Ross Andrew Paquette, the founder, and CEO of Maropost, in an interview, has shared his views on the consequences of COVID-19 on the business world. Because of his visionary approach, he has made Maropost, one of Canada’s fastest-growing and profitable tech companies since its establishment in 2014.
How difficult is it for you to run a business successfully during the coronavirus pandemic?
I think the biggest challenge for me is to ensure the safety of my employees and provide them with safe environments while working in this struggling period. And until now, I have managed to fulfill my duties with full devotion.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 crisis?
During the Covid-19 phase, I have learned that it is mandatory for every business to be able to survive in the face of any crisis. It must aim to focus on growth by making investment and ensuring proper financial management.
What is the thing that requires the most to become successful in the entrepreneurial world?
In my view, it is maintaining a good relationship with customers. And believe me, it takes a lot of effort to keep every customer happy by fulfilling his demands.
What effect will Coronavirus leave on consumer shopping in the future?
As we can notice at present, coronavirus will lead to the dominance of online shopping. And retail businesses will see a decline in their growth.
How do you choose your investors and business partners?
I choose investors and business partners by keeping in mind my goals. Remember, investors only focus on getting their return and they cannot be friends. An element of trust must be there between business partners.
Do you have any advice to offer on the subjects of leadership and charity?
For a leader, it is important to establish strong communication to align his thoughts with that of his team members. And regarding charity, I would say that it is a really important thing to do on the part of every business. Through Maropost CARES, we focus on the protection and conservation of environment and wildlife.
What is your tactic to face times of crisis?
My way to deal with a crisis is to face it head-on and take firm decisions by gathering real-time data. I focus on handling the pressure to avoid the situation of panic and frustration in the face of struggling times.
What, according to you, is the common reason for the failure of people or businesses?
Accumulation of too much pressure. I believe that it is the piling up of pressure on the minds of people and businesses that force them to quit the path of accomplishing their goals. One must face any difficult situation with confidence in a fearless manner.
How much Maropost has got affected due to the Covid-19 crisis?
Maropost is in a business-critical stage and it doesn’t have got affected much due to the COVID-19 crisis. Although the effect is minute, still, some employees have been panicked due to the economic downturn introduced by the coronavirus pandemic.
Would you like to share an interesting fact about your life that people don’t know at present?
I am an adopted child from a small mining and forestry town in Ontario, Canada. I feel gratitude for what I am having today because I remember the time when I didn’t even have access to even a computer at the age of 14. I focus on helping others in dealing with their struggles and I love to play different sports.
What is the most important quality that every leader must possess?
The most important thing that matters a lot in becoming a true leader is the ability to communicate with the team members. I think many leaders assume that other people also think their way and it is the biggest mistake they make. It is the need of the hour in today’s time to adapt the communication skills to align the thoughts with other team members.
How do you manage stress while working?
I focus on creating a work-life balance while working and when I feel stress, I take some time off from my phone. I do meditation, exercise, and travel time to feel the calmness in my mind.
