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Johanne Bouchard

"The Leadership Whisperer" : Fostering healthy individuals and healthy organizations.

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Johanne BouchardJohanne Bouchard 2017
“The Leadership Whisperer”

A thought leader and former C-level executive, and now an accomplished trusted advisor to boards, CEOs and executive teams, Johanne Bouchard is an expert in governance strategy, board dynamics and board composition for public, private, and non-profit boards. She readily establishes trust for open and frank exchanges.

Passionate about exemplary governance and leadership, Johanne is a worldwide published author,  blogger, and speaker.

Her career has spanned technology (having earned her degree in computer engineering), marketing, worldwide strategy, international market expansion, and globalization.

Whether acting as a confidante to CEOs or assisting boards through the mergers and acquisitions process, Johanne is able to remain calm and productive, effectively guiding her clients towards progress and resolution. While extremely focused, she can cut through the clutter and confusion with compassion. She has the ability to address challenges head-on with everyone she works with. She helps people connect, align, gain clarity, and embrace necessary changes. Johanne has been a visionary and a champion for over a decade, inviting boards to evaluate their effectiveness and to engage in strategy. She has developed her own methodology for: conducting comprehensive board leadership effectiveness assessments; leading strategic planning sessions to align the board and management on strategy; and initiating innovative sessions to integrate boards post-mergers and acquisitions, and to ensure the effective transfer of leadership. Johanne assists her clients in achieving optimal board effectiveness and composition inclusive of board diversity. She is an active advocate for women on boards and is a member of 2020 Women on Boards’ Board of Leaders and its San Francisco Bay Area Leadership Committee.

Twenty-five years in the high technology industry, database, unstructured-data and B2B software markets, Johanne has launched a great number of high technology companies in Europe, Asia, Japan, and Australia. She was instrumental in helping to lead fast-growing Fortune 300 manufacturers and software companies to be more efficient worldwide. And she has led the repositioning of several public and private corporations. Clients have included leading brands such as Sun Microsystems, Compaq, Dell, Adaptec, Conner Peripherals/Seagate, Visio/Microsoft, Saleslogix, Platinum Corporation, Documentum/EMC, and ATG/Oracle among others. She’s worked in positions of VP Marketing, VP International, and CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) leading teams around the world within private and public companies, and she’s worked as a management consultant and as a serial entrepreneur. Johanne is a pioneer, having self-funded and founded three management consulting businesses. One such company was BOSS (Bouchard On Strategic Services), the first boutique consulting firm in Silicon Valley focused on international market development and globalization. She grew BOSS into a multi-million dollar business.

Johanne also mentors and coaches both emerging and seasoned leaders who seek to realize their full potential. In 2004 Johanne founded REMIA, a one-of-a-kind leadership program for emerging leaders, focused on Self-Mastery and Self-Awareness. The program, open to men and women of any age, has been, and continues to be, transformative for growing leaders and individuals who wish to maintain inner balance while pursuing ambitious goals. Her dedication to REMIA’s objectives is consistent with her passion for inspiring others to live fully in alignment with who they are. In addition to the mentorship she provides through REMIA, she is an advocate for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, particularly for young women, and has volunteered her time to work with STEM students at her alma mater, York University, in Toronto, Canada. She is also a mentor in Big Sky, Montana for Big Sky Young Professional Mentoring Program.

Additionally, Johanne is passionate about patients’ rights, having served on Stanford Hospital’s first Cancer Center Patient Advisory Council. And Johanne has worked with non-profit healthcare organizations and entrepreneurs towards organizational and patient-experience improvements that will ultimately benefit both patients and healthcare providers.

