The two go hand in hand, in my opinion. The worst: I always check my messages, whether texts or emails. And I always respond, whether it’s the weekend, whether I’m on vacation, whether I’m away. I never turn off my cell phone, even at night. I think my best habit goes with that. I always have my cell phone with me. People who know me know that they can reach me at any time, that I respond quickly, which increases my availability. It’s part of my personality, I don’t like to let things wait. When I am able to find a solution quickly, I apply myself and find one.
(Laughs) I found an escape route which meant that for 15, 30, 45 minutes, I had no choice but to stop. My partner and I have horses. I have a horse of my own, his name is Gotham. We participate in equestrian competitions together. When I ride him, I have no choice but to completely switch off and be 100% in symbiosis with him. I can’t get myself to think about working. It’s really the only time I’m off the hook. I admit that as soon as I arrive, the first thing I do is look at my cell phone!
I thought about it and as far as business goes, I haven’t been able to find one. But it’s more on a personal level. I have been with the man of my life for 15 years. At the beginning of our relationship, everyone – my family, my friends – advised me not to continue with him because of our age difference. He is 18 years my senior. But Christian is the love of my life. He’s my rock. He completes me. He lets me do my work without ever reproaching me for the number of hours I spend on it. It’s funny, because today my family and my friends all tell me that it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my life.
I would tell myself at the start of my career: be less anxious, you have excellent ideas. I would also tell myself to learn to be a little more patient and less intransigent with family and loved ones. At the beginning of your career, sometimes you go, you go, you go and sometimes you push too hard and you can be a little impatient.
(Laughs again) It goes hand in hand with the rest… It’s my cell phone.
Yes, because I am a proud person. Usually, an employee who is proud is an employee who is happy at work. I like to project that image. I like being well dressed. I would never go to work in leggings or sweatpants. I wear jeans on Fridays when I don’t have an important meeting.
My goal when I want to thank someone is to do it as quickly as possible. I don’t want to let time pass. I always like to do it in person or verbally. This can go as far as giving a gift. I try to know the tastes of my employees.
Yes, it’s part of my personality to want to please. Sometimes employees tell me, “You’re like a mother.” For example, on Halloween, I buy them candy.
When I’m at the office, 95% of the time I eat in front of the screen while working. The other 5% is when my dad is in the office. There, I take the time. I have a conference table in my office. We’ll take time to eat dinner for 25-30 minutes and then we’ll chat. When I’m with Dad, I take the time to sit with him.
I had two. This is going to sound like a cliché, but they are my parents. My mother gave me the tools to become the businesswoman I am today. Mom was a homemaker who raised four children. She raised me to thrive in a world that was dominated by men, the business world, the retail world. Sometimes I found her harsh on me, but if she hadn’t done that, I don’t think I would have been able to deal with certain things without breaking down. My father showed me everything. He was the one who founded BMTC. When people tell me that they have the impression of hearing my father speak… in the feminine 2.0 version, it’s the greatest compliment anyone can give me.
