1. What is your professional background?
“I studied letters and advertising, but it’s especially the many challenges I’ve faced that have shaped my career path. Through my jobs at a real estate company inside a shopping mall, a publicity agency specializing in retail, and a Canadian luxury retailer, I’ve been able to perfect my knowledge and competencies in this industry.
“Later, I joined a media group where I was in charge of marketing, communications and events for over 10 publications aimed at business affairs and consumers. I was there for 15 years before making the jump to RICARDO, where I now have the privilege and joy of collaborating on multiple projects, each one more interesting than the last.”
2. What inspired you to go into communications?
“It was a former boss, Michèle Riva, who piqued my interest in this field. She was the first who gave me confidence and believed in me. I quickly realized how much I enjoyed the variety this industry offered: organizing events, creating energizing campaigns, heading public relations, developing campaigns, etc.
“My path has never been clearly defined. I love being surprised by what life has to offer and I’m not afraid of uncertainty. So I dove headfirst into every professional opportunity and, every time, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.”
3. How did you come to work for RICARDO Media?
“Nine years ago, I was hired on contract to replace the director of marketing on her maternity leave. Having always been drawn to the food industry, RICARDO was the place to continue my professional journey, even if it was only temporary…
“After all this time, I can say I was right to embrace this opportunity despite the uncertainty that could have followed. I love being part of a brand with such emotional value and being engaged in a variety of projects that help meet the company’s goals. Add to that the concept of “eating together,” a value that we promote fully. For someone like me who loves to eat, discover new products and entertain at home, this clearly was the place for me.”
4. How has RICARDO Media evolved since you arrived?
“When I was hired, the store didn’t exist. We worked on the magazine, books and the website, but the retail sector wasn’t really there yet. It started gaining momentum with the opening of the restaurants, Boutique RICARDO stores, and the launch of grocery food products. When I started, there was no customer service. We launched that service with just one employee, and now there are four people who ensure the best support for our customers and for all our products and services: magazines, food products, kitchen accessories, etc.”
“What I love about RICARDO Media is that we’re constantly learning. It’s a human-scale company where you’re encouraged to develop new skills and collaborate, and everyone is involved in so many projects. I love the agility we’ve developed here. We achieve a lot, all while staying focused on our objectives.”
5. What does a typical day at the office look like?
“In my daily work I support our marketing advisors in many projects. I also make sure our customer service team is well equipped to offer the best service possible to our customers. I’m also very involved with regards to the magazine and our books, their performances, launches and the relationship between our partners, such as our publishers, distributors and collaborators.
“My days are also spent managing Ricardo’s many appearances and engagements, as well as promoting our products and services through various communication campaigns. I also represent the interests of several sectors of RICARDO Media to public and government enterprises.”
6. You’re also Ricardo’s agent. How do you make sure to always work in his best interest?
“It’s a relationship that built itself slowly. When I arrived, it was Brigitte who handled Ricardo’s professional commitments. I had never been an artist’s agent before, but with the trust that was placed upon me, I gradually took over the role.
“My role is especially to assess the proposals we receive, negotiate and sign contracts, and to sometimes take part in important interviews. Now that I know Ricardo well, it’s easier to decide which proposals would be of interest to him. We always get wonderful, very stimulating requests; let’s just say his schedule is worthy of a Prime Minister,” she laughs.
7. How do you view your role within the company?
“I’m in a strategic role where I’m also actively involved in operations and I enjoy that. In a small or medium-sized enterprise, you have to be fully immersed in it. I’m part of the executive committee, where we focus on strategic planning, defining our vision and priorities.
“I also participate in our weekly operations committee, which focuses on executing the organization’s strategy and day-to-day activities. I enjoy this aspect of my job where I can collaborate with the team, colleagues and partners to help grow the company and meet our business objectives.”
8. How would you describe yourself as an employee?
“The best answer would come from the people who work with me, but I hope I inspire trust and demonstrate a sense of human leadership. I value respect, commitment, empathy and kindness, but also discipline, which is very important to me. Given that I’m a rather positive person, I rarely get discouraged, because I know I will always find a solution.”
9. What’s your proudest work accomplishment so far?
“Honestly, it’s hard to choose because one project doesn’t wait for another. I have the opportunity to work for a company I’d describe as vibrant. Something’s always going on here!
“One thing I’m particularly proud of is the work I did during the RICARDO Media and Sobeys transaction. I took part in that enriching and massive project by developing the entire communications plan around the major news that would hit the media. I worked closely with key people over several months, and together, we made the announcement a success. It’s a job filled with exciting projects and plenty of freedom to bring forward new initiatives, and I don’t have any doubt that there will be more of these proud moments to come.”
10. What motivates you to come into work every morning?
“It’s very rare that I wake up in the morning and don’t feel like going into work. I’ve never had to work at a job I didn’t like. For me, it’s important to be happy with what I’m doing. What motivates me is knowing that I work in a field I love, for a company that shares my values, and with an extraordinary team.”
Over the course of her career, Nathalie has distinguished herself by the quality of her counsel, her leadership and her strategic vision. By putting people first at the heart of its corporate culture, RICARDO Media allows its employees to thrive at their jobs and advance within its ranks. For available job opportunities with our company, click here.