How Francis Peujio Helps Businesses Expand with Intelligence and Integrity

1-Vision & Origins

 What inspired you to create Maple Leaf World Commerce and Anafram Consulting, and how did your academic background in finance and international business influence that vision?

Maple Leaf World Commerce and Anafram Consulting began with a clear purpose. I wanted to create real bridges between Canada and Latin America. My work as a professor showed me the potential of these regions. My consulting experience confirmed how much support companies need when expanding. Today we help Mexican businesses enter Canada and we also guide Canadian companies exploring Mexico and South America. Our mission is simple. Turn opportunities into results.

2 - Bridging Continents

 You operate between Canada, Mexico, and Latin America. What opportunities do you see for businesses across these regions, and how can entrepreneurs leverage existing trade frameworks like the USMCA to grow globally?

Canada, Mexico, and Latin America offer powerful complementarities. Technology, capital, and innovation flow naturally between these regions. I see it every time we bring leaders together, like we did in Monterrey and Chihuahua. The USMCA gives companies a unique advantage for expansion in both directions. What they need is strategy and a trusted partner. When businesses understand the framework and the market culture, global growth becomes achievable.

3- AI and Intelligence in Trade

 You often speak about data and technology transforming global commerce. How is artificial intelligence reshaping market forecasting, supply-chain efficiency, and decision-making in international business?

Artificial intelligence is now part of the expansion process. It gives us clarity in forecasting, demand analysis, and supply chain planning. For companies entering Mexico or Latin America, AI helps identify the right regions, partners, and consumer patterns. For Mexican firms entering Canada, AI reduces uncertainty and accelerates decision making. Technology is no longer optional. It is the foundation of modern trade.

4 - From Numbers to Strategy

 Many founders rely on intuition when expanding abroad. What key financial indicators or risk-assessment tools should every company consider before entering a new market?

Before growing internationally, companies should understand their financial resilience and the behavior of their industry across borders. Cash flow, currency exposure, and market indicators matter. Many founders rely on intuition, but international work requires intelligence and preparation. With the right analysis, companies reduce risk and move with confidence in both the Canadian and Latin American markets.

5 - Sustainability and Integrity

Maple Leaf World Commerce emphasizes sustainable and ethical trade. Why are those principles essential for the future of global business, and how do they translate into practical strategy?

Sustainability and ethical trade are essential because they create trust on both sides of the border. When we work with partners in Mexico, Canada, or South America, the companies that inspire confidence are the ones that operate with transparency and respect. These principles attract investors, open doors, and create long term business relationships. This is how we build meaningful international expansion.

6 - Cultural Intelligence as a Competitive Advantage

 You’re fluent in English, French, and Spanish, and work across continents. How does cultural fluency help close deals, build trust, and strengthen long-term partnerships?

Speaking English, French, and Spanish allows me to understand people, institutions, and markets with precision. It helps me negotiate effectively, whether I am supporting Canadian firms in Latin America or guiding Latin American companies in Canada. Cultural intelligence accelerates trust. It is one of the reasons we achieve results quickly.

7- Lessons from the Field

 Could you share a brief example of a project where data-driven insight or cross-border collaboration produced a breakthrough result for a client?

A recent example comes from our work connecting Canadian firms with key sectors in northern Mexico and creating pathways for Mexican products to explore the Canadian market. During our events in Monterrey and Chihuahua, we linked Canadian innovation with local clusters and opened the door to large distribution opportunities. This showed me again that when data, strategy, and collaboration align, results happen immediately.

 8- Advice for Emerging Global Entrepreneurs

 For business owners hoping to scale internationally, what first steps would you recommend — both financially and operationally, to prepare for success?

Start with knowledge. Know your market. Know your numbers. Build real relationships before you build infrastructure. Whether a company is entering Canada or expanding into Mexico or South America, preparation and cultural understanding are essential. International growth is not only strategy. It is human connection.

9- The Future of Global Trade

 Looking ahead, where do you see the most promising growth opportunities for businesses willing to innovate? How will technology, sustainability, and collaboration shape the next decade of trade?

The strongest opportunities ahead will come from companies that combine innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration. Canada and Latin America are closer than ever in terms of trade potential. With the rise of AI and the growth of nearshoring, the next decade will reward businesses that move intelligently and build cross border partnerships. The opportunities are here for those ready to act.