Johanne’s work has been published in the National Association of Corporate Directors’ publication, Directorship, (“Advice for Effective Board Mergers,” co-authored with Ken Smith, Sept/Oct 2014; en français: “Pour une fusion de conseils efficace”) and in the UK-based Ethical Boardroom (“Strategic Approaches to Board Composition,” Autumn 2015 – available in English & French; “Achieving Higher Board Effectiveness” and “Rebuilding Trust in Big Business,” both in the Summer 2016 issue). Johanne authored “How can technological advances help Boards of Directors grasp the ins and outs of an organisation,” published by Sherpany, Zurich. She contributed a bi-weekly business column to Explore Big Sky, a newspaper serving the year-round and seasonal residents of Big Sky, Montana, from 2014-2015, which she compiled into a complimentary eBook called “The Corner Office.” Click here to read her blog, or here for complimentary copies of her other eBooks in English, Board Basics and Board Composition, and in French, Conseil d’administration | Notions de base and Composition du conseil d’administration. For a complete list of Johanne’s services, please click here.

Trust and transparency in relationships are paramount in my life, including my clients. 

Ken Coleman– Board Chairman, Saama Technologies and special advisor to Andreessen Horowitz Venture Capital firm “Johanne is an outstanding professional with exceptional coaching skills. She is insightful and a very effective communicator.”

Jeff Rodek – Former Chair and CEO of Hyperion, Former President and COO Ingram Micro “Johanne worked with our board at Accelrys to enhance our effectiveness. She provided tremendous value and insight in a very collegial manner.”

Ricardo Levy  – Lecturer at Stanford, former Chair, former Chairman and CEO of Catalytica  “Johanne Bouchard is a unique consultant and advisor who brings clarity to high urgency situations in short order. She has served several of the companies I am involved with as a Board member in various assignments including Board 360, Executive Team assessment, leading and facilitating strategic planning sessions, and CEO coaching. In all these assignments she has displayed dedication, creativity, depth, and an unerring focus on reflecting the reality of the situation and presenting it as such to the client, with concrete suggestions for improvement and increased efficiency. I highly recommend Johanne.”

Steve Snyder – Former EVP/GM CBS Interactive Games, Music and Sports “If you have an organizational leadership problem to solve (the bigger the better) and need a tireless, objective collaborator to assist, challenge and drive you (and she WILL drive you), work with Johanne. And if you welcome the friendship that will grow from that experience, you couldn’t do better.”

John Hamm – Strategy and Leadership Advisor, Former VC, Former TCG – The Chasm Group Advisors and Former CEO  “Johanne’s work is, in a word, spectacular. She digs in on a project like no one I know, she is thorough, thoughtful, and does superb “inquiry” work early in a project. She brings a wealth of experience to her projects, including marketing expertise, consumer research, management and leadership insights, and insightful summaries of the issues. Her work is honest, clear, clean, and useful. She is a truth-finder and a truth-teller. Johanne is an intense, yet calm and measured expert – she knows where to look, what to ask, and how to propose key points and plans of action. Her logistics and organizational skills are world class, and her follow up is superb. As you can read, my professional opinion of Johanne is of the highest level. I believe she can excel at virtually any assignment or challenge presented.”

Philippe D’Argent – Former Senior VP Dell Europe, Former Senior VP Toshiba Europe “I have known Johanne since the times she was building BOSS when helping high-tech executives and companies with globalization and International market development. She was a pioneer in her field helping American companies not treating International as an afterthought. She was an invaluable trusted advisor to senior executives and CEOs in need to succeed in Europe and in need to adjust their leadership style to grow their organizations overseas. I recommend Johanne to CEOs and Executives as a partner when significantly challenged to take their organizations to new levels. She has broad operating, marketing and leadership experience and a proven track record to continually deliver results. Her dynamism is infectious/inspirational.”

 


Une chef de file éclairée et ancienne cadre de haute direction (US Corporate Level C), Johanne Bouchard est maintenant consultante auprès des conseils d’administration, des chefs de la direction et des comités de direction. Johanne a développé une expertise sur la dynamique et la composition d’un conseil d’administration. Après l’obtention de son diplôme d’ingénieure en informatique, sa carrière l’a menée à travailler dans tous les domaines du secteur de la technologie, du marketing et de la stratégie à l’échelle mondiale.

