Christine Chea
Director of Development, Mattamy Homes
Sector: Development
Year: 2024
Milestones in a career and life are a wonderful way of inspiring our emerging young leaders. Please share a proud or “magic moment” that shaped your journey?
The moment I realized that I should just ask questions without feeling embarrassed was a truly liberating feeling. The more I asked, the more I came to realize that not everybody had the answers and that more often than not, not everybody was on the same page!
Who were your major influencers/mentors (up to 2) and what were the key lessons you gained from them?
Mentor #1 – Fellow female directors in the Urban Division at Mattamy
Why?
All the female directors at Mattamy are carving out paths for themselves by putting their hard work, brilliance and dedication to leading their respective teams. In observing every single one of them, the grace and patience with which they carry themselves and lead their team members is admirable and awe-inspiring. All are well on their ways to taking over the Division 🙂
Mentor #2 – Former manager in the Urban Division at Mattamy
Why?
A former manager of mine has a way of balancing honesty with praise and productive criticism. He saw the great things that I was capable, even before I could see them in myself. I aim to be the considerate people leader that he is.
What do you think are the next big challenges we need to tackle as an industry and as a successful city-region? Are there specific things you think we should be doing to meet the challenges?
I think creating a more inclusive space for marginalized populations is the next biggest challenge. We need to have those tough conversations about how we can make our industry, City and Buildings, etc more inclusive for those that have mobility issues, those that recently immigrated to Canada and those that are BIPOC. We’ve made great strides but there are many who don’t know how to start these conversations or even know where to begin. The onus should be on city builders to educate themselves, seek out the learnings and ask questions where uncertain.
Tell us how you champion others in the industry.
Building connections and sharing resources! Sometimes, it’s just about knowing where to start that is the key. I’m always open to coffee chats and introductory calls where I can give advice. Further, I have all the time in the world for young women starting out in the real estate industry! Having honest conversations and providing productive feedback (where some may be too polite or uncomfortable) is the greatest service anybody could give me so I’m very happy to do the same for others as well.
What is your secret talent no one knows you have?
I used to partake in all types of dance since high school and I almost chose the BFA dance program at York University over the Planning program at TMU! I still like to take a drop-in class every now and again.
What is the best word to describe you? And Why?
Resourceful! I may not know all the answers but I know where to go/how to coax the answer out of people.