From Healthcare to Innovative Manufacturing: Lisa Goulet’s journey of Transformational Leadership!
Life is full of challenges that can feel overwhelming at times. Whether it’s a job loss, a health issue, a relationship struggle, or any other daunting obstacle, we inevitably face situations that test our patience and force us to adapt. In those moments, we have a choice: we can let the obstacle consume and demoralize us, or we can rise above it and redefine ourselves through the experience.
This philosophy conveys the perseverance and tenacity that have propelled Lisa Goulet, President of Aiguisatek, on an inspirational career journey. From the hallways of neuroscience critical care to the cutting edges of industrial manufacturing, her path has been one of transformation, courage, and a zeal for superiority.
A registered nurse by trade, Goulet spent over two decades as a clinical leader and change agent in healthcare settings across Quebec. Her passion for improving patient outcomes through process optimization, combined with a talent for influencing and mentoring teams, established her as a rising star in nursing management.
However, life had other plans in store. The sudden loss of both her parents within a year was a harrowing personal blow. In the midst of profound grief, Goulet faced a pivotal crossroads: stay the course in nursing or honor her father’s legacy by taking the reins of his woodworking equipment business, Aiguisatek.
“The easy choice would have been to step away during such an emotionally turbulent period,” Goulet recalls. “But I’ve never been one to opt for the easy path, especially when it came to upholding my family’s values and vision.”
Pushing past the understandable skepticism of others, Goulet made the bold decision to not just sustain Aiguisatek but to transform it into Quebec’s preeminent cutting tool service and distribution powerhouse. While the learning curve in an entirely new industry was steep, her leadership skills proved highly transferable.
Applying her expertise in change management and her gift for nurturing high-performing teams, Goulet rapidly optimized Aiguisatek’s operations while rallying employees around a unified mission. She simultaneously invested in digital modernization, pioneering new services that gave the company a competitive edge.
Today, over a decade after taking the helm, Goulet’s impact is indelibly etched across Aiguisatek’s success. The firm has more than tripled in size, emerging as the go-to manufacturing partner for businesses province-wide. More importantly, Goulet has preserved her father’s entrepreneurial spirit while forging her own remarkable legacy.
“My journey has been one of perseverance, hard-earned growth, and always aiming higher,” Goulet says. “I hope that by sharing my story, others will have the courage to redefine their own potential when life takes an unexpected turn.”
Let us learn more about her journey:
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
In 2010, amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and the allure of the unknown, Lisa made a pivotal decision to heed her intuition and venture into the realm of entrepreneurship, assuming the helm of Aiguisatek, a venerable family enterprise established by her father in 1986.
At that time, her son, a mere 17 years of age, was already immersed in the company as an apprentice sharpener, harboring aspirations of entrepreneurial pursuits akin to his mother’s. Endowed with a penchant for challenges and a fervent interest in industry leadership, he mirrored her drive and determination.
Aiguisatek stands as a paragon of comprehensive solutions within its industry, staunch in its mission to furnish clientele with services that epitomize peak quality, profitability, reliability, and longevity in industrial tools—a cornerstone for manufacturers of all stripes.
Lisa’s vision was resolute: to steer Aiguisatek through a profound metamorphosis, embracing forefront technologies and positioning the company as a vanguard in industrial tooling, amplifying tool lifespan, and ensuring a tangible return on investment for woodworking manufacturers.
To actualize this strategic blueprint, the company transitioned to a facility fivefold larger than its 2015 counterpart. Acknowledging the epoch of automation and robotics, Aiguisatek has dutifully catered to its manufacturing clientele with dedication and fervor, channeling over 3 million dollars into investments over the past four years.
A bastion of innovation, job creation, and a beacon of Canadian heritage spanning three generations, Aiguisatek proudly distinguishes itself in its domain. Presently, Lisa’s son, now 31 years of age, assumes the mantle of Vice President of Business Development and Operations, a pivotal shareholder in the company.
