Ep.372 - Carl Viel - 90 Employés et 29,000 Talents Internationaux : L'Impact de Québec International

·48 min·4 clips

Québec International's president explains how placing 29,000 international talents helps local companies compete globally.

This episode of Hypercroissance features an interview with Carl Viel, President and CEO of Québec International, an economic development agency for the Québec region. The host introduces Viel and outlines the agency's growth from a few employees in 2008 to nearly 90 today, with over 1,000 companies assisted and 29,000 international talents placed by end-2023. Viel describes Québec International's multifaceted services, starting with LeCamp, an incubator-accelerator that helps entrepreneurs from ideation through business planning via programs like MVP (Ma Validation de Produits). He uses the metaphor of a Sherpa guiding climbers to illustrate their supportive, adaptive approach. The agency also aids companies in exporting, with programs like PAC for first-time exporters, addressing challenges from online sales to customs logistics. Viel notes the evolution of needs, citing cybersecurity, AI, and sustainability as emerging priorities post-COVID. He discusses the agency's origins from a 2008 merger of five organizations, rebranded to emphasize international focus. Success stories include L'Ariant, a Belgian video game studio that grew to 100 employees in Québec, and Coache, a cybersecurity startup founded by ex-military personnel. Viel highlights factors for success, emphasizing founder openness, team-building, and learning from mentors. He explains what attracts international companies to Québec, such as quality of life, tailored support, and integration into local value chains. As a leader, Viel balances long-term vision, strategic planning, employee engagement, and risk management, including adapting to AI. Looking ahead, he mentions ongoing triennial planning and diversifying revenue sources. Viel shares personal routines, including daily reviews of nine international newspapers and podcasts, and recommends books like 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People' for continuous learning.

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