Reflections on connection, confidence, and the power of shared perspective.
From May 1 to 3, I had the opportunity to participate alongside 25 junior colleagues from brands across AVENIR GLOBAL in The Institute 101, hosted in Montreal. When I arrived, I expected to learn more about our brands, meet new colleagues, and hear from senior leaders. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d learn about the people behind the titles, and how that would reshape the way I see myself within the network.
The energy in the room that first day was a mix of quiet anticipation and shared curiosity. Many of us were meeting in person for the first time, and while there were nerves, there was also a sense of openness. Everyone seemed genuinely excited to learn from one another. Before the summit, we were grouped by brand to prepare presentations introducing our teams. It was a great way to break the ice and build familiarity, but the real connection came once we were all together, sharing stories, asking questions, and discovering how much we had in common despite coming from different offices, countries, and roles.
The sessions were insightful, but what stood out most was the tone. Leaders like Jean-Pierre Vasseur, Alec Beckett, Elisabeth Mozel-Jury, Heath Rudduck, and Matt Kucharski didn’t just speak at us; they spoke with us. In those moments, the usual layers of hierarchy seemed to soften. We weren’t just junior employees listening to executives. We were people in conversation, exchanging ideas and experiences. That shift in dynamic made space for something powerful: empowerment.
As we shared our thoughts and asked questions, we began to see our value more clearly—not just in what we do, but in how we think. One line that came up often and really stuck with us all was, “The biggest counter to fear is curiosity.” That message echoed throughout the summit and resonated deeply. The more we felt seen and heard, the more curious we became about the business, about each other, and about what we could contribute, both individually and together.
Outside the sessions, the conversations continued over meals, during walks through Montreal, and at “Chez Andrew,” where we were welcomed with warmth and generosity. We had the chance to connect with new faces from across the network, engaging in conversations that went beyond our day-to-day work. These moments helped us understand our colleagues and leaders not just as professionals, but as people. In doing so, I think we found a deeper sense of belonging.
By the final day, as we reflected on what we had learned, a few themes emerged: that leadership is more accessible than we think, that our perspectives as juniors are not only valid but valuable, and that connection—real, human connection—is what fuels collaboration and growth, especially in an industry so reliant on the power of our people.
From left: Cassandra Belliveau, Project Manager at Time & Space Media, Aranza Coutiño, NATIONAL Halifax Coordinator, Isabella DeChellis, NATIONAL Toronto Coordinator, and Alexe Constantineau, NATIONAL Montreal Associate.