This week in our International Women’s month feature, we chat with Chantale Giard, an Inside Sales Representative who has been part of the Cognibox team for almost ten years.
Chantale is a natural leader and an accomplished trainer, and you don’t have to look far to see the impact she’s made at Cognibox. Her instincts and skills inform the day-to-day practices of the sales team. Even more impressive, her consistent performance has set a golden standard that inspires her colleagues.
How did you come to be part of the Cognibox team?
I received my diploma in psychology from the CEGEP of Shawinigan. I then began studying natural sciences, but decided after a year to take a different path. I also briefly lived in the United States before returning and taking various jobs.
After some time, I worked in administration at a local high school for almost six years. This ended up informing my next post at Cognibox, where I joined the customer service team and eventually as a trainer for new members of the team. Currently, I work in the Inside Sales team.
Tell us about a project you oversaw at Cognibox that you’re proud of.
A few years back, we had a contract with a company that requested we add a trilingual team to our customer service department. I was in charge of the training and implementation of this project, and had the opportunity to travel to El Salvador to develop the new team in person.
It was an unforgettable experience!
Is there a female role-model or mentor in your life that you look up to?
I have a specific person in mind, but I’d say that all women who successfully balance their professional and personal lives are a huge inspiration to me.
A wise person once told me that the hardest thing to have in life is balance. The balance of work life and home life. Sometimes we chase one more than the other. We should always aim for harmony between the two.
What advice do you have for young women entering the workforce?
I think there’s truly nothing like having a variety of different experiences in work, and in life. It’s how you build confidence, develop skills, and determine what you like and dislike.
Your past experiences will prepare you for the rest of your life, and give you a deeper appreciation for the aspects of work that we sometimes take for granted.
What is your favorite part of working at Cognibox?
Without a doubt, it’s the people. It’s this lovely Cognibox family that makes me want to get up every morning and bring my best. In fact, they’re the reason that I’ve succeeded even through the constant change and growth in the company over the last ten years.
We wouldn’t be this successful without you, Chantale!
Read our previous entries in this series to learn about Rose and Marie-Hélène, Valérie and Sylvie, women making a huge impact at Cognibox.
