On April 20, about fifteen First Nations entrepreneurs gathered at HEC Montréal to attend a conference focused on learning soft and interpersonal skills to build trust, led by Benoit Chalifoux.
Organized by RésAUT, an initiative of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC), in collaboration with the First Nations Executive Education (FNEE), the conference took place in an intimate, human, and discussion-oriented atmosphere. Participants were invited to slow down and take a fresh look at their professional and personal interactions.
In a world where everything moves fast and where performance and technology play an increasingly important role, it is becoming clear that we must take the time to see the human being in front of us. Because while artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, it will never replace human warmth. Developing interpersonal skills, also known as soft skills, is much more than a professional asset: it’s an essential catalyst for fostering engagement, loyalty, and lasting relationships.
Three pillars for building trust daily
Based on his field experience, Mr. Chalifoux highlighted a simple yet powerful truth in his presentation: trust cannot be decreed; it is built through small actions repeated daily.
Every interaction is therefore an opportunity to connect or to miss out on a connection. Using a sensitive and vulnerability-focused approach, three key pillars of soft skills were presented for building strong and authentic relationships.
1. Authenticity: Daring to be yourself
Being authentic means having the courage to be imperfect, to set boundaries, and to show vulnerability.
It is in this ability to be genuine that trust is born, which in turn allows for more open, sincere, and meaningful exchanges.
2. Flexible thinking: Slowing down to better understand
In a world where everything is going increasingly fast, developing more flexible thinking allows us to step back, question our reflexes, and accept the discomfort necessary for a deeper understanding of situations.
Slowing down also gives us the chance to see others as human beings before seeing them as professionals.
3. Empathy: Taking advantage of opportunities to connect
Empathy is at the heart of interpersonal skills. It allows us to create meaningful connections, improve communication, and strengthen collaboration.
A striking example shared during the conference was the “Blue Jay test”: that moment when someone draws our attention to something as simple as pointing at a bird, and we have the choice to engage, or not to engage. Behind these moments lie genuine opportunities for connection.
Paying attention to these signals means choosing to build deeper and more lasting relationships.
Soft skills and entrepreneurship: A strategic advantage
The conference concluded with a simple yet powerful element: acts of generosity. Offering a listening ear, time, attention, or even a simple smile can have a lasting impact on the quality of professional relationships.
These gestures help create more human environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. For entrepreneurs, soft skills represent a true strategic advantage: they influence the ability to mobilize, build strong partnerships, and develop a meaningful entrepreneurial project.
So, what now?
Developing interpersonal skills is an ongoing process. Every interaction offers an opportunity to build trust, improve communication, and strengthen your network.
Do you live in or around the Greater Montreal area and want to develop your soft skills in entrepreneurship? If so, then you can join a dynamic and supportive community! Simply contact Alexandre Kénol, Entrepreneurship Advisor at the FNQLEDC, to learn more about upcoming RésAUT events.
