An Inuk CEO, Inuktitut and Zelenskyy: Chris Flanagan takes Proust Questionnaire

As Chris Flanagan watched a bottle of champagne shatter against the hull of the largest Canadian-owned fishing boat earlier this summer at Iqaluit’s deepsea port, many things went through his mind.

Of course, the christening of Baffin Fisheries’ new boat, Inuksuk II, was a joyful occasion for him as the company’s chief executive. But it also marked the end of his nearly seven-year tenure at the helm of Nunavut’s largest fishing company.

“It’s the end of this project, and it’s the end of my role as CEO,” Flanagan said in an interview Aug. 29, on the day before his retirement.

He said he believes Baffin Fisheries needs to hire an Inuk as his successor.

As for Flanagan, he said he will stay on as consultant to the company to help shape the Nunavut fishing industry’s future.

Flanagan recently took time to answer the Proust Questionnaire.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I think it’s to be out on the water near my cabin.

On a boat catching fish or enjoying a sunset, and knowing that I can come back to a quiet little cabin at the end of the day.

What is your greatest fear?

Not being healthy enough to enjoy the things that I really enjoy doing.

Which living person do you most admire?

I’m gonna have to say President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy of Ukraine.

He was an actor who played a president in a show, and then became president in one of the most challenging, horrific scenarios imaginable, and he’s sticking with it and doing everything he can to help his people.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I’m getting old.

I try not to think about my appearance too much, because it just creates unnecessary anxiety.

Which talent would you like to have that you don’t already have?

I wish I could speak Inuktitut, and I regret not having learned it. Our board meetings are conducted entirely in Inuktitut with a translator. And I envy the conversations that the board members have.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’d be 40 years younger, but I guess that doesn’t count, we’re not in the superpower area here.

I probably wish I could focus a little better.

I’m a generalist. I’ve changed careers so many times; part of that is because I enjoy change. I enjoy change more than I enjoy focusing on one thing.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My family: five healthy, grown kids and a loving wife.

What is your greatest regret?

I should have saved the Inuktitut thing for here. Work-wise, there were a couple of nuts that I wasn’t able to crack but overall I’m pretty happy with my life.

I don’t dwell on things that could have possibly gone better.

Once in front of God, what would you tell him?

I’d probably say, “Hey, can I do it again? Can I have another go? That was really fun.”

Nunatsiaq News is borrowing the old Proust Questionnaire parlour game to get to know people who are in the news. If you know someone in your community who our readers should get to know by taking this questionnaire, let us know by email: editors@nunatsiaq.com.