Aligned in vision, he harbors ambitions to expand the business across North America, leveraging his acumen and leadership to perpetuate the company’s legacy of integrity, greatness, and the foundational values instilled by its founder.
From Healthcare to Industrial Leadership
In her transition from the healthcare industry to the industrial sector, Lisa’s experience in healthcare has profoundly influenced her leadership style at Aiguisatek. Managing and leading tertiary care in the healthcare system has honed her problem-solving skills and instilled a focus on finding creative solutions to complex issues. This background has equipped her with the ability to ensure dedicated resources for change and enhance the capacity and capability of professionals and managers at all levels, despite the challenges inherent in the healthcare environment.
Her affinity for challenges and her adeptness at quickly analyzing problems while maintaining a holistic perspective has been instrumental in her leadership approach. Her goal-oriented mindset drives her to seek effective solutions, drawing on her wealth of experience in the healthcare sector.
Motivated by a desire to continue her family’s business, Lisa successfully transferred her knowledge, leadership, and management skills from healthcare to the wood industry, demonstrating determination and adaptability in the process.
Upon joining Aiguisatek, she commenced a journey to understand the company’s employees, their roles, and their potential for leadership development. By cultivating autonomy within each department—customer service, sales, production, and operations—she initiated a cultural shift towards empowerment and growth. Immersing herself in customer service activities, she not only gained insights into the company’s operations but also built trustful relationships with clients, laying a strong foundation for future success.
Lisa’s passion for propelling Aiguisatek to new heights is evident in her strategic initiatives, which have led to the expansion of the client base across Quebec and a significant increase in turnover. By prioritizing customer service, operational efficiency, and innovation, she and her team have positioned Aiguisatek as a reputable provider of high-performance tools, showcasing her leadership acumen and adherence to quality in the industrial sector.
Navigating the Pandemic
Lisa faced a significant challenge during the growth of her company when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. The company had been experiencing a remarkable 30% growth when they were forced to minimize business activities due to public health safety measures imposed by the Provincial Public Health Agency. With non-essential manufacturers required to close and staff mandated to stay at home, Lisa and her team were confronted with a daunting situation.
Despite the temporary downturn, her strategic decision-making skills shone through. She and her remote team quickly adapted to the new reality by maintaining low production for essential services with only two people. This was achieved through the implementation of automated production using technological machines in their factory.
Furthermore, Lisa recognized the opportunity to restructure the company, particularly the shipping department, by revamping the way they picked up tools and delivered them to customers.
When Aiguisatek reopened to all customers, these strategic changes paid off. The company was able to reduce costs while maintaining excellent service for its customers. To further enhance their responsiveness, she expanded the customer service department internally, enabling them to quickly address customer needs over the phone.
Through her decisive actions and forward-thinking approach, Lisa not only navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic but also managed to achieve a remarkable 5% growth that year. Her ability to adapt, innovate, and maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity exemplifies the resilience and strategic abilities that have been the hallmarks of Aiguisatek’s success.
Embracing Tradition and Innovation
Lisa highlighted that the founder’s original values and vision continue to serve as the guiding force behind the company, now in its third generation. Since assuming leadership in 2010, the company has successfully modernized its operations by embracing cutting-edge technologies while remaining true to its core principles of tool sustainability, exceptional service, and quality products. This vision has been expanded through the strategic integration of automation and robotics, enabling the company to effectively cater to the evolving needs of its expanding customer base.
The company’s position as a leader in the tooling and manufacturing industry is widely recognized by both customers and suppliers alike. It takes great pride in contributing to the operational efficiency and creativity of its clients.
With an ardent promise to goodness, the company’s approach is centered on providing unparalleled service to every customer, regardless of size. By actively participating in the success of its projects, the company positions itself as a dedicated tooling, sharpening, and consulting services department, addressing any potential issues that may arise. This customer-centric approach is reflected in the meticulous attention to detail and the emphasis on service quality, with the goal of providing an unmatched level of service and performance.
