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Roxanne Fairweather/
David Grebenc
Co-CEOs & Co-Owners
Innovatia Inc.
“Leadership is about being able to articulate simply, coherently and with passion to move your group and lead by example with earned authority.”
In the brave, new world of “thought leadership” Roxanne Fairweather and David Grebenc are at the head of the pack. Not only does their knowledge management and training service company employ 600 people, it has grown its monthly revenues and staff by 250 per cent over the past five years and is now the largest Atlantic Canadaheadquartered technology company.
The strategist David has a clear and concise fourpoint perspective on how to run a business: know how to keep the customers you have and which ones to go after; constantly respect but challenge employees; know your finances, current and projected; and, embrace innovation. “Constantly bring your customers something new and resonating or they will eventually see you as a commodity.”
It’s not about me Despite numerous personal and corporate awards in 2014, Roxanne says the real success was the realization that the people in her business and community have the talent, integrity, desire and work ethic to succeed on a global scale. “As a collective, we can accomplish, we can compete and we can succeed.”
Paul Farrah
President & CEO
Partner Seafood Inc.; Xtreme Cold Storage Ltd.;
Farrah Holdings Inc.
“Respect, innovation, performance – expect the best from each employee and reward them accordingly. Loyalty is the utmost important asset.”
A self-described overachiever, Paul Farrah runs his seafood production management and marketing company (a fully integrated vertical enterprise, from fishing quota to end user) the way a traditional fisher runs his boat: with care, love, enthusiasm and an abiding interest in the 40- plus international markets he serves.
Sometimes it’s about saying ‘no’ Refusing to get too dependent on one product or another, Paul applies the 80/20 rule in all he does. For example, a company selling only lobster to U.S. markets last year might be factoring its receivables this year. “That’s not our case,” he says. “No more than 20 per cent of our turnover is with each account or market.”
Keeping an eye on the whale While many of his competitors spend their time and money watching each other, Paul focuses his attention on understanding trends in each of his distribution channels (suppliers and end users). “This way, I can be ahead of the game at all times.” Call it the wisdom of the modern-day fisherman.
Scott D. Ferguson
President & CEO
Trade Centre Limited
“Rather than a traditional … advertising and marketing campaign, our strategy has been highly targeted and personalized to a list of top (event planning) prospects.”
Some have leadership thrust upon them; others take the bull by the horns. Scott Ferguson has had the pleasurable experience of occupying both positions simultaneously. As Trade Centre Limited’s executive headliner he has managed to secure $163 million to build a new convention centre in downtown Halifax and also become that project’s chief spokesman.
Think big or go home Scott says the nature of his business — managing and expanding events in a highly competitive marketplace — requires fortitude. In fact, success comes from being unapologetic and building a wicked reputation for getting things done. “As a leader,” he says, “I’ve learned a lot about operating at the high standard our stakeholders expect.”
Make it simple, keep it fun Sure, Scott’s clear about setting goals for his employees (and himself). But his momentum rests with the degree to which he motivates people to excel. As he says, “It’s important to revisit and reassess objectives on a regular basis to celebrate the wins and address the challenges head on.”
Shelley Elizabeth Fleckenstein
Founding Owner & Director, Kings Physiotherapy Clinic; Regional Manager of Service Development & Innovation, CBI Health Group
“A leader is an exemplar, focal point or beacon at the cultural centre of the organization… Two words: servant leadership.”
Shelley calls herself, “One of the lucky ones”. What began as a dream on a shoestring has grown through work into one of the most successful, comprehensive rehabilitative clinics in Atlantic Canada. Indeed, she says, “Over the past 20 years, I have had the pleasure of embracing my passion to help others.”
First, do unto oneself When it comes to motivating the 31 multidisciplinary health care professionals on staff (serving 250 in-house patients), Shelley is almost therapeutic in her approach: “I don’t ask anyone to do anything that I wouldn’t be willing to do myself, and I always lead by example.”
Employee’s market Physiotherapy clinics in Nova Scotia outnumber graduates by a ratio of three to one, which means employees have their choice of locations — and rural areas aren’t at the top of their list. That was the issue Shelley struggled with last year, countering with aggressive recruitment strategies, signing bonuses and even accommodations. Despite vacancy issues, 2014 turned out to be yet another growth year for the organization.
Aniela Florczynski
Chief Executive Officer
Bayview Credit Union Ltd.
“To be a good leader for others, you must first be a leader of yourself. Leadership starts with self.”
Reflecting on her 32 years at Bayview Credit Union, Aniela Florczynski notes that her journey mirrors the organization itself — growing from a small, nimble institution with assets of $6 million in 1982 to become the largest (and still nimble) credit union in New Brunswick, with more than 120 staff and in excess of $350 million in assets.
Nail down those soft skills As a Polish émigré who learned English the hard way (while studying CGA textbooks), Aniela puts tremendous stock in personal self-determination. From professional accreditations to helicopter egress training, Aniela believes life is a series of testing challenges. “Our choice is to find the opportunities hidden within each challenge.”
Banking on the best Aniela attributes much of her professional success to her keen eye for talent. After all, technical skills can be taught; integrity, optimism and self-motivation is a whole other side of the balance sheet. Those who possess these qualities are, she says, “generally leaders: attitude, focus, dedication, passion.” Naturally, of course, she should know all about that.
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