114: Resilience, Leadership, and the Power of Getting It Done with France Margaret Bélanger
In this episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, France Margaret Bélanger, President of Sports and Entertainment for the Montreal Canadiens, shares her extraordinary journey from corporate law to leading one of Canada’s most iconic sports and entertainment organizations.
France shares how she transitioned from a partner at Stikeman Elliott to the front office of the Canadiens, what she’s learned about negotiation, culture, and leadership, and how she balances motherhood, resilience, and professional excellence in a high-pressure industry. France’s stories of her family, her team, and her leadership philosophy will resonate deeply with anyone striving to lead with both courage and compassion.
Key Takeaways
1. Preparation Creates Confidence. Knowing your material and your mission lets you show up calm, credible, and composed.
2. Listening Wins Negotiations. Speak less, observe more. Real insight comes from awareness, not control.
3. Surround Yourself with Excellence. Great leaders aren’t afraid to hire people smarter than themselves.
4. Culture Is the Standard You Set. When “getting it done” becomes cultural DNA, excellence follows naturally.
5. Grace and Grit Can Co-Exist. Authentic leadership balances empathy with accountability.
Quotes
“If you talk all the time, you don’t have time to listen.” - France Margaret Bélanger
“I prefer a mistake to an excuse. A mistake is a mistake.” - France Margaret Bélanger
“Know your outcome, stack experience, and surround yourself with the best.” - Dwayne Kerrigan
“Fear shows up as easy. Nobody likes the label fear, but that’s what it is. And fear shows up as an excuse.” - Dwayne Kerrigan
France Margaret Bélanger is President, Sports and Entertainment at Groupe CH since 2020, which includes the Montreal Canadiens, the Laval Rocket, evenko and L’Équipe Spectra. She joined the organization in 2013 as Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer, and has held several executive positions over the years.France Margaret is the first woman to sit on the Executive Committee of the Montreal Canadiens in the club’s 104-year history and also the first woman to lead the organization.
Links:
- Website: https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/team/france-margaret-belanger
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/france-margaret-belanger-833b6b41
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadiensmtl
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadiensmtl/?hl=fr
- Spectra: https://www.instagram.com/spectramusique/?hl=fr
- Evenko: https://www.instagram.com/evenko/?hl=fr
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Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.