Interview with Benoit Bouchard, Cibèle’s General Manager
|Interview
With Cibèle residence opening its doors on October 1st, we sat down to meet its new General Manager, Benoit Bouchard!
Benoit, tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to work in senior residences.
I’m from Hochelaga-Maisonneuve in Montreal. I have a commerce degree and spent a long time working in retail, where I learned the importance of customer and employee experience. When the pandemic hit the world, I realized I wanted to do something more meaningful, more human. The wonderful opening of Caléo residence in Boucherville caught my attention, and I thought maybe Le Groupe Maurice was the company I was looking for.
I applied to become the General Manager at iVVi, and I finally found my true calling! Since then, it’s been nothing but happiness!
Why did you decide to continue your career at Cibèle?
I wanted a new challenge. Starting fresh, building a project with new people and watching it grow gives me a sense of accomplishment and great joy. For me, it’s important that older adults feel comfortable in their living environment. And it all starts with building a solid foundation, providing a nurturing community and developing a trusting relationship with them.
According to you, what challenges come with opening a residence?
I think it’s crucial to be surrounded by a self-motivated team that genuinely cares about the residents’ well-being from day one. By empowering employees and giving them the space to offer their skills and ideas, you can build a viable project. With a General Manager supported by a solid, motivated team, everything becomes easier. Finding a balance between work and pleasure is also essential; my goal is for employees to thrive and get along well. This will ultimately also reflect positively on the residents.
We mustn’t forget that we’re working in their home, and it’s crucial to ensure that older people feel comfortable in the place they’ve chosen to live. If we do things right, they’ll surely share their positive experiences with others, so we might as well make a good impression from the start!
Do you already have ideas you’d like to implement at Cibèle?
I’d like to continue to encourage volunteering. I used to always tell the recreation manager at iVVi that even if she’s the only one in her department, she has the largest team because of the many resident volunteers (laughs). In the residence, we help newcomers settle in with a mentorship program. Volunteer residents meet them, familiarize them with the complex and introduce them to all the activities they can join. Our “Friendship Table” in the dining room also fosters social connections and counters isolation. Of course, everyone is free to participate as they wish, respecting their privacy.
When it comes to a brand-new residence, everyone is fresh, so we’ll be introducing this initiative gradually at Cibèle. The same goes for the residents’ committee, which will form over time. They’ll join us during welcome sessions and offer recommendations to enhance life in the residence. Our goal is for people to do things at their own pace, according to their desires.
So tell me Benoit, what does “aging” mean to you?
For me, aging means passing on knowledge! In life, I’m like to pass on things. I’m not afraid of being replaced, and that’s why I enjoy sharing my experience with others so much. It’s incredibly fulfilling. At iVVi, I formed powerful bonds with the residents and employees alike. I learned just as much from them as they did from me. In fact, I spent several years mentoring colleagues who now hold director positions in residences, including the one who took over over my role at iVVi. Today, I’m happy to have passed the torch and to embark on a new adventure full of discoveries and encounters.
What message do you want to convey to future residents of Cibèle?
We won’t aim for perfection because perfection only lasts a moment. But excellence lasts a lifetime, so we’ll strive for excellence every day. To achieve this, I want to meet you, get to know you and learn about what you like. I wish to create a pleasant, safe and personalized environment that reflects who you are!
Okay, let’s get a little more personal.
What’s your passion in life?
I have two. First, it’s hockey. I love this sport, but I had to stop playing recently. I should get back into it to stay in shape. Second, it’s cooking. As we say in Quebec, I love cooking up a storm! It relaxes me and is always a great excuse to invite people over and host gatherings at my home.
What’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
Happy people, plain and simple. When I’m surrounded by loved ones, sharing a delicious meal… and laughter and smiles are flowing around the table. Happiness is contagious, and that’s what fills my heart with joy.
What would you like to do in your life in the next year that you’ve never done before?
My wife and I have as a mission, to drive the Kentucky Whiskey Trail. It’s similar to Quebec’s Wine Route. I discovered bourbon a few years ago, and visiting the distilleries on the Kentucky Whiskey Trail will be a terrific opportunity to have a good time in a beautiful setting. Always in moderation, of course!
Benoit, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us today! The Cibèle team and future residents are truly fortunate to have you aboard. We’re excited to see you shine in your latest adventure!