SEBASTIEN PARADIS, CEO, THE BREWERS OF THE NORTH

Having worked for twenty years as a brand development specialist for companies such as Oakley, Red Bull and Burton Canada, Sébastien Paradis was approached by a headhunter to take over the reins of Les Brasseurs du Nord. “The size (150 employees) and the regional nature of the company interested me. I couldn’t stand spending my life at the airport anymore. I could take on this challenge while staying close to my family,” says the father of twins.

Above all, the Fonds FTQ, the majority shareholder, gave him carte blanche to make the necessary change to reverse the company's decline. Sébastien therefore repositioned the brand's image, launched a new creative beer program and opened the Relais Boréale, a bar-boutique at the head office that offers exclusive products. The entrepreneur now wants to continue his innovation and diversification efforts through partnerships, acquisitions and the development of new local markets.

FEELING OF ISOLATION: THE ENTREPRENEUR'S DISTRESS

Solution tracks from the Quebec School of Entrepreneurs …

Entrepreneurial careers are a source of idealized professional fantasies: being your own boss, making your own decisions, choosing your own hours and employees. Unfortunately, the daily life of business creators is more often synonymous with stress, anxiety and exhaustion.

Taking financial risks, managing employees, assuming responsibilities and consequences of their decisions is the lot of a majority of entrepreneurs… All this while often being alone. Here are some ideas and resources to break the isolation.

Exchange with other entrepreneurs

Seek to surround yourself with entrepreneurs who are at the same stage of their journey as you, regardless of the field. Become a member of an association, participate in networking events, conferences, social media groups… You will quickly realize that your problems are often those of others. Talking about it will do a lot of good!

Learning by sharing experiences

Coaching programs for growing entrepreneurs can be a great way to advance your business while having the chance to interact with other leaders and seasoned professionals. These programs often include co-development sessions that promote the search for collective solutions to individual problems. It's about putting collective intelligence to good use. A friendly way to learn and equip yourself for everyday challenges. A kind of preventive medicine for entrepreneurs.

The School of Entrepreneurs offers different courses for active entrepreneurs.

Find a mentor

Have you thought about mentoring? Getting feedback from an experienced entrepreneur with whom you don't have close ties can be a lifesaver. Be careful! Finding the right mentor for you isn't done by shouting Help! Refer to organizations whose mission is to make the best possible matches. Réseau M, the Élo platform, and the Adopte inc. contest are excellent examples.

Balancing family life and entrepreneurship

Many business leaders admit that they too often keep the entrepreneur hat on once they are at home. However, to achieve balance, they benefit from listening to their loved ones. Spouses must feel involved in business projects, otherwise it can lead to a feeling of isolation. Establishing each person's limits and needs together often helps preserve harmony within the family.

There is no miracle recipe here. It is not uncommon to see couples of entrepreneurs supporting each other in their projects that will fuel discussions at dinner. Others will prefer not to bring work home and use these moments at home to disconnect.

There are tons of resources in Quebec that support entrepreneurs, whether it's information platforms like this one or financial support or training organizations. Take the time to meet with them. Give yourself these breaks. And above all, don't stay alone!

Because talking about it feels good…

Quebec Suicide Prevention Center (CPS) – 1 866 CALL (1 866 277-3553)The 211 referral service informs and refers the population to mental health and suicide prevention support organizations.