Episode 111: Leading with Intent: Chantal Gagné on Strategy, Growth, and the Future of Insurance

In this episode of Discovery Series: Unplugged, we welcome Chantal Gagné, Executive Vice President, Life and Health Insurance Division at Desjardins Group, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, strategy, and long-term growth.

Chantal shares reflections from her professional journey—how early curiosity, strong mentorship, and a deep understanding of risk and responsibility shaped her approach to leadership. She discusses what it means to lead at scale within a large, purpose-driven organization, and how thoughtful decision-making becomes even more critical in times of change.

The conversation explores building sustainable growth in insurance, developing high-performing teams, and aligning strategy with values while navigating complexity. Chantal also offers insights on talent development, collaboration, and why intentional leadership matters more than ever in an evolving industry.

This episode offers a thoughtful perspective for advisors, leaders, and professionals looking to better understand what effective leadership looks like at the executive level—and how long-term thinking shapes lasting impact.