Valérie Lemieux

“When I was approached to take up the Challenge, I was already deeply affected by cancer. Just as I was closing the Alek chapter, I was overwhelmed by the loss of my friend Josiane. By taking part in this project, I feel I can make a difference.’’

Valérie Lemieux: an Audacieuse with empathy and a passion for action

Dynamic, committed and bright: three words that aptly describe Valérie Lemieux. A financial industry professional for 25 years, she is currently Assistant Vice-President, Training and Development at IGM Financial, where she leads the training strategy for the IG Wealth Management advisor network. She is also a member of the Chambre de la sécurité financière's Training and Professional Development Advisory Committee. In 2022, she received the Gold Award for Best Program for Sales Training and Performance from the Brandon Hall Excellence Awards.  With a long-standing commitment to making a difference, she has been involved for many years with various organizations, including the Walk to End Breast Cancer, the Alzheimer Society and the Children's Wish Foundation. A woman of action, a leader who listens and an adventurer at heart, Valérie is the perfect example of what it means to be a Bold Woman. On April 27, she will be shaving her hair in support of families whose children have cancer.

A commitment born of deep empathy

Valérie is a person who overflows with energy, who pushes her limits and invests herself fully in everything she undertakes. It's with this enthusiasm that she commits herself to causes. “I've had a happy life, spared from major misfortune. I don't think it's fair that some people have it easier than others. The least I can do is get involved.”

Leader of a fundraising project for the Children's Wish Foundation in 2016, she saw her commitment take on a whole new dimension in 2020, when her friend Karine's son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. “Alek was a boy full of life, and overnight he found himself in hospital, facing an aggressive cancer. Today, he is in complete remission, and Alek has even been able to realize his dream thanks to the Children's Wish Foundation. I tell myself that I may have contributed to his dream by raising almost $100,000 six years earlier.’’

The Audacieuses project came at a time when cancer continues to leave its mark on Valérie's life. “When I was approached to take up the Challenge, I was already deeply affected by cancer. Just as I was closing the Alek chapter, I was overwhelmed by the loss of my friend Josiane. By taking part in this project, I feel I can make a difference.’’

A lioness of deep convictions

Valérie is a woman of principles. When she believes in something, she goes all the way. “My partner calls me 'the lioness'. For me, certain things are not debatable. I have deep convictions that guide me with my family, my friends, my colleagues and my employees. I embrace my values; they're ingrained in me.” She is a natural leader, capable of listening, influencing and pushing those around her to excel.

“A good leader must be a good listener. For me, that's the number-one quality.”  And for Valérie, it’s not just a principle—Recently, a colleague shared that what she admired most about her was her genuine ability to listen.

Daring and challenging

Valérie is not one to back down from a challenge. She likes to surpass herself, to redefine conventions. “I like taking on challenges, testing my limits. I used to be afraid of heights and flying, so one day an advisor I was teaching said to me, “I bet you’re  not brave enough for skydiving.” The following weekend, I did it! I like to play with conventions and question things. Boldness also means refusing to accept the status quo, asking questions and testing your limits.”

The road to success can be daunting at first. For Valérie, what counts is daring to take the plunge. “When you embark on an idea or a project, you don't need to have a precise vision of all the details, because so many things are impossible to foresee. Often, you end up where you wanted to be without even realizing it. The important thing is to take the first step.”

Boldness is a strength, a driving force for her. She's simply amazing. “I did the Camino de Compostela over three months with a woman I'd just met before setting off. I'm neither a great athlete nor a very spiritual person, but I wanted to do it. With Compostelle, I realized that sometimes it's not the destination that counts, it's the path.”

A life fully embraced

While she acknowledges that she has been fortunate in her life, she also knows that she has worked hard to get where she is. “Today, at 44, I feel I'm exactly where I've always wanted to be. I have the family I've always dreamed of, projects that drive me, people who inspire me. I'm grateful to life, but I know I've worked hard to get where I am. But I've always had fun, and that's the most important thing for me.’’

By taking part in the campaign, Valérie is once again demonstrating her audacity and commitment. For her, being an Audacieuse is more than just a word: it's a way of life. She's full of life and shines brightly, inside and out. Valérie is generous enough to share her light with Les Audacieuses.