Former BRP CEO José Boisjoli reflects on retirement and the parallels between farming and leadership
By
Dawn Calleja
A second-rack bagel that's nearly first-rack. Tasty stuff.
Summary
José Boisjoli, the former CEO of BRP Inc. (maker of Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo), reflects on his retirement after decades of leadership. He draws parallels between farming and being a CEO, noting both require 24/7 availability and managing unpredictability. He recounts the shocking moment in 2003 when Bombardier told him the division he led was being put up for sale, forcing him to announce it to 3,000 employees. Now retired since January, he is enjoying simple pleasures like sleeping in and adjusting to life without the constant pressure of leadership.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledWorking on a farm is a bit like being a CEO: You need to be available 24-7. And you learn very quickly to manage the unpredictable, because at the end of the day, the animals need to be fed twice a day.
In the spring of 2003, I was invited by Bombardier to a meeting at the end of one day, and the next I was on stage at the arena in Valcourt, announcing to 3,000 employees that we were being put up for sale.
I told them, 'Listen, I didn't expect this—but I think it's our chance'
You might also wanna read
How to answer interview questions about a resume gap, according to a career expert
Career expert Erin McGoff advises job seekers not to panic when asked about resume gaps in interviews. She notes that non-linear career path
cnb.cx·11h ago
Thai billionaire's daughter on growing up with equal opportunity in a family business empire
Thapanee Techajareonvikul, daughter of Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, discusses her upbringing in a family business empire (TCC
cnbc.com·11h ago
Samsung UK executive shares career journey, investment lessons, and the $100 bill she can never spend
An interview with Samsung UK's top executive who shares her career journey from working two weekend shoe shop jobs as a teenager to becoming
fortune.com·19h ago
Career experts advise being transparent with hiring managers about interviewing at other companies
Article discusses the strategic considerations around telling hiring managers or recruiters that you're interviewing with other companies. A
cnb.cx·21h ago
Indian man in US compares early American office hours to India's relaxed morning culture
An Indian man living in the US, Ravi R. Kumar, shared on Instagram his observations about the differences between American and Indian work c
hindustantimes.com·1d ago
The loneliness of high performers: How workplace competence can lead to isolation
This article explores the psychological phenomenon where highly competent and reliable employees in the workplace often experience profound
bolde.com·1d ago