Getting to know Grégoire Lantoin, General Manager of LIZ
|Interview
On the first of October this year, in fact on National Seniors’ Day, the LIZ Residence swung open her doors and officially welcomed her inaugural residents. Today, Le Groupe Maurice is inviting you to learn more about her General Manager, Grégoire Lantoin, and the values he aims to instil into this vibrant and welcoming community.
Grégoire, tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to work in the senior residences’ sector.
I’m originally from France and have been living in Canada for 24 years. My career in the hotel industry allowed me to travel and witness many facets of the profession. What matters most in this line of work is listening, paying attention to detail and teamwork – in order to fully satisfy customers during their stay. I had been thinking about advancing my career for a while, giving it a new sense of purpose and contributing even more significantly to people’s happiness. I was particularly interested in the field of senior residences, then the opportunity to join Le Groupe Maurice came along! The company’s values, which I deeply align with, convinced me of my choice.
And what are these values that specifically drew you in?
The importance of putting people first, plus Le Groupe Maurice’s commitment to the well-being of the elderly inspired me. Mr. Maurice’s letter, published on New Year’s 2023, touched me with its sincerity and kindness. I found it very uplifting. The individuals at Le Groupe Maurice possess sincere qualities of compassion, which shows every day in their actions. So now it’s my turn to promote these values of respect, well-being and attentive care to the residents… and also to the employees! It’s a pleasure to work for this organization today and to be a part of this wonderful journey!
Do you consider your experience in the hotel industry to be an asset?
In a way, certainly. The structure and management of a hotel are very similar to those of a residence. The dynamics are different, as people come and go each day in a hotel. In a residence, we work directly in the residents’ home. In any case, we need to be diligent while also showing empathy and sincerity in the way we operate.
What is your connection with the elderly?
To be honest, I’ve always had an excellent rapport with the elderly. It began with my grandmother, whom I was very close to and who lived in a retirement community. The role of seniors in society matters a great deal to me. We learn so much from them when we take the time to listen. It’s this kind of relationship that I like to cultivate with seniors – one that’s based on exchange.
What motivates you the most in your role as General Manager?
I would say, creating pleasant and meaningful relationships with others—colleagues and residents alike. It’s important for me to meet the needs and desires of our seniors. I want those who choose LIZ to be happy to live here. So, my goal is to make this living and working environment better and better, while making a significant difference in people’s daily lives. It’s a wonderful challenge, much like creating a painting: we work on it every day, and over time, harmony and energy emerge, allowing us to thrive. It’s not an easy task, mind you. But if I can achieve this, I’ll be happy with the picture in front of me and even prouder of my teams! It’s certainly worth the effort.
What do you see as the main challenges in running a residence?
The first challenge I foresee is forming a cohesive and enthusiastic team. We’re dealing with a labour shortage, so it’s not just about hiring but also about retaining good employees by fostering harmony among them. Another priority for me will be getting to know each member of my team and each resident, to best understand their expectations; this will enable us to work towards their personal fulfilment, while managing the day-to-day operations of the residence and ensuring customer satisfaction.
What words would you use to describe the LIZ Residence?
LIZ is a residence that embodies warmth, luxury, elegance and modernity; its personality will undoubtedly evolve with the residents. Its royal name is quite expressive and resonates with the name Elizabeth, giving it a sense of nobility and sophistication. In the last months of construction, we faced some significant challenges and delays, including a major flood caused by the whims of Mother Nature. That being said, we doubled (and even tripled) our efforts to welcome the residents into their new home and ensured they quickly felt at ease. Today, I can confidently say that the services offered and the quality of our personnel will undoubtedly meet the elevated standards of excellence set by Le Groupe Maurice.
What’s your message to the future residents of LIZ?
I would like to tell them that I feel happy and privileged to be here with them every day. And just like me, all the employees strive to foster well-being in the residence and are committed to fulfilling Le Groupe Maurice’s mission. On a personal level, I will endeavour to create the best possible environment, both for the residents of LIZ and for those who work here!
Do you have a favourite pastime or hidden talent you’d like to share with us?
Hmm, let’s see… I like to joke around and I believe I have a good sense of humour. In my free time I enjoy cycling, badminton and meditation to keep things lively. I’m also very close to my partner and my two boys. Living with them certainly brings a smile to my face! Lastly, I really love reading. My favourite quote is from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, where he says: “One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” In my view, the author encourages us to open our hearts to perceive life in a different light. This quote truly reflects the person I strive to be every day.
Thank you so much for this wonderful interview, Grégoire. We wish you an abundance of joy, happiness and unforgettable moments within the LIZ family!