Spending a few days in Washington was a privilege, especially to celebrate my friend Nikhil Palli, who was awarded the title of Kentucky Colonel—a recognition of goodwill and service that places him among luminaries like Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. It’s no small feat, and I couldn’t be prouder.

The trip was an incredible mix of reconnecting with the city after years away, meeting remarkable individuals, and taking the pulse of Washington during these “interesting” times.

As a founding board member of Invest in Canada—a Government of Canada organization dedicated to promoting and attracting foreign direct investment—and as a French immigrant, I am no stranger to interacting with diplomats. However, this time felt different. There was a noticeable hesitance to share perspectives, more than in similar past encounters. So, what was I still able to uncover? Read on to find ou

🏢Washington: A City of Contrasts

Washington has always reminded me of Ottawa: somewhat sleepy, with a subdued energy. This trip only reinforced that perception. The abundance of early dinner spots (hello, 4 PM reservations!) speaks to that quiet vibe, and even locals confirmed it.

But on the bright side, the museums remain stunning—and free (!). A highlight was our private tour to the Organization of American States (OAS), a forum I’d never encountered before. It’s an underappreciated gem that deserves more visibility, although perhaps that’s wishful thinking considering looming budget cuts across the federal board.

Nikhil Palli & Peggy Van de Plassche at the OAS

The celebration of Nikhil’s commission at The Army and Navy Club was a highlight, filled with engaging conversations with bright minds in diplomacy, academia, and entrepreneurship.

😶The One We Don’t Name

During my visit, I was struck by how little direct discussion there was about the Trump administration in general, and President Trump in particular. People seemed to tread carefully, unsure of each other’s views.

In Georgetown, I overheard older diners referring to Donald Trump (without ever saying his name) as a “dictator” lacking empathy—a sharp contrast to Reagan, who they felt had at least a shred of it. Comparisons to Putin cropped up more than once. At another table, the conversation turned to China, with predictions that it will overtake the U.S.

🪓Politics and Federal Cuts

The aggressive federal budget cuts were a sensitive subject, particularly among civil servants. While many publicly downplayed their concerns, their tone and body language revealed unease.

The decision to gut the USAID seemed incomprehensible to most, with cuts and tariffs being dismissed as “stupid” by some. Most civil servants appeared to be in wait and see mode—hoping the courts and unions would intervene.

❓Canada: The 51st State?

An interesting takeaway was how Americans viewed Canada’s political and economic landscape. The idea of Canada as the U.S.’s 51st state didn’t seem shocking (or insulting) to most, and some even considered it an opportunity for Canadians.

This sentiment mirrored what a friend experienced at an alternative assets conference in Florida a couple of weeks ago, where attendees thought Canadians should feel lucky about such a “generous offer.”

🍁Canada’s Political Landscape

There was little antagonism towards Canada, even regarding tariffs retaliation. I am not gonna lie I had taken my French passport with me just in case, but even the border agents were lovely. Justin Trudeau’s stance on the matter seemed well-received. Chrystia Freeland was praised for her competence during Trump’s first presidency and seen as a solid successor to the Prime Minister.

Mark Carney, while less known, was perceived positively. Pierre Poilievre, on the other hand, was entirely off the radar—his name was literally unknown.

👎Perceptions of Canada’s State of Affairs

The overall perception of Canada wasn’t rosy. There were concerns about rising crime rates (surprising many when I noted Toronto’s crime rates were far lower than Chicago’s), a struggling healthcare system, and a “catastrophic” immigration situation.

This pessimistic outlook may explain why the idea of Canada as a 51st state was not met with outrage.

🧳Immigration: Mismanagement and Disenchantment

Immigration was a recurring topic, with two dominant narratives, that are not mutually exclusive but rather 2 sides of the same coin:

Mismanagement of Immigration
- Canada’s vetting process is seen as too lenient, with reports of fake documentation slipping through.
- Infrastructure hasn’t kept up with the influx of immigrants, creating strain on healthcare, education, and housing.
- Immigrants often struggle due to the lack of recognition of their diplomas and experience, leading to underemployment.
Disenchantment Among Immigrants
- Middle-class Indians, for example, are reportedly less interested in moving to Canada, as the promised opportunities don’t align with reality.
- Many feel “baited” by programs that advertise a utopian vision of Canada, only to face challenges like high living costs, career stagnation, and a stretched healthcare system.

↪️Final Thoughts

This trip was a fascinating window into Washington’s current climate and how the world perceives Canada. While these observations are anecdotal, they reflect a diverse array of perspectives—from diplomats and entrepreneurs to lawyers and drivers, hailing from countries like India, the U.K., Colombia, Pakistan, and the U.S.

Washington may not have changed my perception of its sleepy energy, but it reminded me of the importance of staying connected, curious, and open to dialogue. Whether through celebrating a friend’s achievements or hearing candid views on pressing issues, it was a trip full of learning and reflection.

Until next time, Washington!

