The Moment of Transformation

Determined to bring a fresh perspective to hiring, Stéphane launched HiringBranch in 2018-2019 with a clear mission: to transform how companies hire by focusing on what truly matters—candidates’ soft skills, problem-solving abilities, and real-world competencies. “We wanted to move beyond the traditional hiring methods that often relied on gut feelings,” Stéphane says. “Instead, we aimed to create a scientific approach to evaluate talent.”

The company quickly gained momentum, growing from 15 to 30 employees. Stéphane and his team developed an AI-driven platform that could simulate real job scenarios, enabling companies to assess potential hires based on their responses to complex, real-world situations.

The breakthrough came when a client decided to abandon traditional interviews altogether after seeing the results from HiringBranch. “They told us they were closing 10% more business using our platform,” Stéphane recalls. “That’s when we knew we were onto something that could truly change the game.”

The Search for Allies and Mentors

Even as HiringBranch flourished, Stéphane knew he needed guidance to navigate the next stages of growth. “I had a colleague in TEC Canada who always came back with incredible ideas,” Stéphane remembers. “He kept talking about the speakers, the new concepts, I realized that joining TEC could be the mentorship and community I needed.”

Joining TEC Canada proved to be a turning point. Stéphane found himself in a room filled with leaders who shared his drive but had different experiences and perspectives. “I’ve always been growth-minded, but TEC helped me see things from angles I hadn’t considered,” he says. “It was invaluable to have a space where I could openly discuss challenges, whether it was structuring deals, fundraising, or refining our business strategy.”

Guidance from a Strong Leader: Katherine Crewe’s Impact as Stéphane’s TEC Chair

A crucial part of Stéphane’s TEC experience has been his relationship with his TEC Chair, Katherine Crewe. “Katherine is incredible,” Stéphane says with genuine admiration. “What I appreciate most about her is her brutal honesty. She doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear; she tells you what you need to hear.”

Katherine’s direct feedback has been instrumental in helping Stéphane step outside of his day-to-day challenges and see his business from a bird’s-eye view. “She creates this space where you’re encouraged to think differently, to question your assumptions, and to really dig into the tough questions,” he explains. “Her guidance has been invaluable, especially during our transition phases and in setting our strategic direction.”

Katherine’s influence extends beyond their one-on-one coaching sessions. “In group meetings, she keeps everyone on track, ensuring that each session is productive and focused,” Stéphane adds. “She has this unique ability to blend encouragement with hard truths, pushing you to grow in ways you didn’t think possible.”

Gaining Insights from the Best

One of the most impactful aspects of TEC Canada for Stéphane has been the speakers. He recounts a particularly memorable session with Holly Green, who shared her expertise in setting up executive teams for growth. “We were transitioning from a small to a larger team, and her process on governance—on who gets to speak to whom and why—was a game-changer for us,” Stéphane explains. “We implemented her framework across different departments, and it brought much-needed clarity and alignment.”

This type of insight is why Stéphane values his TEC membership so highly. “TEC brings in speakers who have been there, who have succeeded and failed, and who are willing to share their lessons openly,” he says. “It’s like having a fast track to avoid common pitfalls.”

Balancing Leadership and Life

Beyond the boardroom, Stéphane is a person of many passions. He has been deeply involved in ski racing for most of his life, a sport that taught him discipline and perseverance. “I’m in the process of getting a TD certification to officiate larger races around the world,” he shares. “I have three kids who are active in various sports, and we spend our weekends mountain biking, running, kiteboarding, and, of course, skiing.”

When he’s not outdoors, Stéphane enjoys playing chess, a hobby reignited by the popular series The Queen’s Gambit. “It’s a great game for problem-solving and thinking several moves ahead—skills that come in handy as a CEO,” he laughs.

Wisdom from Books and Beyond

Stéphane is an avid reader, always on the lookout for new ideas and inspiration. He’s currently finishing Poor Charlie’s Almanack by Charlie Munger, a collection of speeches and insights from Warren Buffett’s long-time business partner. “It’s one of the best business books I’ve read,” he says. “The chapter on psychology is incredible—it’s full of wisdom that applies directly to leadership and decision-making. I’ve even shared key chapters with my team.”

He reflects on one of Munger’s key principles: “Invert, always invert,” which encourages leaders to think backward from their goals to the steps needed to achieve them. “It’s about seeing things from a different angle, which has been invaluable in running HiringBranch,” Stéphane notes.

The Journey Continues

Looking ahead, Stéphane is excited about the future. HiringBranch is poised for its next phase of growth, expanding its innovative platform to mid-market and small businesses. “We’ve made a big impact with large enterprises, but now we want to make our technology accessible to businesses of all sizes,” he says. “We’re gearing up for funding, and I feel ready for this next chapter thanks to the support and guidance from TEC.”

At the heart of Stéphane’s leadership philosophy is empowerment. “For me, leadership is about helping people become the best version of themselves,” he explains. “Everyone in our company, from the customer support reps to our PhDs, is encouraged to lead. I’m here to guide and coach, but they’re the ones making the decisions that drive our success.”

A Final Reflection

When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Stéphane pauses. “I would tell myself to be confident in my path, to listen carefully, but also to trust my instincts. There were times when I doubted if I belonged, but I realize now that the only limits are the ones we set for ourselves.”

Stéphane’s experience with TEC Canada has been a crucial part of his journey. “TEC isn’t just a membership; it’s a community that challenges you, supports you, and helps you grow. I’ve been able to avoid costly mistakes, learn from others’ experiences, and push myself further than I thought possible.”

As HiringBranch prepares for its next big leap, Stéphane remains focused on innovation, growth, and making a global impact. “I want us to be one of those great Canadian companies that continue to innovate and lead on the world stage…We’ve only just begun.”