Isabelle Lord

Leadership Communication Expert
Speaker & Columnist
Certified Executive Coach (PCC)
CRHA Distinction Fellow
Author of 5 bestsellers

“Isabelle has made an outstanding contribution to the development of managers in Quebec through the quality, diversity, and relevance of the content she delivers across all mediums.”

Previously a senior executive and later the founder and president of the leadership development firm Lord communication managériale, acquired by Humance in 2021, Isabelle has empowered more than 200,000 managers and professionals through her distinctive approach to leadership communication.

Isabelle is a CRHA Distinction Fellow, certified executive coach (PCC), and sought-after speaker across Canada and internationally. She holds a degree in Management from McGill University, as well as a postgraduate diploma (D.E.S.S.) in Organization and Human Resources from La Sorbonne University (Paris 1). Author of five bestselling books, she is widely recognized for her pragmatic and impactful approach. Most recently, she released the second edition of Inspirational Leaders, co-authored with Jennifer Gabriele.

Since 2023, Isabelle has focused her work on the development of executive coaches and the advancement of corporate board directors. She collaborates with the Collège des Administrateurs de Sociétés (CAS) and the Association Progrès du Management (APM). She is also a contributing expert for Gestion magazine published by HEC Montréal, where her articles are featured regularly. Elle collabore notamment avec le Collège des Administrateurs de Sociétés (CAS) et avec l’Association Progrès du Management (APM). Elle est aussi experte invitée à la revue Gestion des HEC, qui publie régulièrement ses articles.

In 2016, Isabelle received the Government of Quebec Award from the Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec. More recently, in 2021, she was named a finalist at the Mercuriades Awards Mercuriadesin the Sun Life Exceptional Woman category. Her latest book, The Art of the Question, was also recognized as Business Book of the Year (2023)by the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés.

Expertise and Achievements

Professional Experience

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Founder and President, Lord Communication managériale (2008–2023)

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Senior Director, Organizational Communication, National Bank of Canada (2001–2008)

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Director of Corporate Affairs, Hydro-Québec International (1997–1999)

Professional Titles

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Recipient of the Distinction Fellow designation awarded by the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés (2023)

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Certified Human Resources Professional (2012)

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Coaching de gestion: ICF Certified Coach, PCC (2008)

Education

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McGill University, Montreal — Graduate Diploma in Management (1987–1992)

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Panthéon-Sorbonne University, Paris — Postgraduate Diploma (D.E.S.S.) in Organizational Management and Human Resources (1989–1990)

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Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières — Undergraduate Certificate in Writing and Research (1984–1987)

Community Involvement

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Delivered complimentary conferences, training sessions, and coaching services for the AFFQ, CFA Québec, FEI Québec, and nonprofit organization managers (2008–2023)

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Member of the Board of Directors, Conservatoire de la Montérégie (2018–2020)

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Vice-President, Canadian Mental Health Association (2003–2013)

Publications & Writing

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Contributor and business columnist for Les Affaires (2011–2021) and the Revue Gestion (2021–present)

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Author of six business books for managers and professionals:
– Inspirational Managers, 1st Edition (2011)
– The Courage to Speak (2014)
– L’étoffe d’un leader (2016)
– Sustainable Influence (2017)
– The Art of the Question (2020)
– Inspirational Leaders, 2nd Edition (2025)