“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” — Mother Teresa
The year is coming to a close. We find ourselves reflecting, not just on the year we’ve had, but on our journey as a whole. There’s so much to be thankful for. For our founder and CEO, Jennifer Ménard-Shand and COO, Alison “Ali” Hernández, having found each other is a blessing. Without this partnership, Staff Shop would not exist.
Gone are the dog eat dog business practices. Today, successful partnerships are forged by elevating each other and shining the spotlight on the other at every opportunity.
In recent history, it was our COO, Alison Hernández’s time to shine, as she was named one of WXN’s Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women for 2024. She was one of the winners in the Dean Davidson C-Suite Executives category.
As an Indigenous and women-led business, having a female member of our leadership team recognized in this way is an honour and a privilege.
Find Your Walt or Roy
“My Yoda used to say; ‘Jen, you are the Walt Disney of this operation and you must find Roy!’ or it could be the other way around and you’re looking for Walt! Destined, aligned and fruitful partnerships at any level, personally and professionally – are critical to success.” — Founder & CEO, Jennifer Ménard-Shand
This is of course a reference to the famous Walt Disney and his lesser known, but equally important brother, Roy.
Roy co-founded The Walt Disney Company and served as the first CEO. Their partnership was one where Walt led the creative side of the company and Roy the business side; both of which were important to the overall success of the business.
When starting a business, you might have the big picture ideas and creative mindset, but without a trusty Roy by your side, your dreams may not come to fruition.
Both parties play a crucial role in the success of the business. Each person focuses on different aspects, with some overlap where collaboration is necessary. Together you make an unstoppable team – a combination no other competitor has.
Everyone brings something unique to the table. Everyone has their strengths and blind spots. It’s important to know them and support each other effectively.
Value Aligned Partnerships
While yes, you need to find the Roy to your Walt or vice versa, there is more to successful partnerships than just that. You must also have similar values and common goals.
Yes, you each bring your strengths, but your overall values should align to make the partnership work. You should be in sync about where you want the organization to go. This isn’t to suggest that finding your perfect partner is easy. It doesn’t necessarily happen by luck or chance. First you have to know truly what you value before you can align with another person whose values reflect your own. It takes patience and persistence to find this person – it’s a marathon not a sprint.
“Finding Roy never felt easy but it felt right when my ‘Roy’ appeared via a fateful meeting in 2017. Trust your gut when it comes to special people and circumstances – ironically, these encounters usually happen via that effort, event, call or meeting that wasn’t planned. I wasn’t sure how the chips would fall but I knew there was something about Ali and I that was destined for something greater than our understanding. Today, she is the star business partner, friend and sister I could never have imagined. Glory to God.” — Jennifer Ménard-Shand
“Jennifer always says, ‘Nobody makes it alone’ and not only is this a wonderfully humble position for a leader to take, it is absolutely true. We were created to be in community with others – collaboration is in our DNA. Having someone to help you see your blind spots, challenge your thinking, cheer you on when you succeed and help you bounce back better when you fail is a gift like no other. I love the African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’” — Alison “Ali” Hernández
Hire Walt & Roy
Are you looking for speakers for events in 2025? Consider hiring Jennifer and Alison to speak on a variety of topics. Contact us today to book them! Topics include:
- The value in a “Walt & Roy Disney” partnership
- Core value alignment produces high ROI
- Wellness is a business system supported by servant leadership
- Empowering Indigenous & women-led businesses
- …and more!
