The world continues to change at a very rapid pace and in ways that many of us could have scarcely comprehended a decade ago. While the pandemic is long past, the way it shaped the business world continues to resonate. Companies that adapted quickly to social media when it arrived on the scene now find themselves pondering the implications of AI. Add in the growing drive for ESG, the exit of the senior generation from the workforce and the gaps in skilled tradespeople and you have an uncertain journey that needs strong leaders to take the reigns. The great news is that Edmonton has no shortage of such leaders and each one is taking charge in a shifting business landscape by showing how the workforce, emerging tech and new ways of being productive can benefit us all.
The Leaders Awards, created and hosted by Business in Edmonton magazine, is adjudicated independently of the magazine. Nominees are judged by a panel of industry experts. This year’s judges are Shawn Mevel, Managing Director, Corporate Client, Diversified Industries and Energy Services, ATB Business; Dennis Sheppard, Dean NAIT, JR Shaw School of Business; and Jenn Miller, Partner, MNP.
Each judge knows what it takes to be a leader in these changing times.
“A great leader will inspire their team towards a common goal both in words and actions,” says Mevel. “They make the goal relatable to the team and show how each member can impact the achievement of the group’s purpose. By recognizing those leaders, it provides an example for others to look to for their own inspiration.”
Sheppard says, “Patrick Lencioni describes in his book The Ideal Team Player, three characteristics which embody the spirit of those privileged to be part of a high functioning team: hungry, humble and smart. An ideal business leader needs to not only possess those same characteristics but also possess the ability to nurture them across all members of their team. The ideal business leader builds a strong team that empowers their staff to do whatever it is they do best.
“Great leaders give tirelessly of themselves in ways that most who surround them are rarely aware. They do so without expectation of recognition because they are passionate for and committed to the organization and its people. It is for this reason we recognize great leaders to shine a light on the incredible results of their sacrifices.”
Miller adds, “Great leaders should be honoured for what they do in their community as they inspire people to constantly improve themselves and their work, both of which benefit us all.”
Angus Watt, a Leader 2023 winner and founder of the Angus Watt Advisory Group, embodies all of these qualities – and more. He describes how the year has been for him and his company since last year’s win.
“In the past year we have grown our team of professionals to better serve our clients. This growth has brought in diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds, enhancing our ability to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Building this strong, multifaceted team has been exciting and instrumental in our continued success.”
How has the Leaders win personally impacting him and the company?
“The Leaders win and profile sparked valuable conversations with younger entrepreneurs in our community, who have reached out. On a personal level, it has given me the chance to reflect on my journey as a business leader over the years. I was, and remain, grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to engage with emerging leaders who are forging their own path,” Watt says.
His advice for emerging entrepreneurs is as follows, “Entrepreneurs often face intense pressure and given my personal interest in mental health, I urge emerging entrepreneurs to prioritize their well-being. Starting and running a business can be isolating and stressful. It’s crucial to seek out mental health resources and support systems. Taking care of yourself enables you to better manage and grow your business.”
Watt also has sage advice for older entrepreneurs coming to the end of their business journeys.
“My top advice is to start planning your succession now. Exiting a business involves several key steps that may not be immediately obvious. Recently, we’ve been sharing insights on succession planning through short articles in Business in Edmonton magazine. The core advice remains: collaborate with a strong advisor, find a great mentor and start the planning process as early as possible to ensure a smooth transition.”
Business in Edmonton and Leaders is thankful for all the nominees that are taking the corporate world into the future, the winners who embody the spirit of entrepreneurship and community giving and the sponsors who support the awards process and gala.
This year’s sponsors are Alberta Blue Cross, MNP, ATB, Crystal Glass, NAIT, Prowse Chowne LLP, Lift Boss and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
As the world changes, we all change with it. Leaders show that change does not have to be feared. Change can mean wonderful things for businesses and the people within them, for communities and for our globally connected world. Leaders show how the path ahead can be trod and most importantly, they show us that all of us have what it takes to be a leader.
For more info on this year’s Leaders visit https://businessinedmonton.com/leaders
