some people can be hesitant but I go for it. I told myself, ‘Do it. Join the Audacieuses. You’re brave enough and you have a position of influence. Use it! Encourage more people to give to Leucan. »

As Vice-President of Human Resources for Toromont, Isabelle Leclerc has a unique know-how in bringing out people’s strengths. Holding both an MBA from Lansbridge University and the ASC title (certified corporate director), Isabelle sits on three boards (CNESST, IRSST, and Mission Old Brewery) in addition to being a member of Ordre des CRHA. This positive, upright, and transparent leader stands out brilliantly, thanks to her relational skills and human approach. In turn, this made her a perfect candidate to join an inspiring group like the Audacieuses.

When her friends Brigitte Dagnault and Brigitte Jalbert took part proudly in the inaugural edition of the Audacieuses in 2021, Isabelle never once thought she would be picking up the baton two years later.

“When I saw my friends take on the Challenge, I thought how extraordinarily brave they were. I was proud of them but I never dreamt that Brigitte would get a hold of me and my friend Sophie Ducharme at an event to suggest we joined the ranks of the next group of Audacieuses. We both said YES at the same time! It was a spontaneous response.”

Help and support are part of Isabelle’s daily motivating forces. Knowing she could help in her own way a cause that holds a significant value for her was a huge deciding factor.

“Nothing strikes a chord in me as much as children. Any cause for them will grab my attention. They are not in a position to face life’s challenges and carve their way forward yet; not for lack of skills or abilities but simply because they don’t have access to all the tools they need. It’s something that really moves me and I want to do my part.”

Fighting Social Injustice

Injustice, social inequality, lack of resources… Isabelle aims to provide the best tools to those tasked with building our future. Her own path to success was cluttered with hurdles but she managed to assemble a well stocked toolbox along the way.

“I come from a poor family where money was scarce. I lived through social injustice; I know it well, and I overcame it. It’s not an easy task as we are not all equipped with the same toolbox. As adults, we have to care about children and help them on their path. They are our future, our legacy.”

Cancer-stricken children are faced with another kind of injustice and helplessness. This cause resonates deeply with Isabelle: youth injustice.

“Those children are defenceless in front of this foe. They have to understand and learn to live with something they never asked for; something they’d never wanted. Childhood cancer is a scourge that should not be trivialized. We have to do everything we can to help and give them a full toolbox.”

Inspire to Influence

The field of human resources was a natural choice for this energetic team player. Isabelle strives to create a positive environment that fosters improvement.

“I’m an action-oriented person and I always try to improve my environment in small and big ways. I want to be better and to make the world around me better; to improve things, to work towards positive change always. I chose a career in human resources to create a happy and healthy workspace.”

Isabelle expresses her leadership through concrete actions. Inquisitive, she has a great thirst for knowledge and loves to learn.

“I’d say I influence others through inspiration. I see my actions and confidence as powerful means to influence and motivate. I always approach new tasks with the mind frame that it can be done, we can do things, change things, and learn from it. Always learn from your actions.”

Take Meaningful Action

Aware of her sphere of influence, Isabelle knows just how important it is to support other causes. When you give, you get in return; and you get a lot more.

“Taking action makes us better human beings. We have to make a difference. In every organization where I worked, I set up volunteering programs. You always get more out of giving than you do out of receiving. I know some people can be hesitant but I go for it. I told myself, ‘Do it. Join the Audacieuses. You’re brave enough and you have a position of influence. Use it! Encourage more people to give to Leucan.’”

Taking action can make your head spin, especially when it will have a major impact on how you look in this world where image carries a lot of weight. “My hair is important to me. It might not be that obvious since I keep it short. Some people will say hair is superficial but that’s not true. It’s part of who I am as a woman. But at the end of the day, my hair will grow back.”

Surrounded by past Audacieuses, Isabelle saw the light shine in their eyes; their unwavering sense of self. “Daring to do it gives you that extra oomph of self-confidence that’s almost visible to the naked eye. Telling yourself, ‘I dared to do it. I can do so many other things.’ I think that getting your head shaved gives you a different aura.”