Interview with Joëlle Beaulieu, General Manager of Le Savignon
Joëlle Beaulieu has held the position of general manager at Le Savignon residence in Montreal’s Lachine district since December 2025. Known for her warmth and gentle nature, she had long aspired to work in the retirement residence sector. She has thus embraced this new stage of her career with great enthusiasm. Meet a woman with a heart of gold!
Joëlle, tell us about your professional journey.
I spent much of my career in the hospitality industry before transitioning into human resources (HR) in 2019. In recent years, I’ve focused heavily on team leadership and coaching. In HR, we frequently navigate gray areas, and I’ve helped managers handle complex situations. Over time, I’ve built a strong professional toolkit, and I’m confident that the skills I’ve gained will help me succeed in my role as general manager.
So, what inspired you to pursue a career in senior living?
I felt a strong need to reconnect with people and with the field. That practical, human side was what I had been missing most, and I’ve long been drawn to the senior residence sector. Le Groupe Maurice truly felt like a professional match made in heaven. Its mission, vision and values really speak to me; I had a sense that we were the right fit for each other. So when the opportunity to join the company arose, I didn’t hesitate for a second!
What’s more, Le Savignon is just 10 minutes from where I live. I’ve been in the neighbourhood for almost 20 years, so I know it extremely well. I think that’s fantastic, and it’s a real advantage when something needs to be handled outside regular office hours. Le Savignon truly feels like an extension of my home.
What do you find most fulfilling about working with older individuals?
It’s knowing that what our team and I do every day can have a positive and concrete effect on their well-being. Since my arrival, I’ve established a small routine where I take the time to chat with the residents. These exchanges, even if simple or brief, allow me to better understand their real needs and contribute to their quality of life.
Exactly, what do older people bring to you personally and professionally?
It’s incredibly enriching on a personal level, because they give me their time. Our conversations are about the residence, of course, but also about their life journeys and experiences. They share their thoughts on current events too, and I love hearing their perspectives – it helps me learn and even see things in a new way. When I arrived at Le Savignon, I honestly felt a spontaneous wave of warmth and affection. People are so generous, and they give real meaning to my work. I like knowing that the decisions the department heads and I make can truly make a difference in the residents’ lives. That’s deeply motivating for me.
Which aspects of your background do you think will be useful at Le Savignon?
My background in hospitality management will definitely be an asset, since there are many operational similarities. The team support and coaching skills I’ve developed over the years are also extremely valuable. As I mentioned earlier, my diverse experiences have allowed me to fill my “toolbox” and better prepare for this wonderful challenge. Of course, I still need to get to know this new sector better, and that means understanding the residents’ needs and preferences.
My background in human resources has allowed me to develop within varied and complex environments, often characterized by rapid change and gray areas. At the heart of these contexts, the quality of human relationships and the ability to build bonds of trust have always been essential. I believe these experiences help me integrate more easily into my new environment. In other words, I have a good ability to adapt.
Besides this ability to adapt, what are your main strengths and qualities?
I’m known for being thorough, consistent and empathetic. Collaboration is important to me, and people often describe me as warm, calm and attentive. Working in HR requires listening to every side in order to find solutions, so conflict resolution and mediation are among my key strengths.
In closing, do you have a message to share with the residents of Le Savignon?
First, I’d like to say how grateful I am for the warm welcome I’ve received. I truly value the genuine conversations I’ve shared with residents since I arrived. It’s important to me to understand what people think, and their perspectives are essential in helping our team grow and improve. Above all, I want residents to know that I’m honoured to be part of the Le Savignon community and that I’m committed to making their experience here a meaningful and fulfilling one.
Thank you for your answers, Joëlle. Now, let’s move on to a series of lighter questions.
So… what’s your favourite sport?
I practice Pilates and yoga at home. Since it’s simple, I can easily fit it into my schedule. But when I really want to enjoy myself, I go on nature hikes – they give me a real boost! Plus, it’s a great way to explore Quebec’s stunning scenery.
What song moves you the most?
Music is incredibly important to me – it’s part of my daily life. Picking just one song is tough, but Noël au camp by Tex Lecor is a family favourite. Its lyrics remind me of my grandfather on my father’s side, who worked in logging camps. The song also tells an important part of our history and reflects a remarkably resilient generation. Talking about it brings back emotions every time!
What meal could you enjoy eating every single day?
My mother’s lasagna! I’m a big foodie and love all things culinary. I enjoy trying new dishes, but lasagna is my go-to favorite – probably because it reminds me of my childhood.
Which book is currently on your bedside table?
I just finished reading Tout est ori by Paul Serge Forest. You know how sometimes it takes a few chapters to really get into a story? That wasn’t the case here. From the very first pages, I was captivated by the world and the very distinctive characters, and it’s inspired me to plan a trip to the Côte-Nord with my family next summer.
Which famous person would you love to spend some time with?
I would have loved to meet the anthropologist Serge Bouchard, who co-hosted the radio show C’est fou with Jean-Philippe Pleau. The way he presented ideas made you see things differently. His weekly readings usually happened just as we were returning from the cottage… It was so comforting, and his voice, full of wisdom, had a way of taking us on a journey.
Where would you really like to travel to?
To Japan! It’s the country that has fascinated me the most since my teenage years. The food, the mangas, the animes, the culture… Going there with my husband and children is definitely on my bucket list!
Who has inspired you the most in your life?
I was very fortunate to be close to my paternal grandparents. My grandmother is still with us – she’ll be 100 soon – and I see her every week. Though she grew up in modest circumstances, she always made sure no one went without. She ran her home with absolute care and instilled in me a love for doing things well.
Which superpower would you like to have, and what would you do with it?
I would like to instill everyone with more empathy and kindness. Too often, people or groups make decisions out of self-interest, which is such a shame. I would like people to consider the well-being of others.
Joëlle, thank you for this lovely interview. Welcome to Le Groupe Maurice – we wish you all the best in your new community.