To mark its tenth anniversary in 2025, The A Effect is launching a series of in-depth interviews with graduates whose lives have been profoundly impacted by its two programs.

Here is the story of Ilham Lmissaoui, manager of RBC’s second-largest branch in Quebec and a two-time graduate of The A Effect in 2017 (for the Ambition Challenge) and in 2024 (for the Leadership Challenge).

Ilham, what motivated you to sign up for The A Effect’s Ambition Challenge in 2017?

Originally from Morocco, I pursued my studies and began my career in France before settling in Quebec in 2012. After a few years in Montreal, I joined Desjardins, where I found myself searching for a program that could truly support my professional aspirations. In 2017, driven by curiosity, ambition, and a strong desire to grow, I enthusiastically enrolled in The A Effect.

How would you describe your experience during the Ambition Challenge?

It was an incredibly enriching experience! My journey sparked a profound change within me, both in my professional mindset and in how I view my career development. I would even go so far as to say that this experience has had an impact on my life in general, because I’ve also become aware of strengths I didn’t even know I had! The A Effect has allowed me to identify these strengths, as well as other areas I need to work on to become the best version of myself.

Do these lessons still serve you today?

Every single day. I still take the time to revisit the notebook I kept during that period—especially before taking on a new challenge. Flipping through its pages fills me with a deep sense of pride.

In the past, I struggled to feel proud of myself or to acknowledge my own journey. I didn’t know how to practice self-gratitude. Today, that’s changed. I’ve learned to step outside my comfort zone, speak my mind with confidence, and stop trying to please everyone at all costs. These are just some of the powerful shifts I’ve made thanks to the Ambition Challenge.

Why did you decide to take on The A Effect’s Leadership Challenge seven years after completing your Ambition Challenge?

I was looking for a program to help me keep moving forward and working on myself. During this second journey, I had a revelation: why am I always trying to prove my worth to others? I already know my worth! I used to feel constant stress, the fear of letting go and losing my ambition. But I eventually managed to find a balance in all of that. Today, I no longer try to shine at all costs, and my worth depends solely on me. You can’t please everyone, and I accept that. In my meetings, I express my ideas with confidence, knowing that some will appreciate them and others will challenge them. And that’s perfectly fine.

This journey has also reminded me of a fact that seems obvious but that we tend to forget: my career is, above all, my responsibility. No one knows better than ourselves what’s good for us. Not to mention, of course, that we can receive advice, incorporate lessons learned, and even discover facets of ourselves that others perceive better than we do. This is exactly what I’m experiencing right now at RBC: my colleagues and the many managers I work with see qualities and perspectives in me that I hadn’t necessarily considered, and together we’re exploring my possible next career paths.

I would add that the Leadership Challenge helped me confirm the idea that finding fulfillment in my work plays—and will continue to play—a significant role in my career development, and also that a good leader is someone who manages to be both compassionate and effective. This balance is essential to our success and that of our teams.

Do you have an ultimate career goal, and if so, have you defined steps and strategies to achieve it?

The key element that guides me is inspiration. Incidentally, my first name, in Arabic, means “to inspire”; that is the mission my mother gave me at birth. Several women leaders at The A Effect, as well as participants I met during my training, have inspired me greatly, so I try to do the same for those around me. RBC therefore benefits directly from this passion of mine, as I foster the development of talent within the organization.

If I can no longer inspire others through what I do, I know it’s time to move on. And that goes for me as well: if I no longer feel fulfilled, I need to evolve. Unfortunately, in other professional experiences, some managers couldn’t see beyond their own immediate success and preferred to hold onto talent rather than let it flourish elsewhere. To the women reading this: as soon as you recognize this toxic situation, get out immediately.

A final word specifically for the 24,000 graduates of The A Effect, whom we’ll be celebrating through this series of profiles over the coming months?

My vision is simple: get to know yourself, work on yourself continuously, make an impact, inspire others, and move forward with authenticity. As long as these principles guide you, you’ll know you’re on the right path. And stop striving for perfection: aim for excellence in your imperfection!