Championing Change: Chris Guerette on Women, Leadership, and the Future of Real Estate in Saskatchewan

In a world often quick to celebrate milestones, Chris Guerette, the dynamic CEO of the Saskatchewan Realtors Association, brings a refreshingly pragmatic perspective. As International Women’s Day approaches each year on March 8th, Guerette finds herself less inclined towards celebratory cartwheels and more inclined towards profound reflection. Her sentiment, shared by many women leaders globally, stems from a core belief that the recognition of women’s achievements should not be confined to a single day but woven into the everyday fabric of our culture and society. For Guerette, it’s not about dimming the spotlight on women but rather broadening its reach beyond a mere annual public relations exercise.

Guerette’s candid approach extends to her observations within the real estate sector. While the industry often prides itself on a commendable level of gender equality among its agents, a critical disparity emerges when examining leadership roles. “We actually are a diverse industry,” Guerette notes, yet she poignantly asks, “How did we get to a point where there’s so little diversity in leadership?” This question lies at the heart of her advocacy and leadership philosophy. As one of only three female real estate association CEOs at the provincial level across Canada—alongside Ontario’s interim CEO Sonia Richards and Prince Edward Island’s Peggy Donovan—Guerette is intimately familiar with the underrepresentation of women in senior management. This firsthand experience fuels her commitment to fostering environments where diverse voices genuinely shape decisions. Despite the broader industry challenges, she expresses immense pride in the balanced representation within the board she serves, seeing it as a tangible step towards the change she advocates.

Breaking Barriers: A Proactive Stance on Leadership and Equity

Chris Guerette’s leadership philosophy is rooted in a robust and uncompromising stance against sexism and any form of limiting behavior. “If confronted with sexism anywhere, I don’t give it any space,” she asserts. Her conviction is clear: succumbing to a victim mentality serves no one. Instead, she champions a proactive approach, choosing “to counter bad behavior with more of the behaviours we want to see.” This powerful principle emphasizes shaping a positive environment through deliberate action rather than passive reaction, encouraging individuals to be agents of change in their professional spheres.

When discussing the persistent obstacles to achieving true equity in leadership, Guerette places significant emphasis on individual agency. She firmly believes that women must actively and persistently advocate for their own advancement, or they risk becoming “our own biggest barrier.” This means cultivating a mindset of courage and assertiveness, particularly in demanding situations. For Guerette, unapologetically asking difficult questions is not just a right but a necessity in any decision-making forum. She actively seeks what she terms “healthy tension”—a dynamic state where differing perspectives are openly aired and constructively challenged, leading to more robust and well-considered outcomes. This practice involves speaking up whenever a crucial question arises, pushing past the initial hesitation or fear of causing discomfort. “Every time you’re around a table thinking, ‘Should I ask this?’ you need to speak up,” she urges.

Her call for “tough conversations” is not about personal animosity but professional rigor. It’s about ensuring transparency, addressing underlying issues, and arriving at the best possible solutions. The ability to engage in such discourse, she notes, doesn’t preclude collegiality: “It’s not personal. We can still go for a drink and celebrate afterwards.” This philosophy underscores the importance of separating the professional debate from personal relationships, fostering an environment where ideas can be rigorously tested without damaging team cohesion. Guerette often finds herself internally cringing when she hears someone apologize for asking a question in a meeting. Her unwavering belief is that asking questions, scrutinizing assumptions, and bringing issues to light are fundamental responsibilities of any professional, especially those in leadership. This active inquiry, she insists, is crucial for fostering an accountable, transparent, and ultimately more effective leadership culture.

Embracing Pressure: A Leader’s Mindset Transformed

While asking tough questions and challenging norms might sound daunting, Chris Guerette possesses a unique and progressive perspective on challenges. Far from shying away from discomfort, she actively leans into it. “When I feel uncomfortable, I lean in. I don’t see challenges the same way as others. I enjoy them,” she explains. This mindset transforms potential stumbling blocks into exhilarating opportunities for growth and innovation. For Guerette, pressure is not a burden but a profound “privilege” that fuels effective decision-making and strong leadership. She views it as an indicator that others hold high expectations, anticipating that she has the capacity and foresight to deliver impactful results. This reframing of pressure allows her to approach complex situations with energy and determination.

