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François William Croteau
Speaker and former borough mayor of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, CEO of the Institute for Urban Resilience and Innovation, columnist for Le Devoir, and associate professor in the Department of Strategy, Social and Environmental Responsibility at ESG-UQÀM.

Meet+François William Croteau

François William Croteau, a bold visionary, was borough mayor from 2009 to 2021 and responsible for information technology, the smart city, innovation and higher education at the City of Montreal. He has made a lasting difference to Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie and the city by focusing on innovation, mobilizing employees and citizens, using new modes of governance and promoting greater use of digital data. For him, thinking differently about how organizations are run is the only way to adapt.

Speaking topics of François William Croteau:
Team Engagement | Leadership | Change Management | Citizen Participation | Digital Technologies

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Testimonials

Keynotes

In his conferences, François William Croteau helps organizations and leaders navigate a rapidly changing world with agility. Team engagement, innovation, and collective intelligence are at the heart of his approach, which is always tailored to each audience.

Discover his conferences and see how they can be customized for your organization.

The success of any organization depends on its ability to inspire and engage each individual within it. Yet, in a world shaped by unique needs and growing individualism, how can leaders truly motivate their teams? This conference explores cutting-edge strategies and fosters a meaningful dialogue on creating purpose for every employee. Together, we uncover insights that illuminate the key drivers of motivation, paving the way toward organizational excellence.

In the face of climate and health upheavals, every organization stands at a crossroads, compelled to innovate and adapt to survive. The key? Decisive agility and flexible planning that embrace experimentation and boldness. This conference focuses on the imperative of cultural transformation, shaping organizations capable of withstanding and thriving amid turbulent times. Together, we explore the path toward unwavering adaptability.

Artificial intelligence has become an essential lever for accelerating the ecological transition. Yet its development—energy-intensive and reliant on tech giants—presents new challenges. How can we balance innovation, efficiency, and digital sovereignty?

In this conference, you will learn how to:

  • Reduce AI’s carbon footprint through leaner approaches (eco-efficient algorithms, small data, optimized models);
  • Rethink the data lifecycle (thoughtful collection, selective storage, intelligent purging);
  • Use AI as a resilience tool in the face of climate crises (forecasting, risk management, logistics);
  • Integrate digital sovereignty and emerging regulations into strategic decision-making.

 

A clear and practical perspective on leveraging digital technology for a sustainable future.

Climate crises, economic instability, technological acceleration… In a constantly changing world, rigid plans no longer suffice. This conference demonstrates how to turn data into a true collective compass: detect weak signals faster, continuously adjust priorities, and rally teams around a clear and inspiring narrative. The result: an organization capable of innovating, deciding, and acting—even amid uncertainty.

In a context of remote work, talent shortages, and constant change, many managers feel the need to control everything… often stifling initiative. What if the key to modern leadership lies in trust and autonomy? This conference explores how to delegate effectively, simplify management, and foster an agile culture where every team member actively contributes to the collective mission.

In the face of complexity and crises, no organization can rely solely on a small circle of decision-makers. Collective intelligence involves mobilizing the knowledge and creativity of all stakeholders—employees, partners, citizens—to innovate and build true resilience.

François William will cover:

  • Barriers to participation (silos, hierarchy, lack of open channels);
  • Collective intelligence tools: collaborative workshops, digital platforms, participatory budgets;
  • Co-creation methods: sprints, empathy mapping, impact matrices;
  • Participatory governance: clear rules, transparency, recognition of contributions.

A practical roadmap to unleash collective creativity and turn ideas into sustainable projects.

Looking for an experienced host or facilitator for your event?

François William Croteau is one of our experienced facilitators available for your events. Whether it’s a conference, seminar, gala, or panel, François William—along with our 18 other skilled hosts—will bring energy and engagement to your event!

Contact us today to book François William Croteau as your event host.

Technical requirements for François William Croteau:

Micro mains-libres
au choix du client
Petite table (pour déposer notes et bouteille d'eau)
Le conférencier apporte son portable (MAC) contenant sa présentation visuelle

(PowerPoint presentation)

Projecteur et écran

* Le conférencier apporte son adapteur USB-C - HDMI

Le conférencier apporte sa télécommande à distance
Connexion Internet
Moniteur de retour (si possible)

About François William Croteau

Mayor of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie from 2009 to 2021, François William Croteau, speaker, has made his mark with innovative policies for ecological transition, focusing on innovation, resilient urban planning and citizen mobilization. Thanks to the implementation of several programs and plans to promote resilience, he has enabled the borough to distinguish itself in sustainable mobility, the fight against food waste, urban agriculture, the fight against urban heat islands, as well as the enhancement of the urban forest and biodiversity. It has also set up numerous citizen participation and shared governance programs that have accelerated the inclusive ecological transition.

Joining the Montreal executive committee from 2017 to 2021, he distinguished himself by steering the smart city, new technologies, innovation and academic sectors. His initiatives in ethical digitization, data management and AI have marked his passage. He has also catalyzed innovative academic partnerships, propelling Montreal to the rank of avant-garde city thanks to his Urban Innovation Laboratory and a notable distinction: a $50 million prize in the Smart Cities competition.

He holds a master’s degree in business administration, and completed his doctorate in urban studies on stakeholder management and urban governance. Since leaving politics, he has been involved in a number of urban innovation projects with private companies. He is also a columnist for Le Devoir newspaper, a strategic advisor at Ryan affaires publiques, an associate professor in the Department of Strategy, Social and Environmental Responsibility at ESG-UQÀM, and a research associate at the Pôle sur la ville résilient and the Ivanhoe Cambridge Chair in Real Estate at ESG-UQÀM.

With the publication of his book S’adapter – Demain: Les villes résilientes, he has established himself as an essential reference. A sought-after speaker, he has conquered audiences worldwide, tackling themes such as governance, mobilization, adaptability and the digital revolution. His motto? To combine audacity and humility, placing the individual at the heart of his thinking.

Clips and Interviews with François William Croteau

Excerpt from a conference (french)
presented at our 2024 Speakers Showcase
Entrevue avec François William Croteau:
S’adapter (novembre 2023)

Where to watch, listen, and read François William Croteau?

François William Croteau shares his expertise on urban planning and urban resilience through his columns for Le Devoir and his publications, including the books S’adapter – Demain : les villes résilientes and Nos villes au front. Explore his insights and follow him on LinkedIn to discover his projects and analyses on the future of our cities.

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