Meet the Speaker: One of our Rock Star Presenters at the upcoming Social Media for Utilities Conference in Las Vegas.
Q: Name, title, company?
A: Daniel Séguin, Manager, Media and Public Affairs, Hydro Ottawa
Q: Family, hometown, where you live?
A: My hometown and where I live is the nation’s beautiful capital, Ottawa. As the oldest of three brothers, my parents had their hands full. But my mom being a teacher and my father a police officer with the RCMP, they were pretty adept to keeping us in line.
Q: What is your Utility experience?
A: I’ve been working in the utility industry for two and a half years now, and it’s been an exiting adventure because I see how quickly it’s evolving. Customer behavioral changes and demands are both starting to reshape our industry.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working? Hobbies?
A: I’ve always been a bit of a daredevil and I have the injuries to prove it. Growing up, I (like everyone in Canada) played hockey and high school football, even drove a drag racing car for a few years. Getting older and wiser, I’m taking it a bit easier with competitive kickboxing. The injuries are new but the pain is the same.
Q: Notable achievements?
A: I’m most proud of my volunteer work. I’m an animal lover, so I’ve been an active Board member with my local SPCA for 15 years now, and given my experience with siblings, I’ve been a Big Brother for six years.
Q: Where do you see Social Media in utilities in two years?
A: Short term, I think the biggest opportunity is optimization of our existing social networks so our content gets results. Also, livestreaming remains a largely untapped medium for brands. There’s tremendous opportunity to stream live video and share breaking news to our customers and the media, or give a behind-the-scenes tour during a power outage. Access that unscripted and authentic is exciting and I think it will create a stronger connections with audiences.
I think the future of social media is getting away from being tied down with cumbersome gadgets like laptops, phones, and tablets. The evolution of social will see a shift away from this and more synergy with our daily lives to create a richer experience, and ultimately connect us even more. Watches are just the beginning. Soon, glasses and the ability to stream a friend’s comments about shows and movies on our TV. Perhaps, even our car recommending nearby restaurants.
Q: What is your biggest challenge?
A: Lately, it’s bending over to put on my shoes after one hour of kickboxing.
Q: What did you do prior to working in your utility?
A: I’ve led numerous projects and initiatives with the federal government that encompassed media relations, public affairs, social media, ministerial relations, events management, and strategic communications. These experiences have really influenced my work today in the utility industry.
Q: Who are a couple of your role models (and why)?
A: I’m a huge admirer of Richard Branson because of his respectful, competitive spirit and resiliency. Warren Buffet is someone with conviction and integrity. Then there’s Betty White. Her love for life, animals, and the simple fact that she couldn’t care less if you like her or not. I think we all want to be Betty.
Q: What is one of your big goals?
A: To go without using a computer or a cell phone for two full weeks. No status updates!
Q: What is the biggest misconception you run into in your role?
A: That we have the ability to get results quickly or can change behaviors overnight.
