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Samuel Havida first came here to study, but adopted Québec for good more than twenty years ago. He tells us about his inspiring journey.
Samuel Havida arrived in Montréal as an international student at McGill University in 1999 and had every intention of returning to his native country after his business studies.
However, life, with its unexpected turns, decided otherwise. At a university recruiting event that he was attending out of curiosity, a Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton partner made him an offer that would change the course of his life. Although he missed his family, Sam decided to seize the opportunity and stay in Québec.
An unrivalled spirit
Today, with 20 years’ experience under his belt, Samuel has never regretted his decision. Not only has he risen through the ranks; he has reshaped the landscape around him with rare energy and charisma. He attributes much of his success to the support and encouragement he has found within the Firm. For him, the Firm is part of his family.
His passion for his work is obvious and can be felt in every word he speaks. “What makes me most proud is to see clients or colleagues who, yesterday, thought something was impossible, and then, today, have turned that dream into reality,” he shares, with a twinkle in his eye.
Making the impossible possible
He remembers his early days. “People at the Firm believed in me more than I believed in myself.” This confidence has been the cornerstone of his remarkable ascension. He became a Partner in 2011, then Regional Vice-President in 2014, and since 2021, Samuel Havida has also become Interim President and CEO. His career path is exemplary. When he talks about his journey, he still evokes the idea of making the impossible possible. A vision that he applies to his clients, his colleagues and himself.
As Regional Vice-President, Samuel Havida manages a multidisciplinary team of over 750 professionals, providing a full range of services to meet the various needs of clients. His approach is that of a visionary, able to see the big picture while valuing individual effort.
“We need to know where we’re coming from, appreciate where we are, and above all else, understand where we’re heading to achieve our goals,” he says, with the conviction of a leader. Every transaction, every negotiation is guided by a single credo: unlock clients’ full potential and develop talent. For Samuel, client satisfaction is paramount and is measured by the excellence of the service provided.
Family and career
Outside his professional life, Samuel’s family circle plays a major role. “A lot of people say you can’t have everything at once. I think you can. I have a job that allows me to be a driving force for change, and I’m lucky to be sharing my life with an exceptional woman who sees only the best in every human being, and with whom I have three wonderful children.”
An extraordinary destiny
Samuel Havida’s journey is proof that sometimes chance, passion, perseverance and dedication can come together to create an extraordinary career. It’s the story of a man who, despite all obstacles, never lost sight of what was important to him: professional excellence, integrity and love for his family. Today, Samuel Havida is not only a pillar of the Firm, but also a leading figure in the Montréal business community and a role model for many.