The company’s strength lies in its dynamic and dedicated team, which regularly comes together to drive improvement, enhancement, and communication initiatives while embodying empathy and integrity. These values form the very foundation of the corporate culture, as evidenced by the satisfaction and accolades from clients who recognize the company as a leader, as well as the positive feedback from employees on social media expressing their pride in collaborating with the company.
The pledge and motivation of the employees serve as a constant driving force towards virtue, with active listening to their needs being crucial in upholding the company’s values. Guided by a philosophy of continuous improvement, the company strives for superiority in all aspects, from administrative procedures to technical processes, quality, and products, with eminence serving as the primary pillar.
The Impact of Collaborating with SMB Entrepreneurs
In her role as a member of EntreChefs PME, Lisa reflects on the transformative influence of collaborating with fellow small and medium-sized business (SMB) entrepreneurs on the growth and development strategies at Aiguisatek.
Within this exclusive group of 8 members, Lisa engages in bi-monthly meetings aimed at fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions to common challenges, notably the scarcity of human resources.
During these gatherings, the collective intellect of the group is harnessed as they engage in collaborative brainstorming sessions, pooling their diverse experiences to address pressing issues. Lisa finds particular value in the unique perspective she gains from being an active participant in a predominantly male-dominated environment, where she can draw upon the wealth of knowledge and insights offered by her peers.
Through this symbiotic relationship with EntreChefs PME, she not only enriches her own understanding of business dynamics but also leverages the collective wisdom of the group to propel the growth and development initiatives at Aiguisatek to new heights.
Elevating Customer Satisfaction and Innovation
In response to inquiries about Aiguisatek’s dedication to customer service and innovation within the tool remanufacturing industry, Lisa articulates the company’s devotion to tailored solutions and personalized services. The firm’s approach revolves around the utilization of reliable, cutting-edge machinery to deliver unparalleled service quality.
The company distinguishes itself by offering on-site services facilitated by skilled application technicians, extending support beyond mere maintenance to establish collaborative partnerships aimed at enhancing productivity.
Aiguisatek’s ethos transcends mere tool repair and replacement; it is rooted in a mission to elevate quality, efficiency, and profitability for its clientele, ensuring uninterrupted business operations and sustained growth.
Through a meticulous remanufacturing process, coupled with the company’s profound expertise and automated replacement initiatives, Aiguisatek guarantees that its customers’ tools and production capabilities are primed for success.
By optimizing equipment performance, businesses can achieve heightened productivity, increased yields, and consistent product quality, thereby fostering a conducive environment for sustained success and growth.
Transforming Manufacturing Through Innovation
In 2019, Lisa and her team embarked on a transformative journey by deciding to automate their factory, setting the stage for a new era of efficiency and productivity.
Within the realm of manufacturing, the choice of cutting materials is crucial. Her manufacturing clients predominantly rely on carbide and diamond-cutting tools for wood and melamine. The unparalleled durability of diamond-cutting tools ensures prolonged usage within machines, reducing the frequency of tool changes.
Despite the substantial initial investment required, the adoption of this technology significantly enhances the productivity of manufacturing clients, guaranteeing a high yield in the long run.
To cater to the escalating demand, in 2021, Lisa strategically planned and executed the development of the Diamond Tool Manufacturing and Services Department, allocating nearly 2 million dollars over three years. The meticulous initiatives undertaken to establish and enrich this department serve as the cornerstone of providing exceptional service to customers in the wood industry.
Building a proficient team, implementing new processes, conducting research and development, and demonstrating the benefits of the investment to customers were formidable tasks. The scarcity of skilled labor proficient in the technologies used necessitated recruiting talent internationally and facilitating their seamless integration.
Over the past three years, her team meticulously crafted a department from inception, including the integration of quality control equipment. Convincing financial partners of the project’s value was pivotal in securing funding for the acquisition of machinery for the specialized diamond department.
Lisa’s vision extends beyond borders, aiming to expand market reach beyond Quebec and become the premier cutting tool maintenance service center in Canada and North America. With a steadfast vow to supremacy, ongoing efforts will focus on developing a robust marketing strategy to uphold the industry benchmark for quality and advisory services.
