#Powerwives is a bi-monthly column where we feature women who inspire us. Marital status is completely irrelevant. The title is inspired by our founders November 2013 Toronto Life cover story. This week’s #powerwife is Michèle Maheux.
Michele Maheux is the Executive Director/COO of TIFF with a love of people, good wine, cooking, reading, hiking and any and all genre of film.
Name: M. Michele Maheux
Title: Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer – TIFF
Social media handles: Whose got the time?
Who is in your tribe? (family members, friends, partners)My lovely husband of 21 years John, our children Sean and Sha Sha, my sister Anne, brother Pierre, brothers-in-law Greg, Tim, aunties Charlotte and Shirlianne, parents-in-law Cindy and Jack, BFFs Sharon and Carl…my boss and mentor Piers Handling, my workmates at TIFF and pals from many different communities including neighbours, school friends, industry from around the world.
What does a typical day look like for you? Hmm…what I love most about my world/life/work is that no day looks like another. Variety is the spice….
What’s in your clutch? Color Riche #337, blackberry, eyeliner pencil, RBC Visa and bank card, two $20 bills and three TTC tokens. Always.
Five things you can’t live without? My family, dvd player, books, a good hand cream and great walking shoes.
Who is your hero? My Aunt…she’s turning 80 and battling dementia and inspires me everyday.
What are you reading? “Instructions for a Heatwave” by Maggie O’Farrell
How did you get your start? I was recommended for a job at the Canadian Film Institute straight out of Film School at Carleton – by the secretary of the Film Studies Department. Pays to be nice to everyone.
Tell us about a time you were challenged and you learned a lesson: I was “downsized” out of a big corporate communications/investor relations job – along with most of the Canadian management team of the company we were with. My dad had this sign on his desk: Illegitimi non carborundum. So I took a breath, took a break and then came to TIFF for a 3-week stint in the Press Office. That was 26 Festivals ago.
What inspires you? My children, my elders, the artists and filmmakers I have come to know and admire.
What are you excited about right now? Festival!
How do you unwind? North on Highway 10 to Priceville Ontario….and our cabin in the woods. I can feel the tension peel away the further we get from Toronto.
Most interesting people to follow on social media? TIFF programmers
Personal mantra: Contrary to how we feel some days, we don’t run NORAD. Oh and do onto others….it’s the most important lesson I ever learned.
Advice for women trying to get to where you are: Work hard, volunteer, be firm, be kind, follow your bliss.
