Leadership Write Up
1. The report is based on a panel discussion with six of Atlantic Canada’s finest leaders in a series of short and long answer questions. The panellists provide their views, opinions, and personal reflections on topics including what makes a successful leader, various management styles, strategic planning, importance of various stakeholder groups, performance appraisals, and the significance of having a formal education.
Panellists Biographies:
Bill Black – Former CEO of Maritime Life Black is the former CEO of Maritime Life. Black worked with Maritime Life for 34 years and during his last nine years with the company he was the CEO. During Black’s executive leadership time at Maritime Life, the company grew organically through four successful acquisitions. Black currently sits on seven community and crown corporation boards. Jane Smith – President and CEO of Beacon Securities Smith is the current President and CEO of Beacon Securities. Smith has over 30 years’ experience in the investment business. Previously, she worked for such firms such as Merrill Lynch and Nesbitt Burns.
Dr. Alexa McDonough – Interim President and Vice Chancellor of Mount Saint Vincent University McDonough is the Interim President and Vice Chancellor of Mount Saint Vincent University (term ending October 2010). McDonough is well known for her 30 year political career at the federal and provincial government levels.
Prior to her appointment at Mount Saint Vincent University in August 2009, she led the NDP political party in Nova Scotia from 1980 - 1994 and was elected leader of the federal NDP in 1995. After stepping down eight years later, she continued to serve as a Member of Parliament for Halifax until 2008.
Bert Frizzel – President and CEO of The Shaw Group, Frizzell is the President and CEO of The Shaw Group. He joined the company in 1974 and has held senior management positions in several of the operating divisions. Frizzell also sits on the Board of Governs at Acadia University and is
Panellists Biographies:
Bill Black – Former CEO of Maritime Life Black is the former CEO of Maritime Life. Black worked with Maritime Life for 34 years and during his last nine years with the company he was the CEO. During Black’s executive leadership time at Maritime Life, the company grew organically through four successful acquisitions. Black currently sits on seven community and crown corporation boards. Jane Smith – President and CEO of Beacon Securities Smith is the current President and CEO of Beacon Securities. Smith has over 30 years’ experience in the investment business. Previously, she worked for such firms such as Merrill Lynch and Nesbitt Burns.
Dr. Alexa McDonough – Interim President and Vice Chancellor of Mount Saint Vincent University McDonough is the Interim President and Vice Chancellor of Mount Saint Vincent University (term ending October 2010). McDonough is well known for her 30 year political career at the federal and provincial government levels.
Prior to her appointment at Mount Saint Vincent University in August 2009, she led the NDP political party in Nova Scotia from 1980 - 1994 and was elected leader of the federal NDP in 1995. After stepping down eight years later, she continued to serve as a Member of Parliament for Halifax until 2008.
Bert Frizzel – President and CEO of The Shaw Group, Frizzell is the President and CEO of The Shaw Group. He joined the company in 1974 and has held senior management positions in several of the operating divisions. Frizzell also sits on the Board of Governs at Acadia University and is