**Unlocking Potential Through Strategic Mentorship: Insights from Geneviève Fortier**

Mehasa Consulting | Article Posted Date: 16 November 2021

I had the pleasure of conversing with Geneviève Fortier, CEO of Promutuel Assurance, a leading Quebec-based property and casualty insurer. Geneviève’s passion for empowering women resonated deeply with me, as did her commitment to continuous growth through the guidance of a career coach.

**Taking Bold Steps Forward**

Geneviève’s career trajectory is a testament to the power of mentorship. Despite her confidence and accomplishments in the pharmaceutical industry, where she took on challenging roles beyond her formal education, she found value in the insights of a coach. She shared, “I enjoy tackling complex challenges and believe that with the right effort and attentiveness, I can learn quickly and achieve great things with my team.”

When Geneviève reached a pivotal point in her career, she questioned what the next decade would hold. Her coach played a crucial role in guiding her through this introspective period. “I’ve been fortunate to have a coach by my side for 20 years, helping me unlock my potential and prepare for new opportunities,” she said.

**Embracing Risk for Growth**

Geneviève’s decision to pursue her CEO ambitions, even after missing out on an internal promotion, exemplifies her bold approach. With her coach’s encouragement, she left her job without a backup plan, confident that her ambitions would lead her to the right opportunity. Within months, she found herself considering multiple offers, ultimately choosing a role that would strategically position her for future leadership in the insurance sector.

**The Role of a Coach**

Geneviève emphasizes that a coach’s role extends beyond motivational support. “I need a coach who challenges my beliefs, questions my direction, and offers alternative perspectives. They must be an active participant in my journey, not just an observer,” she explained. For Geneviève, continuous learning and outcome measurement are essential components of effective coaching.

**Supporting Others**

Today, Geneviève focuses on mentoring others, particularly women, to embrace their ambitions and build confidence. She is involved with A-Effect, a Quebec organization that propels female ambition, and teaches women to see beyond perfection and promotions, encouraging them to enjoy their journeys and develop essential people and business skills.

Geneviève believes in the transformative power of mentorship. “Crossing the bridge from focusing on yourself to supporting others multiplies your impact,” she says. Her advice to aspiring leaders: “Don’t fixate on being perfect or on the next promotion. Think broadly about your goals and enjoy the journey. A good coach can help you navigate each step and develop the skills needed to rise to the top.”

**About Geneviève Fortier**

As CEO of Promutuel Assurance, Geneviève Fortier is the first woman to lead the company in its 170-year history. She chairs the Board of Directors of Investissement Québec and holds leadership roles in several industry organizations. A dedicated philanthropist, she supports youth, leadership, and female ambition through various initiatives. Geneviève holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in industrial relations from Université Laval and is a CHRP Fellow.