Maureen Chant - The Pattison Group

A Lifetime of Achievement

MAUREEN CHANT

You have led an exciting career as the Executive Assistant to Jimmy Pattison. Tell us how it began. How did you meet Jimmy? I met Jimmy at a gas station. It was at his first automobile dealership with a two-pump gas station and a three-car showroom. I was looking for a car part. The receptionist was someone I had worked with previously and she introduced me to Jimmy.

If I could turn back the clock, I would do it all over again. It was an honour to meet and interview Maureen Chant, the woman who Jim Pattison refers to as his “right -hand”. Maureen is Jim Pattison’s Executive Assistant of 61 years. I was thrilled to meet with her at The Pattison Group office overlooking a breathtaking view of the Vancouver Harbour.

The walls in Maureen’s office were covered with impressive keepsakes and framed photos capturing historical experiences shared with influential leaders from around the world and the many events and charitable causes they have supported. Maureen recalled the special story for each one.

When asked about receiving recognition for a Lifetime of Achievement in a life-long career as a loyal advisor and “gate keeper” to Canada’s most successful businessman, she replied simply that she loves to work and does not do it for the notoriety, “It’s just not my style.” Maureen is a respected role model who leads by example and loves to see others succeed. Anyone who has met Jimmy, has spoken to Maureen first. Let that sink in.

This is just a glimpse into Maureen’s world and the incredible career journey spanning more than six decades, with no sign of stopping. Maureen is deserving of the recognition and title of Lifetime Woman of Inspiration and, perhaps, a spot in the Guinness World Book of Records. My friend told me there was a job for a nighttime switch board operator. I was looking for a job, so I applied to Jim Hatcher, who was Jimmy’s office manager. Jim hired me for .25 cents an hour. I started as a switchboard operator and worked my way up.

How did your role develop to where it is today? My role developed over time as the business grew. Jimmy used to do public speaking. Before he would go to an event, he asked me to critique his talks. I would be very honest as I wanted to see him succeed. I remember telling him to take his hands out of his pockets when he spoke or correcting him when words were being used out of context. We came to have a mutual growing trust.

Jimmy has given me opportunities galore for the last 61 years. Every year he has given me more responsibility and more things that are of great interest to me. I give 110%.

Tell us about other inspirational women you have met? There are many I have met over the years. Some of the most memorable inspirational women were meeting Princess Margaret, Margaret Thatcher and Barbara Bush.

One experience that was incredibly special for me was during Expo 86. Jimmy entrusted me with taking care of Princess Diana when she and Prince Charles visited Vancouver for the Expo. I remember Prince Charles asking me why I was present everywhere they went. He didn’t realize that I was her caretaker. It was a role that I took very seriously.

What is like to meet the most powerful female leaders in the world? It’s not any different than meeting and speaking with you, Monica. Really, it isn’t. They are humble, everyday people.

The Jim Pattison Group has over 49,000 people with diverse lines of business. How do you keep organized? I am organized. It is one of my strengths. I like to build things and I like to be organized. It is something I learnt from my father.

There was no road map for your role. What advice would you give to a young woman paving her path? Listen. Learn, and give 110%.

What was one of the most important skills you learnt? When I started working for Jimmy, I didn’t know shorthand and did not know how to type. I remember Jimmy telling me that if I chose to go to school and committed to working for him for five years, he would pay for my courses. I told him I would take typing, but I would not commit for five years. I said I wouldn’t’ sell my soul. In the end, I paid for my own courses and have been with him for 61 years.

It is critical to see women in leadership roles. Who were the role models who influenced you? I had an English teacher by the name of Miss Mercer. She was a tremendous role model. She taught me to be careful of my tongue and open my mind to reading. The other role model that made an impact was Lily Chin, my Sunday school teacher. I doted on Lily since I was 10 years old. She was such a positive role model growing up. She taught me so many important life lessons over the years. These women were both very influential in my life.

You are a role model to many. I hope you know the impact that you are making in the lives of others. Yes, I am lucky that the people who I have inspired make it a point to let me know. This is such a blessing to me. Unfortunately, the people that I looked up to never knew how much I admired and inspired me.

You are in the office 5-daysa week. What keeps you motivated? For me, it is never work. I would still be working six days a week if it were not for my mobility issues. I am in the office 5-days a week; I love coming to work.

Do you every thinking about retiring? To be honest, I don’t know what I would do. I love my job. This is my happy place. What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my role Is watching the people around me grow... from the mail clerk to the receptionist... from the executive assistants to the presidents of the companies. Jimmy is very invested in providing opportunities to people to succeed.

I attended my first Pattison Stampede BBQ in Calgary this past summer with partners, vendors, and customers; it felt like a family reunion.

Listen. Learn, and give 110%.

What is that secret sauce to your inclusive culture? I don’t think there is a secret sauce. It is just the reality. We care about the people; and we care about every employee.

Tell us what it is like working for Jimmy. What do you admire about him? What you see is what you get. Jimmy is a man with a set of beliefs in his life that are down to earth and realistic. He cares deeply about other people, their achievements, their growth and what he can offer.

What do you cherish the most about working for Jimmy? Jimmy has always given me new opportunities and allowed me to grow.

Any last words of wisdom? I come back to the same listen, learn, and give it everything you’ve got. It’s been 61 years with Jimmy and if I could turn the clock back, my wish would be to do it all over again.

Thank you, Maureen, for the wonderful interview. I know you said you do not seek notoriety; however. If I was in a position of being able to nominate you as a Woman of Inspiration for a Lifetime Achievement, it would be you!