With a legacy spanning over 15 years, her dedication to innovation and growth continues to shape the future of manufacturing brilliance, setting a standard of unparalleled service and expertise in the industry.
A Three-Year Plan for Expansion & Recognition
In her statement, Lisa articulated that the company is currently immersed in a strategic three-year initiative aimed at doubling its business operations. Expressing the company’s ambitious vision, she highlighted plans for geographical expansion, specifically targeting further growth into western Canada and venturing into the United States market.
Emphasizing an obligation to fineness, Lisa proudly announced that Aiguisatek has been honored with a nomination for an esteemed Excellence Award by CCIRS. Positioned as one of the top three finalists in the manufacturing company category, Aiguisatek is set to participate in the prestigious 40th Excellence Gala scheduled for May 30th, 2024. This recognition underscores the company’s dedication to achieving and maintaining exceptional standards in its industry, marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of grandeur and growth.
In Her Words – Fostering Employee Growth, Diversity, and Well-being
We encourage all our employees to grow and develop their potential by providing ongoing education, leadership workshops, and professional coaching by certified coaches. Every year, the managers and employees share their professional goals for the year and discuss their objectives for their professional development. We have accompanied and supported the process of employees becoming managers and/or expert advisors in tool manufacturing.
We have implemented an inclusion strategy and promoted diversity in the workplace. We welcome passionate employees of all generations and cultures from 14 to 65 years old and older to offer diversity in experience and culture, giving younger people the chance to develop in a company that will continue to grow. Experienced individuals are involved in training and transferring their knowledge.
We care about providing a quality environment for our employees. We have established a workplace wellness committee for our employees. We organize social and leadership activities with them to involve them in certain company decisions and contribute to an environment where quality of work life is paramount.
We have received testimonials from employees such as: “Teamwork and mutual aid make for a super nice and friendly place” and “Colleagues are dedicated to my success and very pleasant. Beautiful corporate culture and management that listens.”
To be Designed Separately:
Words of Wisdom – Empowering Female Leadership in Male-dominated Industries
Female leadership and management in a male-dominated industry can be a challenge as well as a reward. It often involves breaking through traditional barriers and stereotypes while demonstrating exceptional communication skills with confidence, and the capability of having empathy and being able to adapt to succeed. Committing to lifelong learning and personal development is crucial. I would say to invest in yourself and your personal development.
Demonstrating high levels of competence, expertise, and knowledge in your industry is vital. This helps earn respect and credibility from peers, subordinates, customers, and suppliers. Building strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders and financial partners. Being open to new ideas, willing to learn, and quick to adapt to market trends and technological advancements. Having a strategic plan for the next 3–5 years with a clear vision and the ability to control the finances of the company. You should set ambitious but realistic and achievable goals and inspire your team to work collaboratively.
I advise female entrepreneurs to never give up; this is what I coach my daughter, who has built her own online business for the last 5 years and grew it by 100% in the last year. It is important to surround themselves with a strong support system and address their weaknesses. Keep pushing through your comfort zone.
Managing and leading a business is no straight line, you are going to experience problems and need to train to solve them. There is a solution for every obstacle and problem. You need to build resilience skills. When you have resilience, you harness the inner strength that helps you rebound from a setback or a challenge with tough events.
Resilience refers to the ability to successfully adapt to stressors, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity. It’s the ability to “bounce back” from difficult experiences and stay focused on long-term goals. Being resilient means that you can reflect on what is in your power to change and what is not.
I believe that my unconventional journey as an entrepreneur, leader, and change agent can inspire women entrepreneurs to never give up or encourage women who hesitate to become entrepreneurs to help them decide. My path and courage to dive into a predominantly male industry are examples of resilience and confidence.
My professional accomplishments and previous experiences, both personal and professional, have contributed to my own personal growth as well as the growth of the company. In summary, I would also advise you to love what you do, know your purpose, and keep a positive mindset.
