en
Canada
Stephanie Fournier didn’t just build a business—she built a better model. As Founder and President of Toronto-based People Agency Inc., Stephanie launched her company to fill a visible gap in the marketing world: the need for agile, data-driven frontline sales activation that didn’t sacrifice people for profit.
“People Agency was born out of a category of marketing stuck in dated engagement tactics, short on data, and light on measurable return,” says Stephanie. She saw how traditional agencies prioritized size over substance, often relying on legacy relationships rather than performance. “I saw an opportunity to change the way things are done.”
What she created is a boutique sales activation and field marketing agency that bridges the gap between strategy and execution. With a syndicated workforce model, proprietary reporting tech, and a national footprint, People Agency helps brands bring their campaigns to life at scale, without losing sight of results or relationships.
A Model Built on Accountability and Access
People Agency’s work spans retail sales, canvassing, and experiential activations, offering brands not only boots on the ground, but the reporting and responsiveness that traditional firms often lack. “We solve the problem of execution,” says Stephanie. “Brands often have great strategies but lack the right people and processes to bring them to life.”
What makes the model unique is how it’s built from the ground up. “Every single member of our team has been promoted from the field,” Stephanie notes. That frontline-to-leadership pathway has fostered a culture of trust, accountability, and upward mobility. It’s also given People Agency a competitive edge in retaining top talent and delivering consistent results.
Certification as a Strategic Advantage
For Stephanie, pursuing WEConnect International Certification was about more than recognition. It was an opportunity to build connections and strengthen her company’s credibility in new arenas.
“Women business owners face unique challenges, and having a community to lean on is powerful,” she says.
Certification showed that People Agency is not only ready to compete, but also ready to lead. “WEConnect has helped with our credibility,” Stephanie adds. “This feature will help generate content needed for our professional platforms, critical to continued consideration.”
Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
For women navigating agency life or considering starting their own venture, Stephanie is candid. “There are three paths: climb the corporate ladder, partnership with capital or sweat equity, or do it yourself. The corporate ladder isn’t guaranteed, and partnerships carry risks that most underestimate.”
Her advice? “Build something of your own, where you control your time, your energy, and your direction. The real challenge is doing what’s right for yourself and no one else, especially as a woman in a world that still praises selflessness and sacrifice above all else. Be bold.”