Chris Guerette, CEO of the Saskatchewan Realtors Association, is not eagerly anticipating International Women’s Day on Mar. 8. She, like many other women, is indifferent towards this annual day of recognition.
“I struggle with the intent,” admits Guerette. She believes that celebrating women’s accomplishments should be a part of everyday culture, rather than a one-day event for publicity.
In the real estate industry, Guerette notes, “We actually are a diverse industry. How did we reach a point where there is such little diversity in leadership?”
While the industry congratulates itself on achieving gender equality among agents, women are still underrepresented in high-level senior management positions. As one of only three female real estate association CEOs at the provincial level in Canada, Guerette is well aware of this disparity.
“But I am proud of the balanced board I serve on.”
Overcoming barriers to leadership
When faced with sexism, Guerette asserts, “I do not give it any space.” “We are not helping ourselves if we play the victim.”
Instead, she chooses “to respond to bad behavior with the behaviors we want to see.”
Describing potential obstacles to equality, Guerette emphasizes that women must push harder or else risk becoming “our own biggest barrier.”
She believes it is important to ask difficult questions in situations where decisions are made. “I try to embrace what I call ‘healthy tension,’” she explains. It is necessary to speak up every time you hesitate about asking a question around a table, she encourages.
“We need to have challenging conversations. It is not personal. We can still go for a drink and celebrate afterwards.”
Embracing challenges and pressures
According to Guerette, when she feels uncomfortable, she leans in. She does not view challenges in the same way as others. “I enjoy them.”
She sees pressure as a “privilege” that drives decisions and leadership. “It indicates that people have high expectations” and believe that you can deliver.
Having grown up in a community-focused family, Guerette has over two decades of leadership experience in various fields. Her diverse background includes roles such as CEO of the Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association and COO at the Association of Saskatchewan Realtors.
She was also a school board trustee and a candidate in her riding during the province’s 2020 general election. Although she did not win, she found the experience valuable. “I love door-knocking. You need to engage with people to understand where they stand. You won’t get it by staying in the office.”
A commitment to community and growth
In a news release at the beginning of Guerette’s campaign, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe praised her as “a true leader in her industry,” working tirelessly to build a strong economy and province for many years.
Since moving from New Brunswick to Saskatchewan 25 years ago, her focus has been on building community and a team that can drive change. “Fiercely Saskatchewan” is how she describes her connection to the province.
Guertte is excited by projects and potential opportunities but emphasizes the need to be strategic due to the province’s low population density, which is a significant growth challenge.
She also notes concerns about Canada’s changing relationship with the U.S. “The landscape is evolving rapidly,” she states. Despite this, she sees a positive side in Canada’s renewed sense of pride and patriotism.
Looking ahead with an open mind
Looking to the future, Guerette says she is “happy to serve.” She is uncertain about her plans for the next 10 years. “I always felt like everyone else has a life plan and I don’t.”
But you will not find her relaxing on a beach somewhere. “Oh no,” she…
Source link
This article was complied by AI and NOT reviewed by human. More information can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
