Karine Jobin

How did you succeed in establishing yourself in a male-dominated environment?

I never personally felt like I had to forge a place for myself as a woman in a male environment. However, I am aware that my positive experience does not mean that we should not have a certain concern and awareness about any unconscious prejudices we may have. I would say that the actions Cascades’ has taken in recent years, and in particular those taken by my colleague Lucie-Claude Lalonde, have made me more aware of this situation, both in terms of recognizing increased female representation and in terms of the importance of including all forms of diversity. These actions are likely to contribute greatly to engaging and motivating our employees.

How do you overcome obstacles that arise?

I take challenges as new opportunities to broaden my experience. Soon after I started at Cascades, I quickly had to take on the position of Human Resources Manager, without ever having had any experience in the field. I then moved on to HRM for a unionized plant in Montreal, which was a position I had little knowledge about at the time. Next, I went on to a multi-plant position in Ontario, even though my English skills were quite weak. Once again, I saw these challenges as opportunities to grow and develop further. More recently, with Cascades’ organizational restructuring, which is one of the biggest changes I have yet experienced within the company, I see this as another great challenge.

What is your greatest ambition?

Making a difference for the people around me and helping to make Cascades an employer of choice with inspiring leaders and values that set us apart. I want to help ensure that the people who work at Cascades are passionate about what they do and that they know that their skills and commitment contribute to the company’s success.

What has been your best discovery since joining Cascades?

The strength of the values that guide this company. For example, I have learned that respect is a deeply rooted value at Cascades. In my role here, I have had to deal with situations that were not always easy, including plant closures or sales. During my first closure experience, I was encouraged to give my opinion on how we should present and manage the situation. Even in all my other similar experiences and considering the risks of an early closure announcement, we have always managed the situation “the Cascades way,” that is, with respect, both in the way we announce such news and in the support we give to our people and the surrounding communities. Let's just say it’s quite impressive for a company as big as Cascades.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career?

Two events have had a significant impact on my career. First was when I spoke almost no English and had little experience and still accepted a position as an HR manager in Ontario. It was not an easy experience at first, but I persevered, and today I am proud of the results I achieved there and of the great new connections I made—they enabled me to grow as a professional.

Second, I am proud to have been involved in the construction, start-up and ramp-up of the Greenpac plant. I participated from the outset, and the company placed their trust in me. As a team, we developed a management model that included employee participation in making and executing decisions, and in many other aspects. Still today, this project remains a source of great pride.

Did you always aspire to have such responsibilities?

Before my first interview at Cascades, I did not really know what an HRM’s role was. I was hired as part of the first succession team, in 1999. I didn't really know where it would lead. I knew I wanted to “make a difference,” and that I liked new challenges, but it was never about having a “title”—not then, and not now. What makes me vibrate are the challenges—seeing people develop. It’s also about learning, being involved, feeling useful, feeling that I am making a difference. I never told myself that I absolutely wanted to become vicepresident; there were just opportunities, actions on my part and people who trusted me, and here I am today.

What advice would you give to women who aspire to hold key roles?

To believe in themselves. To believe in their strengths and accept that it will not always be perfect. No one is perfect, and you shouldn’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone. I think that’s what I did by accepting the various positions throughout my career. Personally, I have been fortunate to have people who support me, but I really believe it comes down to having confidence in your abilities and not being embarrassed to show your interest and your desire to learn. It’s about being true to yourself.