Stay humble is this medic’s key to leadership

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) Pier-Vincent Michaud is making a difference in the lives of others. As CPO1 Michaud prepares to deploy to Iraq on NATO mission Iraq, his focus on empowering his members is his key to team success.

A dedicated member in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) he has faced many challenges during his 24 years of service. Yet his biggest challenge over the years didn’t involve conflict, violence or perilous situations. According to him, it’s been keeping his fellow members motivated and engaged in their service.

"Motivating troops is not just about boosting morale; it's about nurturing a culture of commitment and excellence," he says. "It involves recognizing and addressing the diverse needs and aspirations of each individual while fostering a cohesive and supportive team environment."

"Whether it's providing training opportunities, facilitating career advancement, or simply offering words of encouragement, the goal is to empower every member to reach their full potential," he says.

Michaud's journey to the Navy began with a childhood fascination for maritime adventures.

He joined the Navy League of Canada at ten years old and later became a Sea Cadet, developing valuable skills and discipline along the way.

"When I joined the Royal Canadian Navy, it was the adventurous prospect of exploring maritime service that truly intrigued me," recalls Michaud. "My journey began in the Reserves, where I served as a Boatswain while exploring my future career options."

It wasn't until 2004 that Michaud discovered his true calling. When he joined the Regular Force he switched jobs and became a Medical Technician. This felt like a natural progression, blending his desire for service with his growing interest in healthcare.

"My job holds immense importance to me," Michaud emphasizes. "It's about making a tangible difference in the lives of others, from treating patients to providing leadership and mentorship to my team."

After working for close to 20 years as a medic in the RCN, Michaud is now a leader as a Regimental sergeant major. As a leader, his focus has now shifted from medical care to retention, and the welfare of his fellow members.

Although this is a major shift in roles, Michaud is looking forward to his new responsibilities and his upcoming deployment to Iraq.

"I'm honoured to be part of a mission that not only challenges me professionally but also allows me to make a meaningful impact in a complex environment," says CPO1 Michaud. NATO Mission Iraq focuses on advising and capacity-building for Iraq's armed forces.

Over the years, Michaud has learned to adapt this leadership style to connect better with his team. By paying more attention to each person's needs, offering personalized guidance, and encouraging open communication, his goal is to "create an environment where each member feels valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute their best" he says.

Looking back on his years of service, he has an idea of what leadership skills and experiences will come in handy for this deployment. It's all about being a good communicator, staying adaptable, and making decisions.

"One thing I've learned is the importance of being humble and knowing when to listen to others. Building strong teamwork and camaraderie has been a big part of my journey, and I think it's going to be key in keeping morale high during the deployment," he says. "I feel pretty confident that I can lead with empathy and understanding and contribute to our mission success."