Lorsqu’elle reçoit les confidences d’un chef de la direction ou lorsqu’elle porte assistance à un conseil d’administration à travers les démarches d’acquisition et de fusion d’entreprises, Johanne demeure calme et productive. Cela lui permet de guider avec efficacité ses clients vers la progression et les résolutions de problèmes. Tout en demeurant extrêmement centrée sur sa tâche, elle peut néanmoins trancher à travers le fouillis et la confusion avec compassion. Elle peut relever les défis de front avec tous ses collaborateurs et clients. Elle permet aux gens de s’unir, de s’aligner sur la tâche, d’atteindre la clarté et d’effectuer tous les changements nécessaires.

Johanne a conseillé de nombreuses entreprises américaines de haute technologie en Europe, en Asie, au Japon et en Australie et elle a planifié le démarrage de ces mêmes entreprises. Elle a fortement contribué à l’accroissement du rendement de fabricants et de sociétés de logiciels de pointe à l’échelle mondiale, et a mené des sociétés publiques et privées à se repositionner.

Elle compte parmi ses clients des sociétés de grandes marques, telles que Sun Microsystems, Compaq, Dell, Adaptec, Conner Peripherals–Seagate, Visio–Microsoft, Saleslogix, Platinum Corporation, Documentum–EMC et ATG–Oracle. Elle a occupé des postes de vice-présidente marketing, vice-présidente à l’international et directrice et chef du marketing d’entreprises privées et publiques de grande envergure. Elle a travaillé à son compte, comme consultante en gestion et entrepreneure en série.

Johanne est passionnée, résiliente, débrouillarde, curieuse, intelligente, énergique et patiente. Elle est à l’aise dans des situations d’inconfort, elle démontre une insatiable soif de nouvelles connaissances et de nouvelles expériences. Elle adore son travail et la vie elle-même la rend énergique. Johanne se préoccupe des autres et se réjouit de les voir atteindre leur autonomie et se réaliser.

En 2004, Johanne Bouchard a fondé REMIA, un programme de leadership unique en son genre qui s’adresse aux leaders émergents et qui met l’accent sur la maîtrise de soi et la conscience de soi. Le programme, ouvert aux hommes et aux femmes de tous âges, a été transformateur, et continue de l’être, pour les nouveaux dirigeants et les individus en croissance qui souhaitent maintenir un équilibre intérieur tout en poursuivant des objectifs ambitieux.

Son dévouement aux objectifs de REMIA incarne sa passion d’inspirer les autres à vivre pleinement. En plus du mentorat qu’elle offre sous la bannière REMIA, elle est aussi porte-parole pour la promotion de l’éducation STEM (Science, technologie, ingénierie et mathématiques) et travaille bénévolement auprès des étudiants à son alma mater de l’Université York, à Toronto, au Canada.

Johanne est une défenseure passionnée des droits des patients, ce qui lui a permis de participer activement au comité consultatif des patients au Stanford Hospital Cancer Center, à Stanford, en Californie. Elle a aussi travaillé avec des organismes à but non lucratif et des entrepreneurs du domaine de la santé dans le but d’améliorer l’organisation des centres et l’expérience des patients. Ces changements profiteront éventuellement aux patients et aux soignants.

Johanne, Québécoise de naissance, est une épouse et fille attentionnée. Elle pratique activement le ski alpin, la marche en montagne, le golf, puis elle est une adepte du plein air et une amie loyale. Elle accorde de tout cœur son attention pleine et entière à l’instant présent, que ce soit au travail, en amour ou dans ses loisirs. Son aura de joie et de paix témoigne du fait que sa philosophie de vie est vraie. Elle croit avant tout que la possibilité de vivre en harmonie est accessible à tous; le désir de faire ce qui doit être fait, et bien fait, est à la base de l’accession à l’harmonie. Pour Johanne, c’est un cadeau et un privilège que la vie lui rend de pouvoir aider les autres à vivre leur vie selon leur véritable nature et leurs aspirations légitimes.

Les ouvrages de Johanne ont été publiés dans la revue de la National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) et dans la revue Directorship, (« Advice for Effective Board Mergers » — « Conseils pour la fusion efficace des conseils d’administration » à titre de co-auteure avec Ken Smith, numéro de septembre-octobre 2014). Elle écrit également une chronique d’affaires bihebdomadaire pour Explore Big Sky, un journal distribué à tous les résidents locaux et saisonniers de Big Sky, au Montana. De plus, elle est l’auteure de deux livrels en français et anglais : Board Basics, Board Composition, Conseil d’administration | Notions de base, et Composition du conseil d’administration. Et pour une liste complète des services de Johanne, s’il vous plaît cliquez ici.

