The ripple effect created by good mentors can last for generations, paving the way for new ideas, new technologies, and the leaders of tomorrow.
Mentors are carefully selected to uphold the values of MentorConnect. They come from multidisciplinary backgrounds and industries, and draw from at least 20 years of business experience, including C-suite leadership experience to offer advice and enable mentees to reach their fullest potential.
What Mentors Gain
Have a lasting impact on the next generation of high-achieving entrepreneurs.
Interact, learn, and develop relationships with like-minded peers.
Help a startup with a team of mentors, without the burdens of being a sole mentor.
All administration and coordination is taken care of, so you can focus on mentoring.
What our Mentors have to say
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
— Quote Source
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
— Quote Source
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
— Quote Source
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
— Quote Source
Featured Mentors
Xavier-Henri Hervé
Xavier-Henri Hervé has a 25 years track record for transforming strategic plans for innovations into business on an international scale. An engineer, Hervé leverages 20 years of experience in several technologies and engineering intensive domains such as aviation, information systems, simulation, and green tech, at Mechtronix, Oracle Corporation, CAE Electronics and Bombardier. Hervé holds an MBA from INSEAD, as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Science and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Concordia University.
Edna Chosack
Edna Chosack, M.Sc., MBA is a private consultant, and a senior coach at District 3. Chosack is co-founder of Simbionix Inc., an international leader in surgical simulation, acquired for $120M by 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD). She is the past Director at CAE Healthcare and was a member of the McGill simulation centre advisory committee.
Corrine Charette
Corinne Charette is currently a Senior Fellow with Concordia University. Corinne was formerly the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for Spectrum, Information Technology and Telecommunications, with the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) where she was responsible for spectrum licensing in Canada as well as acting as the Chief Digital Officer for ISED.
Julia Bouvet
For the past 15 years, Julia has been helping enterprises develop strong business strategies and optimize supply chains to maximize profitability. A seasoned business strategy consultant, Julia worked for top tier global management consultancy A.T. Kearney, focusing mostly on the retail and consumer products sectors. She served Fortune 500 companies such as Walmart, Kraft Foods, Procter & Gamble, Hershey’s, and Best Buy.
John Sanderson
John Sanderson is an emerging technologies executive with a demonstrated track record in Professional Services and the Computer Software industry. Skilled in Business Process, Talent Management, SAP Success Factors, Cloud and On-Prem, SAP Implementations, and IT Strategy. John has built an international Top 100 Best Employers Company from scratch with a successful exit. Currently engaged in multiple AI/ML projects that focus on a new generation of HR Applications.
Benoit Forcier
Benoit Forcier has over 24 years of corporate finance, investment, and operational experience including his 15 years of technology and venture capital investing throughout Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and the United States. He is currently the Director of BDC’s Cleantech Practice that manages a $600 Million fund focused on clean energy technologies.
Shafik Mina
Shafik’s business background and entrepreneurial experience allows him to bring a highly valued and pragmatic approach to his role as President of Mad Science Group. Shafik holds a Bachelor Degree with Honors in Political Science, a Juris Doctorate in Common Law from Osgoode Hall at York University and a Bachelor in Civil Law from the University of Montreal. Shafik’s career in law followed a ten-year span in which he focused on his entrepreneurial interests, successfully launching and operating two companies in the food industry.
Chantal Laberge
Chantal has 30 years experience in financing, investing and auditing, including 10 years with Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec as Senior Investor. Laberge has financed, invested, and assisted many companies across industries at key stages of their evolution promoting development, expansion, M&A, succession, sales, shareholder buyout, and business reorganization projects.
François Aird
François co-founded A&G Conseil, a technology consulting firm. After being renamed Proximi-T, the company was sold to Cossette Communications in 2000. In 1989, François and his partner had founded CEDROM-SNi, which produced a media monitoring platform called Eureka, used by professionals from the communication and education sectors. François was President of CEDROM-SNi for almost 30 years and sold it to Cision in December 2017 when the company had revenues of $20 million and over 100 employees.
"As a mentor – I am continuously impressed by the ingenuity and vitality of the startups. Mentor Connect succeeded in creating a dynamic, collaborative environment that actively engages mentors with startups as they grow their businesses.”
-Corinne Charette, Senior Concordia Fellow and former CIO, Government of Canada
Our Mentors have Leadership Experience in a Wide Variety of Ventures
BDC
Bell Media
BMO
C2RO
Cloud Robotics
CAE Healthcare
Cascades
CDPQ
Cedrom-Sni
Chantier de l’économie sociale
CIBC
Cirque du Soleil
Concordia University
Cossette Communication
Cycle Capital
Deloitte Canada
Desjardins Venture Capital
Diablo Technologies
EXFO
Fondaction
Fonds FTQ
Groupe Dynamite
IBM Global Services
Innovation, Science & Economic Development Canada
Kearney
KPMG Consulting
Mad Science Group
Matrox
Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation
Nortel
Pratt & Whitney
Premiere Executive Suites
Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre
Réseau d’investissement social du Québec
Rutter Inc
Simbionix Inc
SNC-Lavalin Group Inc
Thought Technology Ltd
Transat AT
Trellia Networks
Via Rail
Weston Bakeries
Xpertdoc Technologies
FAQs
How long do startups get access to mentoring?
As long as the mentees and mentors think it is beneficial for the startup. On average, startups meet every two months with mentors and can request additional meetings on a per need basis.
What is the time commitment required of mentors?
A typical mentoring session lasts up to 90 minutes. Mentors get to decide how many ventures they would like to take on, they also meet with fellow mentors every two months for a lunch meeting and networking session.
What do you look for in a mentor?
Mentors come from multidisciplinary backgrounds and industries. They draw from at least 20 years of business experience, including C-suite leadership experience. Mentors are comfortable with team mentoring and supporting early-stage ventures.