Founder and CEO, BetterTable
Age 38
What career highlight are you most proud of?
I began my career in sustainability consulting in 2011, during its early stages, and this is what I am most proud of. Originally from France, I gained my first international experience in Belgium, focusing on carbon footprints, life cycle assessments and waste management strategies for both private and public companies. In 2018, I immigrated to Canada. Another significant highlight was working in tourism for Rocky Mountaineer, where I served as an onboard host for a full season in 2019.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
One of my toughest professional decisions as a newcomer to Canada was starting a business for the first time, targeting hotels and restaurants during a global pandemic. Navigating the uncertainty required resilience and adaptability, especially after my initial co-founder left during the COVID-19 crisis. I then decided to take a $60,000 loan from Futurpreneur and BDC, despite interest rates exceeding 10 per cent, while believing in a business model that anticipated future market trends. These experiences taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and strategic planning during challenging times.
How do you lead?
I am a member of the Vancouver Entrepreneurs Toastmasters Club, where I recently discovered that my three main leadership styles are coaching, innovative and democratic. In 2024, I also received the Sustainability Leadership Award from France Executive Circle, an organization that connects French decision-makers in Western Canada.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make. It provides significantly better returns than investing in marketing, real estate, stocks or crypto. This is also true for leaders in tourism and hospitality. During the pandemic, I pursued an executive MBA, which significantly enhanced my business and entrepreneurship skills.
Best piece of advice ever received?
Become a certified minority-owned business. As a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and the sole owner of BetterTable, I obtained certification as a diverse supplier with the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. This provided valuable mentoring and funding to attend a trade mission in Palm Springs in 2024, opening doors to connections with groups like Marriott International, Compass Group and Google. As a B.C. benefit company, our articles of incorporation emphasize our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
What is your definition of success?
My vision of success is defined by a triple bottom line approach. Achieving profitability as a business is essential, but what truly motivates me is fostering a positive impact on society and the environment. This involves helping our clients save money while reducing food waste by half. We focus on cost savings, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Additionally, success means actively enhancing the local communities where we operate, creating value for all stakeholders.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
Food—I just love it! I am a true foodie, and I always enjoy dining at new places or cooking creative recipes, especially when they include a zero-waste component. I love the outdoors. When I have free time, you can find me catching the sunset at Sunset Beach, hiking and scrambling in the B.C. mountains during the summer and skiing in Whistler.
What’s left to accomplish?
We have a big vision. Our goal is to maximize our impact and help restaurants thrive. We plan to launch an app designed to empower kitchens to waste less and earn more. Next, it’s important to ensure that all our solutions are available in French, catering to the francophone and Québec market and enhancing accessibility. Finally, expanding internationally is vital, with an initial focus on entering the U.S. market.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
I would like to thank Vancity, our bank, for selecting us in 2023 and providing a $25,000 grant for a food efficiency challenge. And a special thank you to three leaders for believing in me: Julia Canton, director of sales and marketing and sustainability manager at Huntingdon Hotel and Suites, and the Pendray Inn & Tea House; Steven Chen, president at Skal Canada Vancouver; and Chris Wilson, founder at Mentee Community.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
Never give up; waste less, earn more; everything happens for a reason
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
Vancouver Food Runners, a non-profit dedicated to food security—they’re featured in the Food Synergy Movie I worked on with Vivian Davidson-Castro.
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
Walk along the seawall with podcast; do something outdoors, like hiking or skiing; catch the sunset.
Favourite place in the province?
Haida Gwaii, with amazing nature and the best museum in B.C. An amazing place rich in indigenous history—I learned so much as a newcomer.
Favourite restaurant(s)?
Pendray Inn & Tea House, in Victoria—this award-winning property is a leader in food sustainability and is also one of our clients.
A book or podcast you would recommend?
BetterTable Shortcast, a place where tourism and hospitality leaders can listen, learn and profit faster. We uncover topics around food, sustainability and diversity.
What is your best habit?
My morning routine: Waking up at 5 a.m., and starting my day with 30 minutes at the YMCA doing cardio while listening to podcasts.
A B.C. business leader you admire?
Elisabeth Baudinaud, founder and principal of Carbon Wise, another benefit company focusing on advancing net-zero construction practices.
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
In 2017, I travelled the world across 17 countries for 18 months to document initiatives around urban farming, organic food and zero food waste.
