"Coming from a background in tourism and hospitality, I’ve always loved sports. For the past two years, I’ve been coordinating XACT Nutrition events."
Did you know? Before XACT Nutrition… it was Fruit² !
How did you come to found XACT Nutrition?
Marianne: I wanted to better balance my work, family, and leisure time. The idea of interacting with people during their leisure time and navigating the sports and outdoor industry really appealed to me. Plus, I shared (and still share) my daily life with someone whose skills complement mine and who was very enthusiastic about starting a business. That’s how XACT Nutrition was born!
Which woman has inspired you in your career or personal life?
Marianne: In my entrepreneurial career, it was my mother. She created her own business with my father and experienced the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows of such a life-changing adventure.
What has been your biggest challenge as a female entrepreneur in the sports nutrition industry?
Marianne: My biggest challenge has undoubtedly been balancing family life and professional commitment. For years, this meant leaving almost every weekend with our kids in tow to represent XACT Nutrition at sports events, come rain or shine, in good spirits or bad.
From School Friendship to Adventure at XACT Nutrition… "We met through our children’s school" - Geneviève
Geneviève and Marianne at the XACT Nutrition warehouse.
How did your meeting at your children’s school lead to your collaboration at XACT Nutrition?
Marianne & Geneviève: We met nearly 15 years ago through our sons, who had become friends. Our boys were close in elementary school and often had sleepovers at each other’s houses.
Marianne: I got to know Geneviève when she was President of the Parent-Teacher Association at our children’s school. I discovered someone with excellent interpersonal skills and great efficiency. When I found out she was looking for a new job, I jumped at the opportunity and invited her to join our adventure. Over the years, Geneviève has carved out a true "Swiss Army knife" role at XACT.
Geneviève: Marianne and Lawrence were part of the friendly parent crowd you enjoy bumping into at school events. I never imagined working at XACT, but when Marianne told me about it, her enthusiasm and vision immediately inspired me. It was a no-brainer to join them on this adventure!
D’ambassadrice de la marque à coordinatrice marketing XACT Nutrition
How did you come to XACT Nutrition? What made you want to join this adventure?
Xich-Vê: First I was an ambassador, and then in February 2024, I found myself unemployed. I offered my services to Lawrence and Marianne, thinking some of my skills might be useful to them. One interview and eight weeks later, I officially became a XACT employee!
What is your ritual to mentally prepare for a big event?
Xich-Vê: I create a "binder" and a group chat. The principle is the same as in hospitality (or sports): put all the game plan details in one accessible place, and then execute.
Marianne : Every year, my grandparents would take us out to a restaurant for a big family meal. Three generations around a table, more than 20 people gathered to enjoy good food and play together for an afternoon.
Xich-Vê: Food has always been synonymous with family, love, and sharing. When we eat well, we create connections.
How has your understanding of nutrition transformed your relationship with food? Geneviève: I knew NOTHING about nutrition before starting at XACT. I mixed up all the terms and didn’t see the point of nutritional value tables—it all went over my head. But by immersing myself in this world, I’ve learned a few essentials (thank goodness). I discovered that some of my intuitions weren’t completely off-base, like craving "junk food" after exercising, or how eating bread makes you hungry while eggs and vegetables don’t. It’s quite liberating from a certain guilt…
How do you share your passion for sports with your children?
Marianne : In the early days of XACT Nutrition, we were at sports events almost every weekend. My children were immersed in this atmosphere from a young age and regularly participated in small on-site challenges. Gradually, at least one of our family of four was always participating. The awareness was there, and the rest followed at their own pace and according to their tastes.
Geneviève : My children are much more athletic than I am. They swim like pros, my daughter goes to the gym (something I would never think of doing), and my son plays basketball—I love watching them! They motivate me to do more.
Xich-Vê: I’ve never forced my children to do sports. I’m just one reference among many in their lives; they can choose to be inspired by me or remain indifferent. I often invite them to join me, but I don’t guilt-trip them if they say no. I just hope they choose a way to take care of themselves.
Sport is often seen as an additional burden for women (organization, time, energy). For you, is it an added mental load or an escape?
Marianne: It’s a necessity. To stay in shape, but also to share moments with family, friends, or my dog.
Xich-Vê: It’s a need. I need to move to find myself alone, but also to reconnect with friends. Moving does me good.How do you approach the topic of menstruation? Do you think it’s discussed enough in the sports world?
Marianne: I think this topic, like menopause, is becoming less taboo, which is great. I’ve even started seeing menstrual emergency kits at race aid stations—a wonderful way to acknowledge that this is a reality for all of us!Geneviève: We’re talking about it more and more, and that’s great. We’re slowly realizing what an achievement it is for some women to continue performing at their best despite pain and discomfort. Those who don’t have symptoms are lucky and know it!
Do you have a memorable moment where another woman unexpectedly inspired you? Geneviève : Yes, and it’s very recent. I tried a 5K "discovery" cross-country ski race in Gatineau, complete with a bib (a bit overkill, in my opinion), and Xich-Vê was super enthusiastic just at the idea of me doing it. She shares her energy so generously—I wasn’t expecting so much joy and support! You need people like her in your life.
Xich-Vê: Yes, two women.
Three Women, One Shared Passion: Making Sport and Nutrition Accessible, Human, and Inspiring
