Interview with Catherine Bouchard, Co-President of Centris Technologies

Responsible productivity: interview with Catherine Bouchard, Co-President of Centris Technologies

What if technological performance could go hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility? That's the bold challenge that Catherine Bouchard and her team take up every day at Centris Technologies. "Transform without upheaval, optimize without compromise" is the philosophy that guides this innovative Quebec company. In a conversation with our team, Catherine Bouchard, co-president and co-owner, takes us behind the scenes of an entrepreneurial vision that challenges established conventions in the tech world. We dive deep into an approach where people, energy and the environment coexist harmoniously with performance imperatives.

A holistic approach to productivity

"Our mission is to transform industrial operations to improve productivity in a responsible way," explains Catherine Bouchard at the outset of our conversation. But what exactly do we mean by "responsible productivity"? For the Centris Technologies team, it means optimizing operations while taking into account three essential dimensions: human, energy and environmental.

This business philosophy is particularly relevant in the current context, where organizations are seeking to reconcile economic performance with positive societal impact. "We can no longer afford to improve operational efficiency without considering its impact on people and the planet," emphasizes Ms Bouchard.

Five values to guide innovation

To realize this vision, Centris Technologies relies on five core values that guide all their decisions:

1. Excellence: A commitment to exceeding expectations on every project.
2. Professionalism: A rigorous and ethical approach to work
3. Collaboration: A belief that success is a collective effort
4. Happiness and serenity: A corporate culture that values balance and well-being
5. Innovation: A constant search for creative solutions to complex challenges

These values are not simply displayed on office walls; they are integrated into the company's daily processes and strategic decisions.

AI and cybersecurity for responsible productivity

When asked where their current innovation efforts are focused, Catherine mentions two main areas: artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

"We are actively working on internal AI-related initiatives to improve our own efficiency, but also to integrate these technologies into the solutions we develop for our customers," she explains. This dual approach enables the company to experiment with new technologies while remaining rooted in concrete market needs.

At the same time, cybersecurity remains a major concern. "In an increasingly complex digital environment, guaranteeing the security of the systems we deliver to our customers has become an absolute imperative," asserts Ms Bouchard. The company is therefore investing in research projects to strengthen this crucial aspect of their services.

Marketing and sales: a balance under construction

Although Centris Technologies excels in the development of technological solutions, Catherine Bouchard acknowledges that the marketing side of the business is still under development. "We mainly use LinkedIn for our digital presence, and we're starting to explore other platforms as well as renewing our website," she shares.

The company strives to establish a regular publishing rhythm to test different approaches and identify what resonates best with their audience. This experimental approach reflects their innovative value.

In terms of synergy between sales and marketing, the team is currently working to improve coordination between these two functions. Their ERP system also serves as a CRM, making it easier to track customer interactions and align sales efforts.

Measuring success beyond revenues

Asked how they measure customer retention, Catherine Bouchard admits that revenue remains the key indicator. However, she also recognizes the need to improve their marketing metrics to gain a more nuanced view of customer satisfaction and engagement.

This clear-sightedness about what needs to be developed reflects a corporate culture focused on continuous improvement, another aspect of the responsible productivity advocated by Centris Technologies.

Advice to entrepreneurs: documentation and agility

Drawing on her entrepreneurial experience, Catherine Bouchard has no shortage of sound advice for those wishing to start their own business:

"Document your processes from the outset," she recommends with conviction. "This discipline will save you precious time as you grow."

She also stresses the importance of clearly identifying your target market: "Stay focused on your vision, but be ready to pivot quickly if necessary."

Finally, perseverance remains an indispensable quality in her view: "Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. In today's fast-moving technological environment, maintaining a clear course while remaining agile is essential."

A flexible and humane working model

In line with its values of well-being, Centris Technologies adopts a flexible approach to work. The company allows telecommuting while maintaining face-to-face meetings to preserve social ties and team cohesion.

This hybrid model perfectly illustrates the quest for balance that characterizes their philosophy of responsible productivity, combining operational efficiency with human considerations.

Conclusion: a balanced vision for the future

At a time when the technology sector is facing major societal challenges, Centris Technologies' approach offers a refreshing perspective. The responsible productivity proposed by Catherine Bouchard and her team demonstrates that it is possible to aim for operational excellence while preserving people and the environment.

This balanced vision, supported by strong values and a culture of continuous innovation, positions Centris Technologies as a player to watch in Quebec's technological landscape. As the company continues to grow, its example may well inspire other organizations to rethink their own definition of productivity.

Photo credit: Benoit Vermette