On October 1, Executive Education HEC Montréal marked the launch of the second cohort of the Certification in Strategic Management and Leadership with an event bringing together entrepreneurs, presidents and CEOs, founders, business successors and acquirers from black communities, as well as investors. Held under the theme “Building a Legacy: Entrepreneurship and Investing for Black Communities,” the evening sparked meaningful discussions on intergenerational wealth creation, leadership, and access to capital.
Moderated by Wils Théagène, Founder and CEO of Citadelle Capital and Co-Academic Director of the certificate, the conversation featured two influential leaders from Canada’s financial sector: Noberta Faustin, Chief of Staff to the Chief Investment Officer at PSP Investments, and Rose Marcello, Vice-President and Chief Investment Officer at Fondaction.
A Certificate Born from a Shared Vision
In opening remarks, the leadership team at Executive Education HEC Montréal emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for individuals from black communities to develop their entrepreneurial potential and assume positions of influence. The certificate addresses a concrete need by providing the tools, knowledge, and network required to support the growth of ambitious businesses while increasing the representation of diverse leaders in Québec’s and Canada’s economy.
This vision is also shared by Éric Deschênes, President of the Toboggan & Co Foundation and a partner in the initiative since its inception. His testimony highlighted the importance of investing in human relationships as a foundation for entrepreneurial development: “Beyond the numbers, investing in people remains the most important thing. Building connections, creating bridges, and bringing people together are what allows us to build something that lasts”.
Creating Wealth That Lasts Across Generations
At the heart of the discussion, Wils Théagène shared his vision for intergenerational wealth creation within black communities. For him, the challenge extends beyond entrepreneurial success: “If we are able to build an ecosystem where everyone has the same opportunity to contribute their talents, we create not only better businesses, but also a stronger and more inclusive society”.
He also emphasized that entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of wealth creation when supported by access to capital, strategic guidance, and the networks required for business growth.
The Power of Networks, Mentorship, and Learning
The career journeys of Rose Marcello and Noberta Faustin demonstrated the extent to which leadership development relies as much on skills as on the quality of professional relationships. Both highlighted the decisive role of education, mentorship, and networking in helping them reach senior leadership positions.
For Rose Marcello, success is closely linked to the people who support a professional journey: “I met the right people at the right time. I did the work, but some people became mentors, coaches, and allies who opened doors for me. That made all the difference”.
For her part, Noberta Faustin encouraged participants to seize opportunities as they arise: “I have always raised my hand when new opportunities presented themselves. What seems intimidating to others often becomes an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward”.
Accessing Capital and Thinking Bigger
The discussion also explored several challenges facing entrepreneurs from black communities, including access to financing, limited awareness of available financial instruments, and the importance of establishing strong governance structures to support business growth.
The panelists emphasized that many funding options exist beyond traditional bank financing and that businesses benefit from diversifying their financing strategies. They also pointed out the strategic value of a strong board of directors capable of providing expertise, credibility, and access to new markets.
According to Rose Marcello, business transfer and acquisition is also a promising opportunity, at a time when many companies are currently looking for successors capable of ensuring their longevity and growth.
A Community Committed to the Future
In conclusion, the guests and the moderator reminded that collective prosperity relies on much more than access to financing. Sharing knowledge, networks, and experience remains essential to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
As Noberta Faustin pointed out, the notion of family is very important: " We do not pass on financial capital alone. We can also pass on social, cultural, and human capital. That is how you build a true legacy".
This perspective perfectly reflects the ambition of the Certification in Certification in Strategic Management and Leadership to provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and network needed to accelerate growth, strengthen leadership capabilities, and contribute sustainably to the economic development of their communities.
