In His Shoes: Joseph Doucet

Who’s walking around in Poppy Barley shoes? Here, we spend 5 minutes with our customers to find out who they are and what they do.

Name

Joseph Doucet

Occupation

Dean of the Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta

Home

Edmonton, Alberta

Poppy Barley style(s) I own:

The Calgary Wingtip in Black Calf and Tan Calf

Describe a typical work day for you.

• I like to start with a gym workout, not always done
• I often have a breakfast meeting - but most of the day is in meetings
• I often have lunch and sometimes dinner out – so I appreciate being home for dinner with my wife when that happens
• So, in sum: lots of meetings – but mostly with interesting people (students, colleagues, leaders outside U) and on interesting issues

What is the most rewarding part of being the Dean of the Alberta School of Business?

Engaging with students – bright, articulate and energetic.

What are three key attributes one needs to be successful in business?

• The ability to see the big picture and not get bogged down in details – i.e. see and develop strategy
• The ability to execute on big and small things – i.e. strategy, and the important details
• The ability to listen – to clients, colleagues, etc. There is always something to learn and you don’t learn if you don’t listen to others.

How were you first introduced into the energy sector?

During PhD studies at UC Berkeley, looking at electricity markets and pricing.

You were recently appointed as an expert on the government’s panel for diversification and economic development, how has that experience been for you thus far?

Exciting, energizing, and a little daunting – the province’s economic environment is complex, and the challenges are significant; however I am very optimistic vis-à-vis our future and see lots of upside if we are able to focus on a vision forward to help develop the economy of the next century.

Why do you “Stay in Edmonton”?

It's a great place to live, great people, fantastic university and business school.

How do see the city and the economy of the city changing in the next 5-10 years?

More focused on improving our overall quality of life, recognizing value of investment in infrastructure; also taking advantage of the growth in population and the energy brought by new Albertans.

What has been your experience with your Poppy Barley shoes?

Great – have worn them in Canada, China and UK – great comfort and style.

If you could walk in anybody’s shoes for a day, who would it be?

A Métis trapper from the 19^th century.

You lead a busy life and have a family with four boys; how do you manage work and personal time?

Recognizing that my family is more important than anything; trying (not always successfully) to achieve balance.

What are you most proud of?

My family, 4 boys , and my great marriage to Karen, over 32 years now.