Let's take time to cheer some of our own
Last week, Time magazine released its annual list of the world's most influential people. Scrolling down the names of the chosen always feels as good as unwrapping gifts, making this annual tradition one that brings me almost as much merriment as Christmas. Edward Felsenthal, Time's editor-in-chief, described those on the prestigious roster as “extraordinary leaders from around the world working to build a better future.” The list is broken down into such categories as titans, pioneers, innovators and leaders.
Whom we celebrate can be a reflection of where we stand as a society, so Time's annual list also should be seen as a barometer. In 2018, Quebec's L'actualité magazine released its own version of the most influential. Topping the list were TV host Guy A. Lepage, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault.
Three years later, the trio likely would still make the cut, confirming that politics and media continue to be important influencers. But the reality is that they're shaped by movements, and those leading them must also find their way to recognition, next to the otherwise conventional mighty.
If a list were a snapshot of where we stand today in Quebec, who else would be on it?
Yoshua Bengio was featured on L'actualité's 2018 list. The Université de Montréal professor heads Mila, Quebec's artificial intelligence institute. If Montreal has become a leading pole of artificial intelligence, Bengio is the one to thank.
A 2021 portrait of Quebec pioneers, innovators and leaders would have to include Montreal's Ravy Por. The mathematician and data scientist also is an artificial intelligence and
Whom we celebrate can be a reflection of where we stand as a society, so Time's annual list also should be seen as a barometer.
emerging technologies executive at a leading accounting firm. He founded the non-profit Héros de chez nous, which aims to democratize technologies, including AI, and demystify digital literacy for those 13 to 25 years old. Por sees these empowering tools as essential to best integrate the new world economy. The goal of Héros de chez nous is also to find solutions for societal and environmental issues, making our collectivity both more innovative and inclusive.
In many ways, Por reminds me of Ken Frazier and Ken Chenault, who are featured on Time's latest list.
In addition to spearheading the mobilization of some of the top executives in the U.S. to support voting rights in states where they were increasingly endangered, the former Fortune 500 CEOS also founded Oneten. That organization's mission is to ignite potential in communities too often left behind by giving them better tools to join the labour force. Business leaders who matter no longer worry solely about profit margins. They understand the value and responsibility of helping to create equal access and opportunities for all.
U.S. Olympian and multi-medallist Simone Biles also is a Time laureate this year. More than her athletic accomplishments, it's her public stance on the importance of mental health that is celebrated in the magazine. Other athletes such as tennis star Naomi Osaka and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers also are speaking out about self-care, and a Quebec list wouldn't be complete without Jonathan Drouin on it. Almost six months after taking a leave of absence to deal with his mental health, the Habs player, who suffered from anxiety and insomnia, said he feels ready to lace up his skates and rejoin the team.
More than records being broken, trophies being lifted and big endorsements being signed, mental health is the most important sports story of 2021 — and Drouin, like Simone Biles, is to be applauded.
There is a plethora of Montrealers to be hailed. Like in the rest of the world, the trend in Quebec should be to celebrate those who speak out on the importance of taking care of ourselves, so we can be in a better position to take care of each other.