Article
The opportunity of a lifetime
By Simon Dubeau Mimeault
Analyst, Enterprise Risk Services
Last week, I was treated to an experience that has changed both my personal and professional outlook. As part of my internship with Deloitte, I was given the opportunity to attend the C2 Montreal business event as a volunteer. “C2 Montreal offers collaborative and immersive conferences through a vast array of non-traditional experiences, including world-renowned speakers, interactive exhibits, conceptual venues, collaborative workshops and a creative boot camp.” I saw many speakers whose presentations stuck with me and inspired reflection.
What caught my attention
Quite honestly, I absolutely loved my experience at C2 Montreal and consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend the event. In two days, there were over 16 conferences, a mass of people who were passionate about their work, as well as many workshops on creativity and innovation.
When I arrived at the venue, I was overwhelmed by the creativity. I didn’t know where to look. The decor was breathtaking! I had entered a new world. Even the entrance was unusual; there were many doors, each with a unique inscription. We had to walk through the door we most identified with, for example:
Door one: Today I will be an Apprentice.
Door two: Today I will be a Gardener.
Door three: Today I will be an Outlaw.
The words that left their mark
Two quotes from speaker Bertrand Piccard (Initiator, Chairman and Pilot of Solar Impulse) stayed with me:
1. If it was easy, someone else would have done it before you. Therefore, do not be afraid to fail because success comes with time.
2. If people agree with your idea from the start, it means it's not ambitious enough.
To me, these meant you must be tenacious, creative and always in search of improvement. Your ideas, thoughts and actions must be ambitious because one day it will pay off. Everything in life can be achieved when you’re patient and perseverant.
I also learned just how much finding a mentor and building business connections are essential to success, as mentors will share their experiences and serve as valuable resources and advisors. During the conferences, I noticed that many influential businesspeople had once received valuable advice from their mentors. One speaker even said he would have never become the man he is today without his mentor. The importance of having a good role model or mentor is critical across all fields. This was true for me when I started at Deloitte. I was assigned a buddy and a coach to help me progress within the firm. Together we look at the goals and opportunities available to me. He also facilitated my integration into the firm.
Dare to dream big
Inspired by C2 Montreal, I wanted to leave you with a few of my own personal thoughts on innovation and making lasting change. It’s through new ideas that we’ll shape the world as we want it. We’re the architects of tomorrow’s society. All you need is perseverance and the right tools. After all, you’re the master of your destiny. So don’t be afraid to take risks and to dream, because, in the long-term, that risk will pay off. By adopting that way of thinking, you might fail, but those failures will help shape who you are and make you better. Getting back up after a fall makes us stronger.
Here’s what I constantly repeat to myself: Success and nothing less. Excellence is my average, and I only expect the best from the best.
Simon Dubeau Mimeault joined Deloitte’s Enterprise Risk Service as a summer intern in May 2015. He is currently working toward obtaining his Bachelor’s of Commerce, major in accounting. Simon is an Analyst in our Montreal Technology Risk practice.
