In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Sebastien Poirier, the Director of Third Party Management at UNI Financial Cooperation, embarked on his path to success in the world of finance. Join us as Sebastien shares his experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided him along the way. Discover what sets UNI Financial Cooperation apart from other organizations, how Sebastien navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Sebastien’s journey as a Director and his relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of finance.
Introduction and Background
Sebastien Poirier balances a busy professional and family life. After graduating in Finance, he had the good fortune to return to his hometown to work as a banker in a rare Canadian head office far from major urban centers. His hometown, which boasts less than 5,000 inhabitants, provided a unique and close-knit community environment. Over the past 19 years, Sebastien has navigated many aspects of the banking industry, including commercial, personal, and mortgage credit advisory, business recovery for borrowers at risk, and serving as Chief Compliance Officer of the first federally regulated credit union. For the past two years, he has been setting up a new third-party management system as part of a major banking transformation.
Sebastien’s journey began in a small town, which shaped his perspective on community and personal connections. This intimate environment allowed him to develop strong relationships and a deep understanding of local needs and values. His professional path is marked by a continuous drive for growth and improvement, constantly seeking to enhance his skills and contribute meaningfully to the banking sector.
Vision for the Future
Sebastien envisions a business world that takes a step back to consider the long-term view for the common good. He believes in ensuring that profits are reinvested in the environment, education, and communities to be socially responsible. This vision is not just a business strategy but a personal commitment to creating a sustainable and equitable future. His mission is to influence the next generation by combining his experience and banking knowledge with their new ideas, which motivates him to continue pursuing his goals.
Sebastien’s vision is rooted in the belief that businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to society. He advocates for a holistic approach to business that prioritizes long-term benefits over short-term gains. This perspective drives his efforts to promote sustainability and social responsibility within UNI Financial Cooperation and the broader industry.
Overcoming Challenges
The biggest challenge Sebastien has encountered is bringing all stakeholders to the table to make the right decisions in complex files. The intricacies of navigating multiple interests and ensuring everyone is aligned towards a common goal have been formidable. He addresses this by involving not only decision-makers but also specialists who know the products, services, and technology inside out. This approach ensures informed decision-making and leverages the collective expertise of the team.
Sebastien emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication in overcoming these challenges. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and mutual respect, he has been able to guide his team through difficult situations. His ability to listen and integrate diverse perspectives has been crucial in resolving conflicts and achieving successful outcomes.
Opportunities on the Horizon
Sebastien sees more opportunities for smaller companies to collaborate, leveraging technological advances that allow many functions to be carried out remotely and outsourced. This shift opens up new possibilities for partnerships and innovation. In his role, he emphasizes the importance of creativity, internal optimization, and a team vision to achieve the best outcomes for the company.
Sebastien is particularly excited about the potential for technology to drive collaboration. The ability to connect and share resources across geographical boundaries has transformed the way businesses operate. He envisions a future where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can compete on a global scale by leveraging their unique strengths and forming strategic alliances.
Importance of Collaboration and Partnerships
Collaboration is key to Sebastien’s work. He has turned around many companies by working with different stakeholders and recently collaborated with multidisciplinary colleagues to obtain mandatory certification for a major project. These achievements have strengthened relationships and created good memories. Sebastien looks for partners who share his commitment to excellence and integrity, ensuring that each collaboration is built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect.
Sebastien values collaboration not just as a means to achieve business goals, but as a way to build lasting relationships. He believes that the best outcomes are achieved when people work together towards a common objective. His experiences have taught him that success is a collective effort, and he takes pride in fostering a collaborative culture within UNI Financial Cooperation.
Technological Advancements
Sebastien is excited about his organization’s decision to convert its decades-old banking platform to a new, cloud-based core banking system that integrates with external partners via API. This transformation, though challenging, offers flexibility and opens up new possibilities for partnerships that were not technologically possible before. The move to a cloud-based system represents a significant leap forward, positioning UNI Financial Cooperation at the forefront of banking innovation.
Sebastien’s involvement in this technological transformation underscores his commitment to leveraging cutting-edge solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. He believes that embracing technology is essential for staying competitive in the rapidly evolving financial landscape. By adopting a cloud-based system, UNI Financial Cooperation can offer more seamless and integrated services, fostering stronger relationships with both clients and partners.
Addressing Ethical Dilemmas
Sebastien established a firm ethical boundary years ago when working with businesses in difficult positions. He has no trouble saying no if facts support it and always considers the spirit and intentions of both parties before making recommendations. He ensures that facts and nuances are clarified with the right people at the table. This principled approach has earned him respect and trust within his organization and beyond.
