Early Life
Serge Godin was born in 1949 in Shipshaw, Quebec, Canada, into a family of nine children. His father, a businessman with a fifth-grade education, instilled in him an entrepreneurial spirit. At the age of 12, Godin began working in his father's sawmill, gaining early exposure to business operations. He pursued higher education, earning a degree in computer science and an MBA from Université Laval in Quebec.
Rise to Success
In 1976, at 26, Godin founded CGI Group in Quebec City with a modest $5,000 from his savings. Initially, the company had only two employees. Under his leadership, CGI grew to become a global IT and business consulting powerhouse. Godin served as CEO until 2006 and has overseen over 100 acquisitions. CGI's success has been attributed to Godin's emphasis on employee ownership and a strong management foundation.
Key Business Strategies
Godin’s approach involved a management system based on entrepreneurship and teamwork. CGI's expansion was fueled by both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including the significant 1998 purchase of Bell Sygma. A core element of his strategy was fostering employee ownership, as 86% of CGI employees became shareholders, contributing to the company's success and long-term vision.
Philanthropy
In 2000, Serge Godin established the Godin Family Foundation with a mission to alleviate poverty, advance education, and improve the health of disadvantaged children and teens. Since its inception, the foundation has supported over 90 schools, hospitals, and youth organizations. His commitment to philanthropy is a testament to his belief in giving back to the community.
