France - the value of language in international collaboration

As CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, I appreciate the value of communication, collaboration, and global partnerships. But my recent trip to France gave me a profound, personal reminder of how bilingualism can unlock opportunities and create deeper connections in ways I don’t always reflect upon. While I have been to France more than once on vacation, this was my first trip for work. One of the most memorable moments of this visit was the extraordinary honor of attending a dinner at the Palais d’Elysée hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, a privilege I might never have had without my ability to speak French.?

Reflecting on this experience are three lessons on the importance of bilingualism to my journey.?

?1. Bilingualism Opens Doors to Unique Opportunities?

Language is more than a tool for communication—it’s a bridge to experiences and networks that might otherwise remain out of reach. Sitting at that dinner table in Paris, discussing opportunities for further collaboration in the ocean economy, I was acutely aware that my ability to speak French was a key that had opened this door.? Learning languages can be challenging, while it comes easy to some, others struggle. But the effort has been worth it for me, creating opportunities to connect with new people and ideas.? From my first job interviews as a coop student to working in Montreal to dinner with the President of France, I could never have imagined how much of an asset bilingualism would become.?

International collaboration is vital to the blue economy. While many of the events I attend throughout the world are in English, I recognize that being able to speak French provides me a broader perspective on my own country and my ability to engage with others.??

?2. Bilingualism Fosters Empathy and Understanding?

?Learning a second language also teaches humility. It’s easy to take for granted the comfort of operating in your first language—where thoughts flow freely and complex ideas are easy to express. But working in a second language is a challenge, one I’m reminded of every time I switch into French. It takes extra effort to navigate the nuances, and there’s always that small moment of doubt before speaking.?

However, this challenge has given me greater empathy for those who work regularly in their non-native language, particularly in international settings where this is the norm. I have had the opportunity to work in many different countries, and each time I attempt even a short greeting in a language I am not familiar with I gain a deeper appreciation for the courage and determination it takes for all of us to collaborate effectively across languages and cultures.?

This is especially relevant in our work at Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, where collaboration across Canada and internationally is critical to innovation. Understanding the complexities of working in a second language helps us create environments where everyone can contribute their best, regardless of linguistic background.?

3. Bilingualism Strengthens International Partnerships?

?The dinner with President Macron underscored another truth: bilingualism isn’t just about words—it’s about relationships. Speaking someone’s language, even imperfectly, shows respect for their culture and values. It builds trust, breaks down barriers, and fosters deeper, more meaningful connections.? One of my greatest takeaways from the Franco-Tech conference was while more tools are being developed to make translation instantaneous, these tools often do not capture cultural nuances, and these are incredibly important.? ?

Canada and France have recently announced a Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and a Declaration on the Ocean .? I believe these two declarations are both important to the work of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster given the critical role of artificial intelligence solutions in the ocean economy to tackle climate change. We can raise the importance of the ocean in the AI conversation and AI in the sustainable ocean conversation.???

I am grateful that my parents made the decision to enroll me in French immersion although that was not always the case —it is a gift that has not only enriched my life personally but has also been a powerful tool in my professional journey. As a parent myself, I hope that my daughter, who attends a French school, will someday recognize the opportunities and experiences that bilingualism has created for her. ?

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