Explore the BonneFire Community

BonneFire is a yearly subscription with 12 monthly offerings inspiring self-mastery and transparent leadership in service of both the individual and the collective, for healthier individuals and healthier organizations.

Members also receive two half-hours of one-on-one coaching with Johanne. 

Each month has a unique theme that guides the focus of each month’s inspiring guidance and teaching. Members receive one email the first week of each month consisting of:

bonnefire iconPulse Check

 

bonnefire iconReflection

 

bonnefire iconPractice

 

Each month, Johanne chooses a theme and determines the focus for that month’s inspiring guidance and teaching pulse check, reflection and practice.

Click here to learn more!

What I Write About…

  • Blogs in French
  • Boards
  • BonneFire Inspiring Guidance & Teaching Excerpts
  • BonneFire Intimate Chat Excerpts
  • Business Column for Explore Big Sky
  • Diversity
  • Newsletters
  • The full blog

Sign up to receive emails from Johanne:

The meeting was fantastic. It was an undisputable success. The interaction was superior and beyond what anyone could have thought was possible. Everyone embraced you and your skills in ways that I have never seen before. I learned a lot about the process and it has been very meaningful. It illuminated me into focused actions. It galvanized the entire executive team across the five business units. Really exciting…

- Audit Chair

Johanne, the offsite was terrific and you did a fabulous job leading us through some very challenging tasks. I have great faith in our leadership team. I’m glad the learning and collaboration will continue.

Excellent meeting.

Amazing meeting. Loved it.

- GMs of Business Units

You did a very good job. I like the process, like the rigor, like the completeness and the sensitivity with which you presented tough issues. I like the individual profiles and how they lead to both learning for me as well as opportunity for team building.

- Independent Director

I recommended you for this task because I felt that the depth of inquiry and the thoroughness of your approach are important to bring the Board to a new level of quality and interaction. I found your work very complete and am glad that you brought to the surface a number of issues that have to be addressed to improve our effectiveness as a Board. Your observations and recommendations go to the heart of what makes a Board a team (and what gets in the way).

- Governance Chair

Johanne has an innate ability to bring out the best in all whom she touches. She practices what she preaches – patience, courage, generosity, wisdom and humility. Her contributions have positively impacted our Company and working environment and will result in increased profitability and shareholder value.

- CEO

Johanne is truly exceptional at what she does. I've worked with many consultants over the years, and what sets her apart is the combination of her right- and left-brain skills. She knows how to listen, catch unspoken cues, instill trust and openness, while also being focused on the substance of the issues, the complexities of the situation and challenges, and the business issues that have to get solved. She is direct and candid while also unusually sensitive. By applying these skills, she helped us analyze what was going on in our business, shed light on the core management and governance issues, and facilitated our discussions among the decision makers about the next steps to take. I would work with her again in a heartbeat.

- Independent Director, Governance Committee

I have seen Johanne's skilled handling of important executive interfaces and her ability to quickly get to the heart of the issues and lead to results. That certainly happened here. I found that even in cases where the participants thought they had good communication we reached new levels of connection and candor, all helping us be most efficient at a time when that is most important in our company.

- Senior Vice President

Johanne has provided a mirror into myself. Helping me to step back and view my actions and true feelings. By her perceptive and insightful questioning she enabled me to look within. Just being able to speak openly about myself was most helpful. Without question this awareness is leading to positive change both personally and professionally. I find myself a more effective participant with both my direct reports, peers and my Board.

- CEO

I thank Johanne for her clarity and quick ability to cut through the clutter. She made a huge difference. I have grown a lot. Johanne’s exceptional wisdom for defining and supporting the needs of clients were a real asset to us. Johanne is exceptionally gifted at understanding how to balance and focus for success. I highly recommend her to any company looking to grow.

