Lessons in leadership and icons who inspire

To celebrate this year’s theme, members of our leadership team reflected on Black figures who have shaped their understanding of resilience. These icons prove that excellence is built on vision and the kind of grit we see every day in our warehouses and on the road.

Andrew MacPherson, VP of Operations in Atlantic Canada, looked to a story close to home: New Brunswick’s own Willie O’Ree. In 1958, O’Ree made history as the first Black player in the NHL. His leadership was defined by silent perseverance. After an injury left him 95% blind in one eye, something that would have ended most careers, he kept it a secret to stay in the game. In transportation and logistics, we talk a lot about “making it happen.” We can draw a direct line from O’Ree’s tenacity and the daily commitment it takes in our industry to keep moving forward and deliver, no matter the obstacles in the way.

Jean-Philippe Hunter, VP of Human Resources for North America, found inspiration in the “nerves of steel” of Jackie Robinson. Breaking the colour barrier in baseball required more than just skill; it took incredible self-control and professionalism under pressure. Robinson had to perform at his peak while facing the kind of hostility that would break most people. In our fast-paced world of tight deadlines and high stakes, Robinson’s ability to stay composed and focused is a blueprint to follow. He reminds us that true brilliance is the ability to lead by example and stay the course when the heat is on.

Roger Alouche, VP of Hub Operations for Eastern Canada, rounded out these reflections with three leaders who understood that you can’t win alone. He looks to Nelson Mandela for his life’s work in breaking down barriers and fighting for inclusion, and to Masai Ujiri for his relentless drive for excellence. Finally, Roger shared a more personal connection with someone he’s had the pleasure of meeting: Michael “Pinball” Clemons. Told he was “too small” for pro football, Clemons became a CFL legend by turning his stature into an advantage. Looking at these examples, the takeaway is clear: logistics is the ultimate team sport. No package moves without multiple hands touching it, and like the legacies Roger admires, our success comes from our commitment to each other and the shared belief that teamwork is what gets the job done.

From historical legends to our own Nation Builders

This exploration of leadership isn't just about admiring famous names; it’s about recognizing those same traits within our own team. This year’s theme invites us to bridge the gap between the Black icons who made history and the people we see in our offices and terminals every day.

The grit Andrew admires in Willie O’Ree is the same tenacity we see in our drivers navigating a winter storm. Our dispatchers show the “nerves of steel” Jean-Philippe admires in Jackie Robinson as they manage daily parcel and freight movement. By connecting these leadership lessons to the real stories amongst our team, we move from simply observing history to honouring the brilliance that drives our company’s future.

As we look toward the next 30 years, we recognize that our ability to innovate is rooted in the unique perspectives each person brings to the workplace. Jean-Philippe captures this sentiment perfectly:

“One of our primary strengths is the quality of our employees and the rich diversity of our team. By celebrating the distinct legacies and cultures that define us, we build a stronger, more resilient future for our team members, partners and customers.”