In this episode of You Belong in the Room, Lindsay sits down with entrepreneur and investor Annick Charbonneau to unpack what actually happens when women move beyond financial participation and begin controlling capital, influence, and opportunity.
As the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Axl Capital, Annick has spent years evaluating founders, building companies, making high-stakes decisions, and investing in the future of technology and entrepreneurship. Together, she and Lindsay explore the relationship between money and power, why women are often conditioned to overprepare before taking risks, and what changes when women stop waiting for permission to step into leadership and ownership.
The conversation moves beyond traditional financial literacy into the realities of venture capital, decision-making, confidence, mentorship, burnout, boundaries, and the importance of building communities that actively support women financially — not just emotionally.
Annick also shares the mindset shifts that shaped her career, how she evaluates people and opportunities, and why protecting your time and energy is one of the most important skills women can develop.
This episode is a powerful reminder that women don’t only belong in conversations about money — they belong in the rooms deciding where it goes.
What You’ll Learn
- How venture capital actually works behind the scenes
- What investors truly look for in founders and ideas
- Why perfectionism holds so many women back from opportunity
- How confidence is built through action and decision-making
- The relationship between money, power, and autonomy
- Why strong communication and trust matter more than perfect pitches
- How Annick protects her time, energy, and attention intentionally
- What women underestimate about themselves in business and leadership
- Why community and networks can change the trajectory of a career
About the Guest
Annick Charbonneau is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Accelia Capital, a $60-million venture capital fund. An entrepreneur who founded and managed two technology companies, she has more than 20 years of experience in management and technology.
A passionate advocate for women in entrepreneurship and technology, Annick is deeply involved in supporting the next generation of founders and leaders. She contributes to promoting female leadership through numerous organizations and initiatives, including the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship and the McCall MacBain Scholarships. She also serves on the board of directors of Fiera Capital.
In 2023, Annick received the Québec Business Woman Award in Digital Technology and Innovation from the Réseau des Femmes d'affaires du Québec. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine University and completed studies in Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Key Takeaways
- Capital shapes which ideas, companies, and futures get built
- Decision-making is a skill that strengthens with practice
- Women are often conditioned to overprepare before taking risks
- Relationships and trust are central to investing and leadership
- Mentorship matters, but financial support changes outcomes
- Protecting your energy and priorities is essential for long-term success
- Confidence comes through participation, not perfection
- Women belong not only in conversations about money — but in positions directing it
- Strong networks and communities create momentum and opportunity
- Sometimes the most important thing you can do is raise your hand before you feel fully ready