By Alex Popa
Success in business is about more than just knowledge and hard work—it requires professionalism, etiquette, and cross-cultural awareness. Marie Paule Gedeon, an international business etiquette consultant, understands this better than most. As an entrepreneur, public speaker, and advocate for Haitian business success, she has dedicated herself to helping professionals navigate the complexities of business etiquette and protocol.
Her journey has been marked by personal tragedy and professional triumph. After losing her husband in 2017, she was forced to reinvent herself, becoming a self-made entrepreneur and launching the first multicultural aesthetic medical clinic in Quebec. She later found her true passion in business etiquette and cross-cultural consulting, a field where she now thrives.
Who is Marie Paule Gedeon?
Marie Paule Gedeon was born in Montreal, Canada. Her life took a dramatic turn in 2017 when she became a widow at the age of 35. Left to support herself and her child, she turned to entrepreneurship as a means of survival. Just a year after her husband’s passing, she opened the first multicultural aesthetic medical clinic in Laval, Quebec.
Starting this business came with significant challenges. Being young, Black, and lacking a medical degree, she encountered numerous obstacles in her career path. However, she refused to accept defeat. Her determination and entrepreneurial spirit pushed her to fight for her place in the industry, proving that passion and persistence can break through even the toughest barriers.
Her second major turning point came when she discovered that her mother had suffered psychological harassment and racism at work for over a decade. Determined to make a difference, she dedicated weeks to researching the issue, eventually leading her to pursue a certification in International Business Etiquette and Protocol Consulting in the UK. Her goal became clear: to ensure that people understand and master the rules of etiquette and protocol in business settings.
What is an international business etiquette consultant?
The business world requires more than just talent and expertise. Many professionals struggle to build relationships, close deals, or expand their businesses internationally because they lack an understanding of business etiquette. This gap in knowledge is what International Business Etiquette Consultant aims to address.
Unlike traditional etiquette training, Gedeon specializes in business etiquette and cross-cultural communication. She works with entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, business owners, and politicians to help them develop the skills they need to thrive in professional settings.
Her work goes beyond simple social manners. She teaches clients how to navigate corporate environments, network effectively, and understand international business customs. She also helps them improve their presentation and communication skills, ensuring they are equipped to succeed in global business interactions.
Plans for 2025 and Beyond
Marie Paule Gedeon has ambitious plans for the future. One of her main goals for 2025 is to train and mentor a new generation of etiquette consultants. She is currently developing a program that will allow others to become experts in international business etiquette. Her vision is to create a team of professionals who can spread this knowledge, particularly among Haitians and Christians, empowering them to build successful businesses with a strong foundation in professional etiquette.
Another key focus for the coming years is the expansion of her public speaking engagements. In 2024, she successfully hosted five conferences and has already received invitations for more in 2025. Public speaking has become an essential part of her mission, allowing her to share her experiences and inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
In addition to speaking engagements, she is working on publishing more educational resources. She has already created an eBook that provides essential business etiquette tools, and she plans to develop a youth version to help younger generations gain these skills early. She believes that by equipping young people with knowledge about etiquette and entrepreneurship, she can create a lasting impact on the Haitian community.
Advice for Young Haitians
Marie Paule Gedeon has learned many valuable lessons throughout her journey, and she is passionate about sharing them with young Haitians who aspire to build successful careers.
One of the most important lessons she emphasizes is discipline. Entrepreneurship is not easy, and success requires consistency, hard work, and the ability to stay focused on long-term goals. She believes that setbacks are a natural part of the journey, but those who remain persistent will ultimately achieve their dreams.
She also encourages young entrepreneurs to embrace failure as a necessary stepping stone to success. Many people are afraid to fail, but Gedeon sees failure as an opportunity for growth. Every mistake provides valuable lessons that help refine skills and improve decision-making.
Faith has played a crucial role in her journey, and she strongly believes that trusting in God’s plan brings clarity and direction. She sees her work as a mission, and her belief in divine guidance has given her the courage to pursue her goals despite the challenges she has faced.
Lastly, she stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people. The company one keeps influences success, and having mentors, supportive peers, and like-minded individuals can significantly impact an entrepreneur’s journey.
Marie Paule Gedeon’s story is one of resilience, determination, and purpose. From overcoming personal tragedy to building multiple businesses and becoming a public speaker, she has proven that success is possible even in the face of adversity.
