Interview with National Advisory Committee member - Billy Boucher
January 04, 2022
Watch Billy's video below
The Leading Lenders' team had the chance to sit down and chat with Billy Boucher, Chief Executive Officer at Desjardins Ontario Credit Union. Billy has a key role within his organization and he has a clear passion for entrepreneurship, having many years of experience in the business world. In this interview, Billy answers questions about the Leading Lenders' initiative and related topics. (A written version of the interview is also available below.)
Question #1: In your opinion, what is a leading lender?
The first step is to make the decision that you want to take the journey to become a leading lender. From there, it’s about breaking down any barriers by learning more about what it takes to be a leading lender and ensuring that it’s implemented and that it becomes part of the DNA of your organization.
Question #2: What inspires you about the Leading Lenders project?
My entrepreneurial spirit which I’ve had since a young age when I first started in business at the age of 14 has helped propel my career in the financial services industry. I know, as you do, how critical small and medium businesses are for the Canadian economy and we need all entrepreneurs, women and men, to help restart the Canadian economy.
Question #3: In your experience, what are the most significant barriers women entrepreneurs face when trying to access business financing?
For me, the biggest barrier is at times linked to preconceived notions based on personal experiences. It’s important for our leading lenders to better understand their own preconceived notions and break down those barriers.
Question#4: What tips would you offer to lenders who are looking to support a woman entrepreneur during her journey?
The first step is to identify if there are any gender gaps and then ensure that steps are in place to close down that gap through education and support for all entrepreneurs, women and men.
Billy Boucher is a member of the Leading Lenders’ National Advisory Committee. We invite you to learn more about Billy by visiting his page on our website.
The Leading Lenders' team had the chance to sit down and chat with Billy Boucher, Chief Executive Officer at Desjardins Ontario Credit Union. Billy has a key role within his organization and he has a clear passion for entrepreneurship, having many years of experience in the business world. In this interview, Billy answers questions about the Leading Lenders' initiative and related topics. (A written version of the interview is also available below.)
Question #1: In your opinion, what is a leading lender?
The first step is to make the decision that you want to take the journey to become a leading lender. From there, it’s about breaking down any barriers by learning more about what it takes to be a leading lender and ensuring that it’s implemented and that it becomes part of the DNA of your organization.
Question #2: What inspires you about the Leading Lenders project?
My entrepreneurial spirit which I’ve had since a young age when I first started in business at the age of 14 has helped propel my career in the financial services industry. I know, as you do, how critical small and medium businesses are for the Canadian economy and we need all entrepreneurs, women and men, to help restart the Canadian economy.
Question #3: In your experience, what are the most significant barriers women entrepreneurs face when trying to access business financing?
For me, the biggest barrier is at times linked to preconceived notions based on personal experiences. It’s important for our leading lenders to better understand their own preconceived notions and break down those barriers.
Question#4: What tips would you offer to lenders who are looking to support a woman entrepreneur during her journey?
The first step is to identify if there are any gender gaps and then ensure that steps are in place to close down that gap through education and support for all entrepreneurs, women and men.
Billy Boucher is a member of the Leading Lenders’ National Advisory Committee. We invite you to learn more about Billy by visiting his page on our website.
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