Two leading figures in entrepreneurship, Karl Blackburn, President of the Conseil du patronat du Québec and Danièle Henkel, Ambassador of the economic Francophonie for the Conseil du patronat Québecois (CPQ), share their experiences with us. And talk about the ambitions of Quebec entrepreneurs in the French-speaking world.
In the following interview, the ambassador for the economic Francophonie of the Conseil du Patronat au Québec (COQ) describes her journey from North Africa. Region which shaped her and which today serves as support in her entrepreneurial career in the French-speaking world
AFRIMAG: As ambassador for the economic Francophonie within the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ), how do you see the role of female entrepreneurship in a Francophone economic environment?
Madame Danièle Henkel in conversation with Madame Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of La Francophonie.
Daniele Henkel: To answer this question, I must first establish a dynamic link with the place where I come from, without which I would not be the entrepreneur that I am today. I was born in North Africa, specifically in Morocco, a country that I left at the age of fourteen to find myself in Algeria. I studied and started a family in Algeria before leaving for objective reasons.
As a newlywed, I worked as a political and economic advisor for the US Department of State at the Consulate General of the United States of America in Oran, and I learned a lot about international and economic relations.
AFRIMAG: Algeria and the United States of America represent two different world views. In any case, until the period when you worked at the Consulate General of the United States of America in Oran…
Daniele Henkel: Let’s say that it was not easy to have a complex relationship between the United States and Algeria. This is where I realized the economic, cultural and social potential that we can have between countries which agree on nothing or very little.
However, that did not prevent me from leaving Algeria in 1990. And for good reason: my departure from this country was motivated by the rise of religious fundamentalism. A more difficult environment to navigate for a mother like me who aspires to secure, raise and educate her children.
So I made the decision to immigrate to Repentigny, Canada with my family. This welcoming land was safer and was attractive for cultural and linguistic reasons. That said, the time I spent in North Africa gave me a lot. Among the fruits picked in this region is the love of the French language through which I was able to broaden my cultural and economic horizon. For all these reasons, my choice fell on Canada, its French-speaking part, Quebec in particular, to settle down. Several years after my arrival and out of a need to return to my entrepreneurial sources, I created my business in Quebec. Quebec is therefore for me, thanks to the French language, a land where I shaped the second part of my life.
Thank you so much !
SummaryBio-Express
Danièle Henkel has more than 30 years of business expertise. Known for her committed leadership and human values, she is an ally for success.
With her listening skills and natural kindness, she knows how to guide entrepreneurs at key moments, whether to clarify a vision, manage change, ensure growth or make business relationships and networks flourish. It intervenes in particular in its capacity as:
– Experienced business strategist
– Strategic advisor
– Trusted mentor
– Visionary coach
Par Benoist Bento MalletCorrespondent – France
