Interview with Shi Diwen Zhu, ambassador and spokesperson for the JCCM.
What motivated you to join the JCCM ambassador collective?I had the chance to work closely with the JCCM during my tenure with One Young World. When my mandate came to an end, I saw a great opportunity to get involved with the JCCM. I founded Better Being to inspire and support the next generation, and the JCCM has a very similar mission. And it just so happens that one of the JCCM's strategic axes is well-being in the workplace, so it particularly resonated with me.
The role of ambassador allows me to be close to this new generation, to those who want to be agents of change, and to contribute to the mission of the Jeune Chambre de Commerce de Montréal.
How do you see your role as ambassador? What impact would you like to have?First and foremost, I'm here to represent the members. I want to encourage the next generation to think about the kind of workplace they want to work in, and to have the tools to create it. Together with the JCCM, my role is to echo their needs and be a catalyst for change. The impact that an organization like the JCCM can have should not be underestimated.
Can you tell me about your company, Better Being?
Better Being has evolved since its inception in 2021. Today, with my partners Scott Simons, Michel Venne and our team of experts, we offer a hub dedicated to high performers and leaders. We transform talent into corporate athletes-individuals capable of maintaining high performance while preserving their mental, physical and emotional health.
In concrete terms, this translates into :
- Customized programs to optimize sustainable performance
- Individual and team coaching for leaders
- Integration of recovery and preparation rituals into workdays
- Mental, physical and emotional performance monitoring
- Optimization space creation and management
- Nutrition and meals
As a former athlete, I have the noble intention of accompanying professionals to become a better version of themselves, supporting them like a team of experts supports an elite athlete.
Wellness has many dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, financial and social. Everyone has their own definition, and it's important for companies to be aware of this and create an environment where everyone can flourish not only at work, but in their personal lives too.
In your opinion, what are the obstacles to the adoption of a corporate wellness culture?
The main obstacle is the capitalist culture, which values performance and profit first and foremost. It's difficult to change this paradigm, but performance and well-being can coexist when they are well integrated into business strategy. Employees' expectations in this respect are evolving, and companies have a role to play. By putting people at the heart of the equation, employees are more motivated, involved and committed.
Flexibility and autonomy also play a key role in well-being at work and productivity, as they enable employees to feel involved, perceive their contribution to the organization and feel in control of their work.
Do you have any concrete examples of good workplace well-being practices that you would recommend to organizations?Every industry, every company, is different and has different needs, but everything has to start from the top, from top management. Well-being at work will only be possible if we work on management practices and the culture established by the type of leadership. This is what models and influences how the rest of the organization behaves. A healthy leader creates a healthier company.
Wellness initiatives also need to be integrated systemically, not just individually. For example, some companies have banned meetings on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, introduced 50-minute meetings to avoid the stress of consecutive meetings without a break, and implemented a right to disconnect policy, enabling employees to draw a line between work and their personal lives.
In your opinion, what are the challenges facing the next generation of business leaders in the years to come?Unsurprisingly, the adoption of artificial intelligence and technology in business is already a major challenge. It's crucial for employees to embrace these changes and evolve to add value. It's in our interest to use these tools to help us be more effective in our work.
On the other hand, organizations also have a role to play in developing and supporting their employees in this transformation. How can we integrate these technologies while ensuring the mental well-being of our teams to avoid burnout?
Your favorite quote is: “Never overestimate your talent, but above all never underestimate your potential”. How does this philosophy guide you in your career?
This quote reminds me that it's essential to remain humble and believe in my potential, to share my dreams and to surround myself with people who pull me up. Sometimes, you have to put your ego aside and believe in your ability to evolve and achieve your goals.
