Getting to Know Chantal Montpetit, General Manager of Lilo
Stepping outside her comfort zone and taking on new challenges have never intimidated Chantal Montpetit. After a rich and varied professional journey, she recently began a new chapter in her career as General Manager of Lilo. At Le Groupe Maurice, she will be able to draw on her experience and her genuine interest in people and their life stories. Meet an approachable leader who enjoys looking at things from a fresh perspective and exploring every possibility.
Chantal, tell us about your career path.
I’ve worked in a variety of settings, all with one thing in common: people were always at the heart of what I did.
After earning my diploma in hotel management and a certificate in industrial relations, I spent a year in Vancouver improving my English. When I returned to Quebec, I worked in Bromont, first as a dining room manager and then as an events coordinator, before helping open Château Mont-Tremblant. I later joined a special hotel project at the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec, where I particularly enjoyed working with the students.
In 1998, a new challenge took me to the House of Commons, where I managed meeting-room services and a team of 35 employees across five buildings. There, I gained insight into the world of politics before returning to my first love: event planning. After seven years at The Westin Ottawa, I joined the Canadian Construction Association, where my team organized more than 25 events a year in Canada and abroad, as well as an annual conference attended by 500 to 800 people.
I then worked for Entrepreneurs’ Organization before becoming Executive Director of Maison le Ricochet, a group that supports people living with mental health challenges. This deeply rewarding experience taught me, among other things, how to accomplish a great deal with limited resources.
What an impressive career! What made you want to work at Le Groupe Maurice?
I was initially drawn to the Luc Maurice Foundation’s Mission Unitaînés initiative and to the work of Mr. Maurice himself. His vision resonated with me, as did Le Groupe Maurice’s values. Those values ultimately convinced me to apply for the position of General Manager.
Integrity and collaboration are very important to me in my daily work, and I strongly believe that actions should match words. I think that principle describes Le Groupe Maurice perfectly!
You’ve been General Manager at Lilo for a few weeks now. How do you see this new adventure?
I love connecting with people, and I hope to build meaningful relationships with the residents. For example, rather than scheduling a formal meeting with a resident, I prefer to call and ask whether I can stop by their home to discuss their needs and answer their questions. Every morning, I make my rounds and greet everyone. That personal connection is very important to me.
As General Manager, I want to take part in the residence’s activities so I can better understand what’s happening and identify opportunities for improvement over time. If an issue arises, I want to be able to consider it from every angle, explore the available options and offer solutions. This approach comes from my experience in event planning, where unexpected situations arise constantly and you have to “think on your feet.” I’m confident that everything I’ve learned throughout my career will serve me well at Lilo.
Since joining Lilo, you’ve had the opportunity to introduce yourself to the residents. What message would you like to share with them today?
I want residents to know that I’m approachable and that they can always come and speak with me. If I’m unavailable for any reason, they can leave me a message, and I’ll make sure to meet with them as soon as possible. They can also use the suggestion box, speak with an employee or talk to a member of the residents’ committee. There are all kinds of ways to reach me.
Above all, I’m here to listen, understand residents’ needs and ensure everyone feels comfortable and supported. My goal isn’t to change everything. We have a strong team; our employees truly care about our residents, and every day I see how proud they are of their community. I want to build on that strong foundation while continuing to support each person’s well-being.
To help residents get to know you a bit better, we’ve prepared a few light-hearted questions. So, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’m someone who needs to spend time in nature. Being outdoors is very important to me because it restores my energy. That love of nature undoubtedly comes from the summers I spent at our family cottage in the Outaouais. My brother, my sisters and I would walk through the woods, pick strawberries and flowers and play in the sand. Life was simple and peaceful.
Today, I especially enjoy outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, cycling and kayaking. On Friday evenings, I also like to watch a movie or read a book; and on Sunday mornings, I love practicing yoga.
What quality do you value most in a person?
There are two: empathy and honesty. I especially appreciate people who are willing to acknowledge their mistakes. We’re all human, and there’s no need to lie.
Which public figure would you most like to have coffee with?
I would have loved to sit down and talk with Nelson Mandela. Despite all the injustice he endured, he remained calm and humble. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to meet several inspiring people, including Roméo Dallaire, Chris Hadfield, Sylvie Fréchette and Sylvie Bernier. Their life stories are fascinating. Since I arrived at Lilo, several residents have also shared parts of their own stories with me, and I know I’ll learn a great deal from them!
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Chantal — and welcome to Le Groupe Maurice! We hope your new role at Lilo brings you great happiness and success.