John Wilson (00:00)
Annie, I can't thank you enough for being on the CEO Global Network Podcast. It’s so great to see you again. It was great to see you at the Canadian Business Excellence Awards. Congratulations on winning that award once again.
Annie Laplante (00:11)
Thank you. Five years in a row for the team and I, so we're very grateful.
John Wilson (00:19)
Just before we get started, I want to let everybody know you are the President and CEO of Group MMI and a founding member of CEO Global Network in Montreal. Congratulations on your remarkable contributions.
Annie Laplante (00:31)
Thank you! It goes fast when you're having fun.
John Wilson (01:20) [Question]
You've built Group MMI into a values-driven company serving over 1,500 customers. What's one decision that you've made that reflects your people-first philosophy?
Annie Laplante (01:33)
When I became CEO, I went back into the field incognito—an undercover boss moment—to reconnect with the people doing the real work. It reminded me that culture isn't built in meetings but on the ground. That experience reset how I lead. We doubled down on training, growth, recognition, and a people-first philosophy.
John Wilson (02:27) [Question]
Quantum Shift focuses on high-growth entrepreneurs. What was your biggest takeaway from that program, and how has it shaped your leadership at MMI?
Annie Laplante (02:43)
Quantum Shift was transformative. Through peer groups and simulated scenarios, I learned growth starts with self-awareness. You can't scale your business without growing as a leader. I returned determined to slow down, empower others, and build a business that thrives even without me.
John Wilson (03:51) [Question]
Creating a wow factor for employees and clients seems crucial. What does that look like in practice, and how do you keep it alive as you scale?
Annie Laplante (04:08)
Wow happens in two ways: for employees, a handwritten note or personal acknowledgment; for clients, proactive solutions. We systemize empathy with regular check-ins and fast feedback loops. Celebrating heart as much as performance keeps humanity at the center.
John Wilson (04:52) [Question]
Your industry isn't always associated with innovation. How have you reinvented the game while keeping culture at the core?
Annie Laplante (05:03)
We use technology like robotics and AI to support humans, never replace them. Innovation and humanity coexist—rewriting what it means to be an innovative, conscious cleaning company.
John Wilson (05:30) [Question]
How have you scaled into Ontario and Quebec while maintaining a strong culture?
Annie Laplante (05:56)
We stay true to our values no matter what. We have a culture architect and foster culture ambassadors. We measure client and employee satisfaction and hire/let go based on values. It’s how we scale while keeping culture intact.
John Wilson (06:57) [Question]
Can you share a moment when servant leadership directly changed the outcome for your team or a client?
Annie Laplante (07:16)
During a major flood at a key client, I drove a big truck and worked side by side with the team. Morale soared, and the client understood our values: humility, unity, pride. Servant leadership is about presence and example, not theory.
John Wilson (08:15)
It’s inspiring to see how you walk the talk. Thank you for sharing your insights, Annie.
Annie Laplante (08:42)
Thank you, John. I appreciate everything CEO Global Network does for leaders.
