Lynda Arsenault
International Trade & FDI Business Consultant - CITP©/FIBP©
Lynda Arsenault is an expert in attracting, maintaining and accelerating Foreign Direct Investment opportunities. With over 20 years of experience working in both the public and private sector, she has been instrumental in assisting international companies succeed in-market. For 10 years, Lynda worked in senior management positions for the Nova Scotia government traveling globally with a key focus on India, UK, Europe, Dubai, Japan and the US attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities into the province. In 2016, Lynda began her own consulting practice (In-Market Results Inc.) focused on helping clients make effective decisions on site selection. This specialty includes; hosting investment missions with foreign delegations as well as diplomatic & B to B - matchmaking service. Since incorporating, she has formed international partnerships with "AHP-International" based in Berlin to work with clients across Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Germany & South Africa while collaborating with "Export Nova Scotia" with the key client - Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA). Another successful partnership was formed with "The Varanda Network" when we won the Canadian contract for the State of Pennsylvania (working for the Department of Economic Development), responsible for driving Canadian FDI into the US State.
Ms. Arsenault has held executive positions on multiple boards including: Program Chair for the Canadian International Council (CIC), The Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce, Contact Centre Nova Scotia (CCNS), Digital Nova Scotia (DNS) and Nova Scotia Women in Technology (NSWIT). Lynda is an FDI Advisor for The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada and a member of The Council of American States in Canada (CASC). She is an active volunteer with Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia and in her spare time, acts as a business mentor for university graduates.
Ms. Arsenault holds a Master’s Degree in E-Commerce (MEC) from Dalhousie University, an undergraduate degree from Saint Mary’s University and has obtained the Designation - Certified International Trade Professional CITP©/FIBP© through The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). She has also gained multiple diplomas in international business, management and marketing while enjoying her hobby as a certified web page designer.
Ms. Arsenault is a seasoned panelist at Global Technology Events including:
● World BPO/Information Technology Outsourcing Forum - New York
● Shared Services & Outsourcing Summit – Atlanta
● Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) National Business Tech. Conference
● Nearshore Americas - Sourcing Decisions Conference – Toronto
& has been featured in multiple publications:
● https://www.edc.ca/en/blog/mentoring-women-trade.html
● https://edc.trade/trends-international-trade/
● http://www.nearshoreamericas.com/importance-fdi-incentives-trump-carrier-change-conversation/
● http://www.horsesforsources.com/nova-scotia_011515
What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
What I’m most proud of professionally is being able to navigate the world of Foreign Direct Investment on a global level. This involves working in multiple jurisdictions, securing international contracts while forming long-lasting, successful partnerships.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
My vision for Atlantic Canada is to encourage and embrace growth. I believe we need to continue welcoming new immigrants into the provinces on a larger scale, while attracting sustainable business opportunities that will employ both our local youth and immigrants with good paying jobs.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
My greatest stage of growth has been found operating my own corporate business. This includes learning how to do annual business taxes, continually securing new contracts, developing and fostering ongoing partnerships while marketing my brand.
What’s your favorite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
My favorite novel of all time has been "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck. It helped teach me the world is full of never-ending abundance.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
My deepest learning from this past year has been to say "yes" first ...then figure it out later (to quote Sir Richard Branson).
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
Many people have inspired me (too many to name) through their acts of kindness, generosity, strength in tough times and risk taking. I also try to learn from my own mistakes while putting in an effort into everyday.
What would you have done differently?
I would definitely have become an entrepreneur earlier in my career.
What were your priorities and how did they help you overcome some of the struggles you’ve faced?
My priorities have been to keep people in my life that care about me (and I about them). Because of this, I have a small group of true friends that bring me great happiness. & Living a grateful life is my principle.
How have you recovered from fractured professional relationships? What uncomfortable truths have you learned about yourself in those experiences?
I have recovered from a fractured professional relationship and was honored when the person that I hurt accepted my apology. From that experience, I don't wait now to say I'm sorry if I have upset another person, I tell them right away and deal with it. This has helped me grow in my own life's truths.
