As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, businesses worldwide grappled with uncertainty, rapid change, and difficult decisions. For Andrée-Anne, TEC Canada became an unexpected lifeline. “I had joined TEC just before the pandemic hit,” she recalls. “Having a group to keep me afloat during those early days was invaluable. We were all navigating challenges and being able to rely on the collective experience and knowledge of my peers, as well as our Chair, was incredibly reassuring.”

With the support of her TEC group, Andrée-Anne navigated through the storm, making tough calls like cutting costs and rethinking strategies while keeping her team motivated. “I tend to doubt myself,” she admits, “but the input from others and knowing that I wasn’t alone in facing these challenges gave me the confidence to lead through uncertainty.”

Fresh Perspectives: The Unique Value of TEC Speakers

A key differentiator for Andrée-Anne has been the quality and diversity of TEC Canada speakers. “In Quebec, I’m part of other groups, but the speakers who are very good are often reused across different events. It’s not rare to hear the same person multiple times,” she explains. “With TEC, I’m constantly discovering new voices, often from the U.S. or other parts of Canada, who bring a rich and diverse experience that is so different from ours. They bring new life and fresh perspectives to our challenges.”

One standout moment for Andrée-Anne was when she was working to implement “scaling up” strategies in her business. “I had mentioned to my Chair that I wanted to focus on scaling up, and the next year, she brought in Ken Larson, who specializes in this area,” she shares. “We invited our entire executive team to the meeting, and it transformed how we approached our meetings and overall strategy. It helped us step up our game.”

Another favourite was “Antarctic Mike,” a speaker who taught her the art of storytelling and how to present her business more effectively. “He brought such an incredible perspective on storytelling that it changed the way I engage with my audience,” she says. “It’s rare that a speaker comes in and I gain nothing; there’s always a jewel in there.”

Growth Through Shared Wisdom and Strategic Insight

The results speak for themselves: over the past five years, Vigilance Santé has more than doubled in size. The growth wasn’t just about numbers but a shift in how Andrée-Anne approached leadership. “TEC helped me evolve from a hands-on manager to a more strategic leader,” she explains. “I learned to step back, delegate more effectively, and focus on the bigger picture.”

The diverse insights from TEC speakers, combined with the peer support from her group, have been instrumental in this transformation. “We implemented a clear decision table based on what I learned from TEC, making our processes more efficient and aligned with our long-term goals,” she notes.

Learning from Peers: Finding Strength in Vulnerability

One of the most valuable lessons Andrée-Anne learned from her TEC peers is that even the most successful companies can face tough times. “It was eye-opening to see that some very well-known companies were struggling with profitability, just like we were after a bad year,” she shares. “Knowing that we weren’t alone and seeing how others navigated similar challenges was incredibly encouraging.”

Andrée-Anne’s TEC group also provided her with practical advice when it came to becoming the sole owner of the family business. “Over the years, I discussed the process of taking over the company from my father with my Chair, Katherine Crew, and other members who had experience with family businesses. They recommended bringing in an external advisor, which was crucial to completing the process smoothly.”

Implementing Insights: Beyond the Meeting Room

The value of TEC, for Andrée-Anne, extends far beyond the monthly meetings. “Katherine, our Chair, is great at reminding me of specific tips or sending me relevant documentation that applies to our challenges,” she explains. “It’s about integrating these insights into our day-to-day decision-making, even when the topics discussed aren’t directly aligned with what we’re currently facing.”

The advice and insights she’s gained from TEC have permeated every level of her company, from executive decision-making to operational processes. “It’s not just me growing; it’s the whole company becoming more agile, strategic, and prepared for whatever comes next.”

Future Horizons: Expansion with Purpose

Looking ahead, Andrée-Anne’s plans for Vigilance Santé are ambitious but calculated. She is preparing to expand into the U.S. market, adapting their innovative drug reference software for American electronic medical records and pharmacy systems. “We have existing U.S. partners who will help us enter the market,” she says, “but we’re taking a step-by-step approach. I prefer not to take on too much at once; it’s about sustainable growth.”

Her long-term vision extends even further. “Eventually, I’d love to see us expand throughout the Americas and potentially beyond,” she adds with determination. “But for now, we’re focusing on doing what we do best and bringing that to new markets in a thoughtful way.”

Andrée-Anne’s Advice for Canadian Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs just starting, Andrée-Anne emphasizes the importance of finding the right people to surround yourself with. “Money can be tight when you’re just starting, so TEC might not be your first stop,” she acknowledges. “But finding like-minded peers who challenge you, inspire you, and share their knowledge is invaluable. As your business matures, TEC is a fantastic way to elevate your practices and performance.”

To new TEC members, her advice is simple but powerful: “Open up. Share your challenges, ask for help, and don’t be afraid to show your vulnerabilities. You’ll get out of it what you put in. I was known for always having something to discuss, and that’s how I gained the most value.”

A Passion for Growth and Partnership

What keeps Andrée-Anne passionate about her work is the challenge and the opportunity to solve problems creatively. “I love partnering with other companies and applying our strengths in new ways,” she says. “It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come, from a small basement startup to an industry-standard in Canada. Now, I’m excited to see how much higher we can reach.”

Her secret to success? “Surround yourself with great people. TEC has given me access to a community of brilliant minds who push me to be better every day. As a leader, you want people around you who are smarter than you in different areas—that’s how you build something truly remarkable.”