Peggy Van de Plassche is a seasoned advisor with over 20 years of experience in financial services, healthcare, and technology. She specializes in guiding boards and C-suite executives through transformational change, leveraging technology and capital allocation to drive growth and innovation. A founding board member of Invest in Canada, Peggy also brings unique expertise in navigating complex issues and fostering public-private partnerships—key elements in shaping the Future of Business. Her skill set includes strategic leadership, capital allocation, transaction advisory, technology integration, and governance. Notable clients include BMO, CI Financial, HOOPP, OMERS, GreenShield Canada, Nicola Wealth, and Power Financial. For more information, visit peggyvandeplassche.com.

Transformation has always been part of my DNA. Over the years, I have changed countries, cities, languages, industries, companies, roles, and entire careers. Even within my career, my focus has always been on transformation—whether it was bringing innovation and technology into organizations or investing in transformational businesses.

For me, transformation is an undeniable part of growth. No growth happens without transformation.

But let’s be honest—transformation can be painful, especially when it is pushed onto us. When change is forced upon an individual or an organization, it often feels like survival mode. That’s why I have always believed that staying on the front foot—embracing transformation before it becomes a necessity—is the key to not just surviving, but thriving.

This principle applies to both individuals and companies. In fact, I don’t see much difference between transforming an organization and transforming an individual. The goal is always the same: success, resilience, and ultimately, thriving. But the approach makes all the difference.

🔑Inside-Out Transformation: The Key to Success

I believe that successful transformation comes from within. Whether for a company or a person, transformation should not be about looking at competitors, trying to imitate them, or playing catch-up. That’s the reactive way. Instead, real transformation happens when you focus deeply on your unique attributes—your DNA—and find ways to deepen and expand that unique advantage. That is where true, sustainable success lies.

For example, look at Apple’s transformation under Steve Jobs. Instead of copying competitors, Apple doubled down on its core strength—designing intuitive and beautifully crafted technology. By embracing its unique DNA, Apple transformed from a struggling tech company into a global leader in innovation.

Or consider Netflix’s pivot from DVD rentals to streaming. They didn’t just imitate what competitors were doing; they anticipated market changes and leaned into their unique strength—data-driven personalization and digital-first content. That shift positioned them as an industry giant, while competitors who resisted transformation were left behind.

For years, I have advised companies on transformation. Even when I held full-time roles in this space (hello VP, Innovation), I always felt that bringing in an independent advisor made far more sense. Here’s why:

Transformation Shouldn’t Require a Permanent Role – Innovation and transformation should become embedded in a company’s processes. Hiring a Chief Transformation Officer for the long term is like having a Chief Fax Officer in the 90s—at some point, the transformation is integrated, and the role becomes redundant.
Independence Means Objectivity – Internal politics, career concerns, and corporate bureaucracy often get in the way of real transformation. An independent advisor, without those constraints, can provide the best, most unbiased recommendations.
Avoiding the Cookie-Cutter Consulting Trap – Large consulting firms tend to pitch the same strategies to every client, regardless of their unique DNA. Worse, they often transfer insights gained from one client to another—including direct competitors. You end up paying to train consultants who then go on to help your rivals. And let’s not forget the hefty fees, constant upselling, and the revolving door of consultants who barely scratch the surface of your business before moving on to the next project.
Let’s craft a transformation strategy as unique as your organization—reach out today to explore how we can drive real, lasting change together. 🚀

✂️A Tailored Approach to Transformation

When I work with companies—whether large or small—I take a radically different approach. I focus deeply on their unique DNA and build a tailor-made plan that fits them. I don’t recycle generic strategies; instead, I use my 20 years of experience for pattern recognition, not for copy-pasting solutions.

Every project is different. Whether it’s market expansion, product development, efficiency programs, transactions, or technology integration, I have built:

Unique strategic and technology roadmaps
Operating and engagement models tailored to specific goals
Advisory on transactions and capital allocation
Portfolio managers reviews and optimization strategies

All of this is done with the client’s unique strengths and opportunities in mind. Because whether it’s personal, professional, or organizational transformation, one thing remains true: personalization comes first. You—and your organization—are not just random numbers. Your attributes deserve high-level attention and a strategy built for you, not for the masses.

So, next time you’re thinking about taking your life, career, or organization to the next level, ask yourself:

Do you want the cookie-cutter approach that keeps you playing catch-up? Or do you want a transformation strategy that is built around your unique DNA?

And when you’re done thinking—reach out. 😉

Peggy Van de Plassche is a seasoned advisor with over 20 years of experience in financial services, healthcare, and technology. She specializes in guiding boards and C-suite executives through transformational change, leveraging technology and strategic transactions to drive growth and innovation. Her expertise includes strategic leadership, capital allocation, transaction advisory, technology integration, and governance. Notable clients include BMO, CI Financial, HOOPP, OMERS, GreenShield Canada, Nicola Wealth, and Power Financial. For more information, visit peggyvandeplassche.com.

🦜Dishing in D.C.: Kentucky Colonel Honors, Diplomacy Gossip, and Canada as the 51st State?