gaétan cossette

gaétan cossette

Professional and personal development

After graduating in electrical engineering from the Université de Sherbrooke in 1981, I began my career at Dupont Canada as a plant engineer, specializing in microprocessors. I then moved to the Eastern Townships to work at IBM Canada’s Bromont plant, where I had the opportunity to move into management – a journey that ultimately lasted 31 years! As I gained management experience, I was able to progress through various positions such as Director of Production, Engineering, Quality, Business Units and, in recent years, Director of Business Development/Marketing. During these mandates, in addition to assignments in the USA, obtaining an MBA enabled me to acquire new skills that were very useful in developing a better strategic vision. I also had the privilege of sitting on the Board of Directors of La Maison au Diapason.

Why did I become an entrepreneur or manager?

Although I loved being involved scientifically in developing technology, I soon realized that teamwork was essential to the success of a project, of a company, and that I could have a major impact on achieving success by mobilizing people around a common goal. Communication and clarity of objectives are key. I also wanted to be at the heart of the company’s action and strategic decisions. I must thank several people for their guidance. They helped me to get to know myself better and to develop.

Why am I a mentor?

Simply because I was lucky enough to be able to count on people who believed in me and helped me to become better. Now that I’m retired, I want to continue to be active in the region’s economic development. I think it’s important that all the experiences I’ve gained during my 30 years in management be passed on to the next generation. I know the power of “the phrase” that can change a mindset or a perspective. I’ve experienced the importance of being accompanied, so I want to help in my turn.

The values that guide me

Respect, authenticity, trust, listening and openness to others’ ideas. And with respect comes non-judgment.

My passions, my interests

As a mountain lover, I like to be very active, whether by bike, snowshoe, snowboard or at the gym. I’m an avid cyclist who likes to discover new countries on my bike, riding through valleys, mountains and villages, close to people on non-touristy routes.