Yanick Graveline is the founder and executive director of Aspire Conseil, a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, human resources outsourcing, and executive coaching. With a background in biochemistry and an MBA, Yanick has carved a niche in integrating scientific principles into business strategy, focusing on innovation and sustainable growth in various sectors, including manufacturing and services.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts with a quick review of my schedule and priorities. I believe in tackling the most challenging tasks first when my energy is highest. To stay productive, I limit interruptions and set specific times for checking emails and communications. This discipline allows me to focus deeply on strategic tasks without getting bogged down by minutiae.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life through collaborative brainstorming sessions with my team, followed by a structured validation process. We use data and feedback to refine these ideas, testing them in stages to ensure they align with our strategic goals and client needs. This iterative process helps us evolve our ideas from concepts to executable strategies.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The integration of AI in strategic planning excites me tremendously. AI’s ability to analyze large datasets and provide predictive insights can transform how we approach business growth and operational efficiency. This trend not only streamlines decision-making but also opens up new avenues for innovation.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Setting clear, actionable goals for each day and week has been indispensable. This habit keeps me focused and ensures that I am not just busy but also effective in progressing toward our company’s long-term objectives.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to worry less about making perfect decisions. It’s more important to make timely decisions and be willing to adapt and learn from the outcomes. The real world is the best classroom, and every experience is a valuable lesson.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that traditional business models, even in legacy industries, can be completely reimagined with the right technological tools and innovative thinking. Many peers advocate for gradual change, but I see potential for radical transformation that can lead to unprecedented growth.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Reflect on your accomplishments and setbacks each week. This reflection helps you understand what’s working and what isn’t, allowing for quick adjustments. It’s a simple practice that fosters a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a step back and go for a walk or meditate for a few minutes. This short break helps me clear my mind and regain focus. Sometimes, disconnecting briefly is all it takes to tackle challenges with a fresh perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong networks has been pivotal. Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards; it’s about building genuine relationships that can provide support, insights, and opportunities. This strategy has opened doors and provided me with invaluable mentors and partners.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I led a project that failed to meet its objectives due to poor market research. I learned the hard way the importance of thorough analysis and customer feedback. This failure taught me to never skip due diligence, no matter how confident I might feel about an idea.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile app that helps small businesses integrate and manage AI tools for their operations could revolutionize how small enterprises adapt to technology. There’s a significant gap in the market for user-friendly, scalable AI integration solutions.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Asana has been a game-changer for managing our projects and workflows. It helps keep our team aligned and on track with deadlines, responsibilities, and priorities, ensuring that everyone knows what needs to be done and by when.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries has been instrumental in shaping how I approach business growth and innovation. Its principles of agility and responsiveness have guided many of our strategies at Aspire Conseil.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “The Imitation Game.” It’s a remarkable story of how perseverance, intelligence, and teamwork can solve seemingly insurmountable problems—a true inspiration for any leader.
Key learnings
- Continuous Learning: Emphasizing the need for ongoing education and skill enhancement to remain competitive and innovative in today’s fast-paced business environment.
- Transformative Potential of Technology: Highlighting how integrating advanced technologies like AI into strategic planning can revolutionize business operations and decision-making processes.
- Ethical and Reflective Leadership: Stressing the significance of leading with integrity and the ability to reflect on actions, which are crucial for personal development and guiding organizations towards long-term success.