14 - The Power of Believing in Someone Before They Believe in Themselves with Jacques Perron and co-host Wray Carvelas

On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker and co-host Wray Carvelas sit down with veteran mining executive and former CEO Jacques Perron for a powerful conversation about leadership, mentorship, and why people remain the foundation of every successful organization.Over a career spanning more than four decades, Jacques has led complex operations around the world, but his greatest lessons have little to do with mining and everything to do with human connection. From developing future leaders to creating workplaces where people feel seen, supported and inspired, Jacques shares why leadership is ultimately about helping others become more than they ever believed possible.Together, they explore what truly creates joy at work, why so many people struggle to find meaning in their jobs, and how great leaders cultivate environments where individuals understand the value of their contribution. Through personal stories and practical insights, Jacques reveals why believing in people, celebrating progress, and staying connected to frontline teams can transform both performance and culture.In this episode, we explore: • Prioritizing people and human-centric leadership • Parallels between mentorship at work and at home • Staying connected to frontline teams and individual contributions • Cultivating optimism and safe environments for growthMore than a conversation about leadership, this episode is a reminder that lasting success is ultimately built through relationships. Jacques' approach demonstrates that high performance and humanity are not competing priorities. They go hand in hand.Because joy doesn't come from reaching the finish line. It comes from helping others grow, celebrating progress along the way, and creating environments where people genuinely want to contribute and belong.Chapters:00:00:00 Welcome to Joy² – Live With Joy00:02:10 Meet Jacques Perron 00:05:08 Finding Joy Through Community and Connection00:08:49 Why Leadership at Work Mirrors Family Life00:13:17 Building Confidence by Believing in People00:18:06 Why So Many People Don't Enjoy Work00:21:57 Helping People Find Meaning in Their Contribution00:25:18 Why Great Leaders Stay Close to Their Teams00:29:01 What Blocks Joy in Organizations00:32:44 A Defining Moment of Leadership and Innovation00:38:01 Closing ReflectionsConnect with Greg De KokerWebsite: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠ Connect with Jacques PerronWebsite: https://torexgold.com/about-us/board-of-directors/jacques-perron/LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacques-perron-19162534/Connect with Wray CarvelasWebsite: www.ascenciagroup.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ascencia-group-unleashing-tomorrow-s-leaders-today/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wray-carvelas-80520032/ Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠ YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠ Stay Connected to JOY²:Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Take ActionAsk yourself:- Do others understand why their work matters?- Is this an environment where people feel safe to grow?- How can I be more present and connected with my team this week?The way we lead shapes how people experience work, relationships and even themselves. Every conversation, every act of encouragement, and every opportunity we give someone to grow leaves a lasting impact.Action TipInvest in others this week:- Boost team confidence.- Value effort and potential.- Connect individuals to the big picture.- Listen to frontline team members.Leadership is about believing in people and fostering a culture where everyone thrives.