Join us for a dynamic fireside chat between two influential voices in North American politics and diplomacy. Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman now CEO of Power Sustainable and Former Premier of Québec Jean Charest now partner at Therrien Couture Jolicoeur, come together for a candid conversation on navigating high-stakes transitions—from public service to private sector leadership.
Together, they’ll explore how diplomatic experience shapes executive decision-making and what it means to lead with purpose in an era of geopolitical complexity. With personal reflections and strategic insights, this conversation is a rare opportunity to hear how public leaders adapt, evolve, and thrive in the corporate landscape.
 

Please note that the presentation will be in English.

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Biography

Jean Charest

As Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and Premier of Québec, and with a public service career spanning almost 30 years, Jean Charest is one of Canada’s best known political figures. 
Jean Charest was first elected to the House of Commons in 1984 and, at age 28, became Canada’s youngest cabinet minister as Minister of State for Youth. In 1991, he was named Minister of the Environment and Minister of Industry, Science and Technology, as well as Deputy Prime Minister of Canada in 1993.
In 1994, Jean Charest was chosen Leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party. He held that position until 1998 when he became Leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. Mr. Charest then broke a 50-year provincial record by winning three consecutive election campaigns in 2003, 2007 and 2008.
Furthermore, the Charest government initiated an unprecedented labour mobility agreement between France and Québec and was best known for a major initiative for the sustainable development of Northern Québec called “Plan Nord”. Jean Charest is notably the initiator of the negotiation for the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).  
He is today a Partner at Canadian firm Therrien, Couture, Joli-Coeur, where he provides invaluable expertise to the firm’s clients with his in-depth knowledge and experience with public policy, corporate Canada, and international matters. As a strategic advisor with a unique perspective, he supports clients on complex transactions, projects, and international mandates.
In January 2025, Jean Charest was appointed to the Council on Canada-U.S. Relations launched by the Prime Minister of Canada. He is also a member of the steering committee of the private sector Canada US Trade Council (CUSTC) to collaborate on tariff and CUSMA issues.

Bruce Heyman

Ambassador (ret) Bruce Heyman is a 33-year veteran of Goldman Sachs, where he served as partner and managing director in the Chicago office. He left Goldman to serve as the United States Ambassador to Canada under President Barack Obama from 2014 until 2017. Since then, he has joined the board of Chicago Public Media, served as a co-chair of the advisory board to the Canada Institute at the Wilson Center, and been named as an honorary patron to the Council of the Great Lakes Region. Ambassador Heyman is the co-author of the best-selling book The Art of Diplomacy, which highlights the extraordinary country of Canada and takes an in-depth look at why diplomacy matters now more than ever. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University. As of 2024, Heyman is CEO of Power Sustainable Capital, a global alternative asset manager.

Biography 2025