Who is Jonathan Tétrault?
Jonathan Tétrault has been a managing partner at Sagard, an alternative asset manager controlled by Montreal financial conglomerate Power Corporation, for the past four years. Sagard has over US$25 billion in assets under management.
Prior to joining Sagard, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Cirque du Soleil, where he oversaw the company’s operations and expansion activities worldwide.
He previously spent 14 years at McKinsey & Company, where he was a senior partner.
What are your best and worst habits?
I have been working out three to four times a week for over 30 years now. For me, it is the best way to manage my stress, take a step back and find ideas. I run, do weight training and yoga. My worst habit is to tend to want to solve problems immediately to move on to something else, which is sometimes counterproductive. Jacques Parizeau said that, often, it is urgent to do nothing to solve a problem.
Who do you admire in the business world?
The most inspiring leaders are those who have successfully redefined their industry. I think of Stephen Schwarzman and Jon Gray at Blackstone in asset management. Jeff Bezos at Amazon, who redefined the retail sector, but also logistics at a global level. Bernard Arnault at LVMH, who invented a new business model to dominate the luxury industry. And there is Elon Musk who, for me, is in a class of his own, even if I do not share many of his opinions and ways of doing things. He is the most influential entrepreneur of our time.
How do you unplug?
I have a busy social life, so for me the best way to unwind is to spend time with friends talking lightly about serious things and seriously about light things.
What app could you not live without on your phone?
LinkedIn. While I am relatively inactive in terms of posting, it is a truly unique networking tool that I use every day. I enjoy the ability to find people, connect, and expand networks in a very quick and targeted way.
Your best investment?
It’s every minute I spend with my three children. And I mean it. My children are 12, 14 and 16 (one boy and two girls).
What is your morning ritual?
I wake up early, usually around 6am, go through my emails and quickly scan through several newspapers, including The PressTHE Wall Street JournalTHE Globe and Mail and the Financial Timess.
What advice would you give to the younger version of you?
Find two or three mentors and consult them regularly on several aspects of life – not just work – and have the humility to ask for help. feedback proactively. But you have to choose the points on which to work, because by trying to work on everything, you don’t improve on anything.
What are your summer vacation plans?
A family safari in South Africa with the three children to celebrate my partner’s 50th birthday.
What is the most beautiful place you have visited?
Morocco. I got married there. So I have a special attachment. I also worked there. It is a unique country with its cultural life, in particular.
Do you have a particular diet or eating habit?
I try to eat 50% of my meals based on plant-based proteins because I’ve read a lot on the subject and tried a few things. I’ve realized that by reducing animal proteins, I simply feel better. I still enjoy eating a good steak on occasion, but nutrition has changed in recent years. I pay close attention to that, but in general, I try to have a balanced diet and not deprive myself too much when there are opportunities to enjoy them.