Some companies stand out for their technology, others for their business model. Brizo Data, founded by Ian Delisle, has managed to distinguish itself through both, and above all, through its ability to build a committed team spread across the globe.
Now integrated into Datassential and known as Brizo by Datassential, the company analyzes massive data sets for the restaurant industry. With unique coverage of millions of restaurants across North America and beyond, Brizo helps suppliers make strategic decisions and strengthen their competitive edge.
This expertise quickly caught the attention of a major competitor and led to an acquisition that propelled Brizo’s mission even further.
A Global Team, a Linguistic Challenge
With an R&D team based in Québec and sales operations primarily focused on the United States, Ian knew that the company’s success depended on something invisible but essential: communication.
“When your team is distributed around the world, not everyone speaks the same language. So training our French-speaking employees in English was an obvious need.”
But for Ian, language was more than just a business tool — it was a cultural and human bridge. He wanted his teams to be able to talk not only about projects, but about life, so they could build genuine connections.
More Than English Classes
That’s what led Brizo to partner with Ellipse.
“What you bring isn’t just English lessons — it’s communication coaching.”
By tailoring each session to the specific needs of every participant, Ellipse helped Brizo strengthen team cohesion.
So much so that English-speaking employees were also offered an introduction to French as a symbolic gesture. Even though English remained the company’s working language, learning French brought colleagues closer together and fostered mutual respect.
Engagement, Retention, and Success
For Ian, Brizo’s exceptional talent retention isn’t just about technology or working conditions — it’s about the quality of human relationships.
“The key to winning in business is when people genuinely care about their colleagues. Once that happens, they care about the company too.”
By creating a space where everyone could express themselves in a second language, Brizo cultivated a rare sense of engagement. And it’s this vision — that language is not a barrier but a bridge for unity — that has supported the company’s growth and resilience.
What We Can Learn from Ian’s Story
Building a global tech company isn’t only about data and innovation. It’s about people — people who understand each other, respect each other, and want to move forward together.
A well-designed English or French training program can help transform a dispersed team into a true community.