- CEO

Thank you so very much for the day of focus for our team. We really needed it and I do not believe we could have done it without you. You are such a wonderful friend of ours. I personally left feeling inspired and clear. You are a beautiful person to facilitate those connections.

- CEO

Thank you for such a productive session. It was wonderful to have your support and focus in connecting the team. Your constant guidance in finding clarity is a true gift for our organization.

- CEO

The time spent was of tremendous help to me personally as it gave me a chance to review all aspects of our operations. Johanne's attentiveness and level of support was remarkable. Her sense for the big picture will keep us all focused on the right priorities.

I can't thank Johanne enough.

- CEO

Johanne Bouchard is a pioneer and a leader who brings to the process of executive coaching and strategic planning a focused, high-energy and highly- effective approach. In a short time and in a seemingly effortless manner, she leads an individual or a team to a crystal-clear understanding of their core values, their goals and a path to achieving them.

- CEO

Johanne has a remarkable ability to inspire others to share with perfect honesty, overcome their own barriers, and find greater clarity for their purpose. Her dedication to her work comes from a sincere passion for guiding others in their quest for successful leadership and life skills. Johanne's encouraging style supports rather than leads, promotes as opposed to advises.

- REMIA participant

Thank you very much for your kindness, warmth and thoughtfulness for our team. Your team building session was beautifully on point, and done very constructively.

- CEO

Johanne is an outstanding professional with exceptional coaching skills. She is insightful and a very effective communicator.

- Ken Coleman- Board Chairman, Saama Technologies and special advisor to Andreessen Horowitz Venture Capital firm

Johanne worked with our board at Accelrys to enhance our effectiveness. She provided tremendous value and insight in a very collegial manner.

- Jeff Rodek - Former Chair and CEO of Hyperion, Former President and COO Ingram Micro 

Johanne Bouchard is a unique consultant and advisor who brings clarity to high urgency situations in short order. She has served several of the companies I am involved with as a Board member in various assignments including Board 360, Executive Team assessment, leading and facilitating strategic planning sessions, and CEO coaching. In all these assignments she has displayed dedication, creativity, depth, and an unerring focus on reflecting the reality of the situation and presenting it as such to the client, with concrete suggestions for improvement and increased efficiency. I highly recommend Johanne.

- Ricardo Levy  - Lecturer at Stanford, former Chair, former Chairman and CEO of Catalytica  

If you have an organizational leadership problem to solve (the bigger the better) and need a tireless, objective collaborator to assist, challenge and drive you (and she WILL drive you), work with Johanne. And if you welcome the friendship that will grow from that experience, you couldn't do better.

- Steve Snyder - Former EVP/GM CBS Interactive Games, Music and Sports

Johanne's work is, in a word, spectacular. She digs in on a project like no one I know, she is thorough, thoughtful, and does superb "inquiry" work early in a project. She brings a wealth of experience to her projects, including marketing expertise, consumer research, management and leadership insights, and insightful summaries of the issues. Her work is honest, clear, clean, and useful. She is a truth-finder and a truth-teller. Johanne is an intense, yet calm and measured expert - she knows where to look, what to ask, and how to propose key points and plans of action. Her logistics and organizational skills are world class, and her follow up is superb. As you can read, my professional opinion of Johanne is of the highest level. I believe she can excel at virtually any assignment or challenge presented.

- John Hamm - Strategy and Leadership Advisor, Former VC, Former TCG - The Chasm Group Advisors and Former CEO

I have known Johanne since the times she was building BOSS when helping high-tech executives and companies with globalization and International market development. She was a pioneer in her field helping American companies not treating International as an afterthought. She was an invaluable trusted advisor to senior executives and CEOs in need to succeed in Europe and in need to adjust their leadership style to grow their organizations overseas. I recommend Johanne to CEOs and Executives as a partner when significantly challenged to take their organizations to new levels. She has broad operating, marketing and leadership experience and a proven track record to continually deliver results. Her dynamism is infectious/inspirational.

- Philippe D’Argent - Former Senior VP Dell Europe, Former Senior VP Toshiba Europe

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