Her extensive career trajectory undoubtedly attests to this exceptional mindset. Guerette’s upbringing in a community-minded family instilled in her an early appreciation for governance and collective action; she vividly recalls attending board meetings even at a tender age, absorbing the dynamics of collaborative decision-making. This foundation propelled her into a multifaceted career spanning over two decades, marked by leadership roles across diverse sectors including real estate, not-for-profit organizations, health, governance, and education. Her impressive resume includes serving as CEO of the Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association and holding the position of COO at the Association of Saskatchewan Realtors, experiences that provided her with deep insights into the intricacies of provincial development and industry management.

Beyond her direct leadership roles, Guerette’s commitment to community engagement is further exemplified by her tenure as a school board trustee. Demonstrating her willingness to step outside traditional professional boundaries, she also entered the political arena, running as a candidate for her riding in Saskatchewan’s 2020 general election. Though the outcome was not a victory, Guerette describes the experience as “fabulous.” She found immense value in the direct interaction with constituents. “I love door-knocking,” she affirms. “You need to go to the door to find where people are at. You’re not going to get it by staying in the office.” This firsthand engagement with the community, understanding their aspirations and concerns directly, underscores her belief in grounded, accessible leadership—a philosophy she applies rigorously in her current role, advocating for realtors and the communities they serve across Saskatchewan.

A Vision for Saskatchewan: Community, Growth, and Strategic Leadership

Chris Guerette’s dedication to community and strategic growth in Saskatchewan has earned her widespread recognition. Indeed, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, at the launch of her political campaign, publicly commended her as “a real leader in her industry,” acknowledging her long-standing efforts to build a strong economy and province. This commitment has been a central tenet of her professional life since she relocated from New Brunswick to Saskatchewan a quarter-century ago. For Guerette, leadership transcends individual accolades; it is fundamentally about “building community and a team that can power change.” This ethos drives her work, focusing on collective empowerment and sustainable development.

“Fiercely Saskatchewan” is how Guerette proudly describes her profound connection to the province—an often-overlooked region she sees as an underdog bursting with untapped potential, characterized by its iconic golden fields. Her enthusiasm is palpable when discussing projects and emerging opportunities. However, she tempers this passion with a crucial understanding of strategic allocation: “But we can’t do it all. We have to be strategic.” This principle guides her efforts to prioritize initiatives that will yield the most significant long-term benefits for Saskatchewan’s real estate sector and its broader economy.

One of the most significant challenges impacting growth within the province, as Guerette identifies, is its comparatively low population density. This demographic reality presents unique considerations for urban planning, infrastructure development, and economic expansion. Addressing this requires innovative solutions and concerted efforts to attract and retain talent and investment. Beyond provincial borders, Guerette also casts a keen eye on broader geopolitical shifts, particularly Canada’s increasingly complex relationship with the United States. “The landscape is changing quickly,” she observes, as the foundational dynamics of this vital bilateral relationship are being redefined. Yet, ever the optimist, she identifies a “silver lining” in Canada’s reawakened sense of national pride and patriotism. She perceives a growing public appetite for “bold defence and leadership,” suggesting that these evolving external pressures could galvanize a stronger, more self-reliant national identity, which in turn can positively influence provincial growth and resilience.

Charting an Unwritten Future: Guerette’s Open-Minded Approach to Service

When contemplating her future, Chris Guerette maintains a characteristic humility and an open-ended perspective. She simply states she’s “just happy to serve,” embodying a commitment to impactful work over personal ambition. Unlike many who meticulously plan their careers and lives years in advance, Guerette admits, “I always felt that everyone else has a life plan and I don’t.” This refreshing candor reveals a leader who is responsive to opportunities as they arise, prioritizing meaningful contribution over a rigid predetermined path. Her adaptability and willingness to embrace the unknown are hallmarks of her leadership style, enabling her to navigate evolving landscapes with agility and grace.

Despite this flexible outlook, one aspect of her future remains unequivocally certain: she will never be found idly “lazing on a beach somewhere.” “Oh no,” she laughs, dismissing the notion with a characteristic burst of energy. “I’m not the type…I’m definitely not going to be doing nothing, that’s for sure.” This statement encapsulates her inherent drive and passion for engagement. It reflects a deep-seated desire to contribute, to be actively involved in shaping the world around her, whether through her current role in real estate, future leadership endeavors, or continued advocacy for her beloved Saskatchewan. Her future, though unwritten, will undoubtedly be characterized by service, challenge, and an unwavering commitment to making a tangible difference in the communities she touches. Chris Guerette stands as a powerful example of modern leadership: agile, authentic, and profoundly dedicated to driving meaningful change.