Geneviève was born in île d’Orléans. “While I was still in high school, I was working 20-30 hours a week. I couldn’t wait to be free, to make my own choices. I did well in school. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do later, but I knew what I didn’t want to do as a result of my part-time jobs. I eliminated health and pure and applied sciences, and decided that administration could pave the way for several career choices.”

She chose accounting and began her training in the Québec City office in 2000, staying on after obtaining her title. “Working in assurance taught me a lot. I especially enjoyed carrying out assignments for SMEs, where I was able to work in areas beyond audit, such as tax. It’s a great training ground.”

In 2002, one of Geneviève’s colleagues transferred to the Insolvency group and at the colleague’s urging, she made the move as well in 2003. “It suited me perfectly to discover a new field while staying with the same firm. I couldn’t see myself progressing any longer in audit.”

“I’ve only every worked at RCGT since finishing my studies, something I’m very proud of,” Geneviève adds.

Shortly after joining the Insolvency group, she was given the opportunity to start training to be a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. “I felt it was a good time to start this demanding program, which took three years at the time. You have to pass several exams to obtain the licence, including an oral exam before a jury.”

Reconciling work and family at the forefront

When discussing her lifestyle, Geneviève explains, “I’m not the type of person who plans far in advance. Actually, I’d find it kind of boring to know exactly where I’m headed. So far, my career path as been somewhat personalized and has been shaped by opportunities that presented themselves along the way here in the firm.”

She goes on to say, “That’s how I am in my personal life as well. When I was 30, I had no plans to start a family. Then, at 31, I had my first child and, six years later, there I was, with three.”

Geneviève has been working in the Reorganization & Recovery Group in the Montréal office for 15 years. “I moved to Montréal to be with the person who would eventually become my husband and the father of my children. Working a four-day week was the best option to balance work and family life. I want to develop professionally, but will not sacrifice my family life. At one point, I had to set matters straight and reaffirm that priority.”

Geneviève goes on to say, “For the past year, my role within the team has changed. Now, I spend more time supervising and supporting new staff. I serve as the intermediary between the team and partners. This structure boosts consistency and efficiency, making it easier to retain staff over the long term, one of our group’s priorities.”

How would she describe her leadership style in one word? “Simplicity. I prefer a relaxed setting, I have no interest in a formal hierarchy. Everybody gets the same attention. My door is always open, it’s a whirlwind in my office. My team members would likely tell you I’m very available and uncomplicated.”