Raphaëlle Roy-Lemire, Eng.
Raphaëlle completed a bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal. It was an internship in the environmental field that sparked her passion for this area of expertise. Enthusiastic about fieldwork on various job sites, she joined the gbi team in 2020 as Head of the Environmental Department.
Her career is marked by a humble leadership style, where she emphasizes teamwork and the development of young talent. For Raphaëlle, finding a balance between professional commitment and personal passions is the key to a fulfilling life.
Can you describe your role at gbi?
“As Head of Geoenvironmental Services at gbi, my role is rich in diverse responsibilities. I am responsible for leading my team, which also includes mentoring—an opportunity to help young professionals develop their skills. One particularly exciting aspect of my work is business development. I identify new project opportunities and nurture strategic relationships with our clients and partners. This requires a broad vision and the ability to anticipate market and client needs.
My role extends beyond my department. I work closely with other teams across the company to meet cross-functional needs effectively. This collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver integrated and innovative projects that align with gbi’s vision and values.”
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
“When I see younger team members take the lead and successfully complete their own projects, it’s a great source of pride and joy. It not only reflects their professional growth but also my impact as a mentor.
Another highly rewarding moment is when these young team members, in turn, share their knowledge and experience with others. This transfer of expertise creates a virtuous cycle where everyone contributes to the evolution and enrichment of the team.
Seeing our team expand is also very gratifying. It reflects the trust our clients place in us and our ability to meet their needs effectively. And of course, nothing compares to the satisfaction of seeing our clients express appreciation for our work.”
What personality traits or skills are especially important to succeed in consulting engineering?
“First, it’s important to be able to put challenges and setbacks into perspective. This helps maintain a positive and constructive mindset, even in complex situations. Another crucial element is prioritizing the human side of teamwork—acknowledging colleagues’ achievements, giving constructive feedback, and strengthening cohesion and motivation within the team. Team spirit and solution-oriented thinking are key to success. Being willing to help and collaborate to overcome obstacles enhances overall team performance. Building relationships and fostering team synergy is also fundamental. Encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas leads to innovative solutions and maximizes collective performance.
In addition, a solid understanding of available resources and the ability to grow one’s professional network contributes to developing creative and effective project solutions. These traits and skills are essential for navigating the challenges of this dynamic and complex field.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
“In five years, I see myself in the same position, but with more opportunities for growth and development. I aim to lead a larger team, with team leads managing different sub-disciplines within our field. I also want to continue mentoring and helping young talent grow within the company. Seeing them thrive in their roles would be a great personal and professional achievement for me.”
Outside of work, what are your interests and how do they contribute to your work-life balance?
“My interests are closely tied to nature and outdoor activities. I especially enjoy hiking and mountain biking with my family.
Living in the countryside and staying close to nature is a vital part of my personal balance. Traveling is another passion of mine. Discovering new places, cultures, and ways of life broadens my horizons and feeds my curiosity.”
How would you describe gbi in three words ?
Empowerment, support, commitment
