We’re learning about Annick Boudrias-Guerra at Homewood Health/Homewood Santé.
Where in Canada are you based?
Montreal, Quebec
Please introduce yourself.
I’m an experienced, bilingual Sales Director, with a master’s degree in psychology and over two decades of experience helping organizations prioritize mental health and workplace well-being. As a long-standing employee and people-first leader, I help organizations choose and implement EFAP, and Disability Management programs & services that create real and lasting impact. As a subject matter expert in mental health and organizational wellness, I’m passionate in partnering with companies to create cultures where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to show up as their best selves. What motivates me most is the real-life impact our programs and services make: healthier teams, stronger engagement and workplaces where employees thrive.
What do you enjoy most about working with Benefits Alliance advisors & members?
What I enjoy most is building meaningful relationships with your advisors and members. Helping Benefits Alliance advisors confidently promote our programs and seeing how our services positively impact members’ lives is incredibly rewarding. It’s inspiring to be part of creating healthier and more supportive workplaces.
What is your favourite part of your role?
My favourite part of my role is seeing the real impact our programs and services have on people’s lives, knowing what I do helps employees feel supported, valued and able to show up as their best selves at work-is incredibly rewarding.
How do you define success?
I define success by the impact I create through improving lives. For me, it’s about helping organizations chose the best type of support for their employees through tailored and meaningful solutions that lead to real and measurable outcomes. When employees feel supported and empowered to thrive at work and in life, that’s true
success.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role or in this industry?
One of the biggest challenges in the industry remains – overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health and empowering organizations to break down these barriers. Even in 2025, many employees hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment, concerns about confidentiality or worries that accessing support might harm their career. That’s why fostering a supportive culture-where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized-is essential. Consistent promotion and education about our EAP and Disability Management programs, in addition to overall wellness initiatives, combined with strong leadership commitment, play a crucial role in normalizing support and reducing stigma. Moreover, creating psychological safety requires ongoing collaboration across all levels of an organization to ensure employees feel supported.
How do you manage work/life balance?
It’s not about achieving perfect balance, but being present at work, at home and with myself. Juggling a career and raising two teenagers can be overwhelming. However, I’ve learned to reset by walking, playing tennis or kayaking. These moments clear my head and help me stay energized. I set boundaries like not checking emails or messages after hours (unless it’s a highly urgent matter that requires immediate attention). I also work in a collaborative organizational culture where leadership and colleagues check in with me regularly and value my input on work capacity and task sharing/support. This provides me with the trust, comfort and confidence that my work environment cares about my well-being.
What books/resources do you recommend that every business person should check out?
Good to Great by Jim Collins. This book reshaped how I think about leadership and building something that last. #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #GoodToGreat #JimCollins #BusinessBook
What advice would you give to people who want to join this industry?
My advice to anyone looking to enter the healthcare industry is to understand its core mission and purpose. It’s about connecting organizations with solutions that support mental health, well-being, and workplace culture. No matter your background, success in this industry comes from building relationships, listening closely to clients’ needs, and being able to connect the dots between well-being and organizational culture. This is a field where your work really can change lives-and there’s nothing more rewarding than that!
If your friends/family/colleagues were to give you an award, what would it be for?
The “Always there to listen and support” award – I’m the go-to person when friends, family or colleagues need someone to talk things through with. Whether it’s offering thoughtful advice, a fresh perspective or simply lending an ear. I care about what they are going through and aim to help them feel understood and at ease.
If someone would make a documentary about you, what would be the title?
Innovating Well-Being: One Conversation at a Time!
The Benefits Alliance Member Spotlight showcases our members across Canada who provide custom solutions for their clients’ Employee Benefits and Group Retirement.