Ethics, for Sebastien, are non-negotiable. He believes that maintaining integrity is crucial for long-term success and that ethical decision-making should be at the heart of every business strategy. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, he ensures that UNI Financial Cooperation upholds the highest standards of conduct.
Measuring Impact
Sebastien uses standard organizational metrics and an interesting personal metric: the number of visits to his office or outside meetings to improve or fix challenges. If he helps fix challenges in a week, he considers it a good one, indicating effective leadership and engagement with colleagues. This hands-on approach allows him to stay connected with his team and address issues promptly.
Sebastien also values qualitative feedback. Regularly engaging with employees and stakeholders provides him with insights that numbers alone cannot capture. He believes that listening to people’s experiences and concerns is essential for making informed decisions and driving continuous improvement.
Key Lessons and Experiences
Sebastien acknowledges that operating at high speed, especially at work, is not ideal and advises maintaining a work-life balance. Though he occasionally struggles to slow down, he emphasizes the importance of support from his surroundings in reminding him to improve. His journey has taught him that sustainability in both personal and professional life is crucial for long-term success.
One key lesson Sebastien shares is the importance of self-care and balance. Over the years, he has learned to prioritize his well-being and encourages others to do the same. He believes that a balanced life leads to better decision-making and overall performance.
Adapting Strategies
Sebastien adapted his strategies for a high-impact project far from his comfort zone by spending weeks in listening mode and asking questions. His team’s dedication and adaptability led to successful project delivery, demonstrating the power of teamwork. This experience highlighted the importance of being flexible and open to new approaches.
Adaptability, according to Sebastien, is a critical skill for any leader. The ability to pivot and respond to changing circumstances is essential in today’s dynamic business environment. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying agile to navigate uncertainties effectively.
Education and Empowerment
Sebastien believes that education and living experiences are fundamental to shaping a better future. Understanding and learning continuously are key to improving and solving problems. He recalls a quote from his youth, “Knowing is half the battle,” emphasizing the importance of knowledge. Education, in all its forms, is the foundation of progress and empowerment.
Sebastien is a strong advocate for lifelong learning. He believes that education extends beyond formal schooling and includes on-the-job training, mentorship, and personal development. By empowering individuals through knowledge, he aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Sources of Inspiration
Sebastien is inspired by employees who participate in the mission to keep their small bank relevant against larger competitors. A memorable experience involved over 100 head office employees assisting field employees with clients, reaffirming his commitment to the mission. This collective effort showcased the power of teamwork and community spirit.
Sebastien finds inspiration in the dedication and resilience of his colleagues. Their commitment to the organization’s mission and their willingness to go above and beyond motivate him to strive for excellence. He believes that true inspiration comes from seeing others succeed and contribute to a greater cause.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Sebastien hopes to leave a legacy of being a better mentor and advisor, influenced by the good mentors he had. He plans to give as much advice as possible, one person at a time, believing that over time, these efforts will pay off. His legacy is not just about professional achievements but also about the positive impact he has on others.
Sebastien’s vision for the future includes continuing to support and mentor the next generation of leaders. He is committed to sharing his knowledge and experiences to help others navigate their careers. By focusing on mentorship, he hopes to foster a culture of growth and development within UNI Financial Cooperation and the broader community.
Significant Achievements and Future Plans
Sebastien’s significant achievements include working as a turnaround specialist for commercial enterprises with financial and operational challenges, serving as Chief Compliance Officer, and playing an active role in complex banking transformations in Canada. His efforts have contributed to the stability and growth of several organizations. Currently, he enjoys his work with the Third-Party Management team and plans to continue making meaningful contributions while being careful to follow the speed limit.
Reflecting on his career, Sebastien takes pride in the impact he has made through various roles and projects. From navigating complex turnarounds to leading compliance initiatives, his experiences have shaped him into a versatile and resilient leader. Looking ahead, he is excited about the opportunities to further innovate and drive positive change within the banking industry.
Sebastien’s future plans include exploring new challenges and opportunities for growth. He remains committed to continuous learning and adaptation, ready to embrace the next phase of his journey. His focus will remain on leveraging his expertise to create value and make a lasting impact on the organizations and communities he serves.
In conclusion, Sebastien Poirier’s journey as a Director at UNI Financial Cooperation is a testament to the power of resilience, collaboration, and continuous learning. His commitment to ethical leadership, social responsibility, and mentorship sets a high standard for others to follow. As he continues to shape the future of finance, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders and professionals in the industry.
