Great Concordian: Jacques Goulet, executive chair of Sun Life Canada

Jacques Goulet, BSc 87, serves as executive chair of Sun Life Canada, a company that helps millions of Canadians achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.

Through innovative and holistic solutions, Sun Life supports clients with their health, wealth and insurance needs. Established in Montreal 159 years ago, the company’s roots run deep in Canada. It has since grown its operations worldwide across the United States, Europe and Asia.

An actuarial mathematics graduate, Goulet has helped Sun Life achieve significant recognition. The company is consistently lauded by media and research firm Corporate Knights as one of the 100 most sustainable corporations globally — and one of the best corporate citizens in Canada.

Year in and year out, Sun Life also ranks among the best places to work in the country.

Goulet hails from Shawinigan, Quebec, where his family’s plumbing business served as a cornerstone of his childhood.

“During summers, my brother and I were tasked with cleaning the storefront daily,” Goulet recalls. “It was important for my father that the fixtures on display were spotless every single morning. That attention to detail made a lasting impression.”

Whether at Mercer, his previous employer, or at Sun Life, Goulet has been similarly meticulous.

“For me, leadership means fostering diversity of thought while ensuring unity in execution,” he says of the guiding principle that has helped drive organizational success at Sun Life under his watch.

The Great Concordian has also led at his alma mater. As a Campaign for Concordia donor, Goulet has established scholarships for graduate students in actuarial mathematics.

He also helps to support paid internships for Concordia students at Sun Life through the Institute for Co-operative Education.

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

Jacques Goulet: Concordia provided me with a transformative experience. As someone from a small town who was not fluent in English, the opportunity to study actuarial mathematics in Montreal was a significant step in my development.

Co-op afforded me access to valuable hands-on experience before I completed my degree. Guidance from professors like José Garrido, who built the actuarial program, left a major impression. And the broader soft skills I acquired through my involvement in student associations was also instrumental.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

JG: Stepping outside of my comfort zone has been a crucial factor in my career. A good example is when Mercer unexpectedly offered me a position in Paris. I was 33 and my wife and I were about to start a family. But I took the leap, and it turned out to be the best decision.

In a sense, this approach started with my decision to attend Concordia instead of Université Laval, the choice for many francophone students who want to study actuarial mathematics. So my professional journey was enabled by a willingness to take on calculated risks.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

JG: Take chances, especially early in your career when the potential downsides are minimal. Secondly, prioritize diversity of thought in your teams. Without diverse perspectives, even a group of individually talented individuals may struggle to achieve optimal outcomes. Listening carefully and seeking to understand — before being understood — is essential for effective problem-solving and decision-making.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

JG: It is a tremendous honour because Concordia has played such a significant role in my success. I am deeply grateful for the recognition and remain committed to supporting the university community, whether through initiatives like our Dean Connor Sun Life Inclusion Scholarships and Internships for Black and Indigenous Students or the hiring of Co-op students.

I am immensely proud to be associated with my alma mater and look forward to celebrating the achievements of the other Great Concordians as well as future generations of Concordians.