Interview with Krishnen Govindasawmy, General Manager of L’Image d’Outremont
With an extensive background in the hospitality industry, Krishnen Govindasawmy steps into this new chapter as General Manager of L’Image d’Outremont with enthusiasm, driven by a desire to put his experience to work for others. In this interview, he reflects on his journey and shares his vision for helping the residence truly shine. Meet a man for whom transparency, collaboration and a sense of enjoyment are absolute priorities!
Krishnen, could you tell us a bit about your professional background?
I’ve dedicated nearly 30 years of my life to the hospitality industry, both in my home country of Mauritius and here in Montreal. I was transferred to Canada by the hotel chain with which I had helped open a property, and I continued my journey with that same company in the West Island.
I worked at a hotel where I started as a banquet supervisor before being promoted to food and beverage director. In that role, I managed all restaurant and kitchen operations, including the property’s event services. I also oversaw a team of about 80 employees.
Later, I joined the Marriott chain in downtown Montreal. My various roles there allowed me to develop extensive expertise in organization, team management and creating guest experiences.
Why did you decide to transition to private seniors’ residences?
Well, I’ve always been drawn to the human element. In hotels, we welcome guests for a brief stay, a conference, or an event; they’re really just passing through. In a senior residence, it’s completely different. We become part of people’s living environment and their daily lives—we’re in their home. That sense of closeness really spoke to me, and I wasn’t the only one who felt it would suit me.
Over the years, several former colleagues who now work in the sector encouraged me to make the leap. They kept telling me, “You’ll see, you’re going to love it. You have just the right qualities for it.” After about three decades in hospitality, I felt the time had come to start a new chapter in a different environment. So, I took my friends’ advice!
And I have to admit, the company’s name has always made me smile, given that I’m originally from Mauritius. I used to joke that I might end up at Le Groupe Maurice one day. And now, it’s actually come true! (laughs)
One thing is certain: as time goes by, I realize more and more how much care this company puts into everything it does. I’m deeply impressed by their high standards, the warm welcome I received and the incredible support I’ve been given since day one. I truly feel like I’m part of a tight-knit family.
You mentioned your personal strengths. What are they?
I see myself as someone who is highly attentive and observant. I love listening to people, bringing them together and rallying them around a common goal. My ease with the public undoubtedly goes back to my childhood. I started working at a very young age with my father, who was an auctioneer and managed fruit and vegetable sales at the market. There was always a crowd, constant activity and plenty of interaction. That’s where I was introduced to the art of customer service and human connection early on.
Leaving my home country also taught me a great deal. It forced me to build resilience, adapt quickly and grow my confidence. Today, I don’t fear challenges—on the contrary, they drive me.
And which of Le Groupe Maurice’s values inspire you the most?
Kindness and leadership are two values that are particularly close to my heart. To me, caring begins with listening, but it truly manifests in the follow-through.
When someone comes to me with a request, a need, or a concern, I want them to feel like they have truly been heard. We can’t always resolve everything immediately, but we can always take the time to understand the situation and explore solutions. Keeping those involved informed of any progress is essential to maintaining trust.
As for leadership, I see it as a unifying force. Working in a residence is not a one-man show. I want the people around me to feel valued. My goal is to collaborate with both employees and residents to make L’Image d’Outremont shine.
On that note, what specific challenges do you plan to tackle at the residence over the coming years?
My goal is to establish L’Image d’Outremont as a benchmark residence in its field. We have a team of about 80 employees, and I want to genuinely get to know them, understand their day-to-day realities and build a true synergy with them. By that, I mean bringing together everyone’s unique strengths and expertise to achieve a common goal, while fostering efficient and harmonious teamwork.
Since my arrival, I’ve been taking a lot of notes and making an effort to meet with every team, including the evening and night shifts. I want to be present, available and transparent. I’m convinced that happy employees create a positive atmosphere, and that energy naturally carries over to the residents. A good mood is contagious!
What is your connection to older adults?
In my culture, family is at the core of everything––and the same goes for my spouse’s side. The bonds between generations are very strong in our families. Even though my parents still live in Mauritius Island, I speak with them every week to keep that connection alive.
Growing up, grandparents were a part of daily life. Since many parents worked, they played an essential role in looking after the children. My grandparents passed down core values to me, like perseverance, and they taught me to believe in myself. I’m tremendously grateful to them.
How do you plan to connect and build relationships with the residents?
I want to fully immerse myself in the life of the community. I’ll be there at our events—birthdays, happy hours, cocktail parties—because those are the moments that contribute to bringring people together and making a community feel alive. I also want to spice things up a bit when it comes to our activities. My background in event planning is definitely coming in handy here; I have plenty of ideas, but I want to start by listening to what our residents are interested in so we can build on what we already offer.
What do they enjoy? What have they always wanted to try? What would truly make them happy? By tuning into their wishes, I want to work alongside the Living Environment Manager to design activities that genuinely reflect who they are.
By the way, what would you like to tell them?
I want them to know that I’m here to build—together with the team—a home that truly means something to them. I want them to feel heard, and to know they can talk to me simply and without formality. In a way, the residents become my new family.
My door is always open. There’s no need to make an appointment. If something’s going well, I want to know. If something’s not, I also want to hear about it. Transparency is key for me; it’s the only way to build lasting trust.
Let’s move on to a few lighter questions now.
What are the three qualities you value most in a person?
I like people who are honest, open-minded and funny. For me, it’s essential to enjoy the work we do. That’s what creates good energy and makes relationships more human.
What’s your personal motto?
I often say this phrase: We’ll make it happen. That’s kind of my approach to life. In my view, there’s always a way to move things forward—a “way to find a way,” as I like to put it. It’s this attitude that pushes me to find solutions, stay positive and turn challenges into opportunities.
If you could travel through time, which era would you choose?
I’d choose the 1960s. The music was incredible, and the fashion had a fantastic charm. When I look at old photos of my parents, I think they were dressed so much better than I am today! (laughs)
What never fails to make you laugh?
What makes me laugh the most are the interactions between my two kids. They’re growing up and developing their own sense of humour. Sometimes I try to use their expressions, and they tell me I’m not saying them right! (laughs)
If you could have only one hobby, what would it be?
When I’m at home, I watch a lot of movies. I watch all types of genres, in all different languages—even ones I don’t understand! And every Wednesday, I play badminton. It keeps me active and helps me channel my energy, because I’m someone who likes to stay in motion.
Well, that makes two hobbies, but that’s not a big deal. Let’s just say I lean as much toward cultural pursuits as I do toward physical ones.
What’s your favourite topic of conversation?
I really love American football. I discovered it here, and it’s become my favourite sport—it even dethroned soccer! That said, soccer is still very popular with my family. In fact, we’ll soon have the chance to go watch a World Cup match together in Toronto.
What’s your fondest childhood memory?
When I was little, my mother and I would go to the river to do the laundry. I didn’t wash the clothes—I preferred to catch little fish. It’s a very simple memory, but it stayed deeply engraved in my mind. I also remember my chopper bike, a gift from my father for my birthday. When I rode down the alley, carried by the carefree spirit of childhood, I felt like the king of the island!
Thank you, Krishnen, for this lovely chat. The residents at L’Image d’Outremont are fortunate to have you!