The Culture That Built the Recognition

Earlier this month, I was deeply honored to be named one of Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada for 2025. It's a meaningful recognition, not just for me, but for what it represents: the incredible team I get to lead at HOST Management, and the culture we’ve built together.

Awards can capture a moment. But what I want to share is the movement behind it — the set of shared values and hard-won lessons that make our work matter. This award may have my name on it, but it reflects the hearts, minds, and actions of an entire group of people who choose to lead boldly, support generously, and fight the status quo.

“The most effective leader creates more leaders.”

One of our core beliefs is that leadership doesn’t belong to a title — it belongs to a mindset. Everyone on our team is encouraged and empowered to lead. That might look like questioning a process to make it better. It might look like owning a project, mentoring a colleague, or creating a new approach entirely.

We built HOST to show the kind of leadership we want to see everywhere: decentralized, based on trust, and focused on purpose. We work on our own leadership every day — learning, adjusting, and growing — so that this mindset naturally flows into how we help our clients. When we lead with trust and empower everyone to step up, it helps the associations we serve build healthier, stronger leadership too. Simply put: everyone at HOST leads, and that makes all the difference.

“Lead with love.”

It might sound soft in a business blog — but for us, it’s a core principle. Leading with love means showing up with honesty, care, and respect. It’s servant leadership over ego, listening more than directing, and making space for people to grow and thrive in their own way.

That mindset shapes how we serve associations, too. Their work is mission-driven and often under-recognized, yet vital to the industries they serve. We don’t see ourselves as vendors, we are partners. That’s why we created talkEXEC, a one-day summit designed specifically for association leaders who rarely get professional development tailored to their unique challenges. It’s a space for real conversations, shared tools, and community — all grounded in the belief that effective leadership has the power to elevate entire sectors.

“Each challenge has made us stronger.”

Our path has not been linear. We’ve had to take risks. We’ve made bold calls that weren’t always popular. We’ve navigated change, uncertainty, and moments of doubt. Our team’s grit — especially during times of transformation — is something I’m most proud of.

Whether we’re shifting our internal structure or helping a client modernize their association from the ground up, we approach the unknown with resilience and curiosity. Every challenge has sharpened our focus. Every setback has deepened our resolve.

“We fight the status quo.”

Innovation isn’t a buzzword — it’s how we work. It shows up in the way we build systems, serve our clients, and structure our own operations.

We were early adopters of digital events. We’ve become laser-focused on using time and tech more intentionally. We launched talkEXEC to fill the gap we saw in education and support for association leaders — a group often underserved, despite their outsized impact on industries and communities.

Challenging the status quo isn’t just for the sake of change. It’s about finding smarter, more effective ways to get things done — for our clients, our industry, and our team.

“We want our people to thrive.”

This isn’t just about perks or policies. It’s about creating a culture where people feel safe to be themselves, supported to grow, and proud of the work they do.

From our internal town halls and goal-sharing to our playful “Boss Lady” references, every part of our company is intentionally shaped to foster trust and inclusion. We’re proud of our recent AMC Institute accreditation — not because it’s a badge, but because it reflects the standards we hold ourselves to.

And here’s the truth: when people thrive, companies do too. Our clients feel it. Our partners notice it. And our industry is stronger because of it.

This award reflects a culture — not a single person.

Being named a Top 50 CEO is a moment I’ll remember, but it’s not the reason we do what we do. It’s a reminder that culture drives outcomes — and that when you lead with clarity, humility, and care, people notice.

There’s extraordinary talent and innovation happening across Atlantic Canada — and this year’s Top 50 CEO list is proof. It’s filled with people who are building, challenging, adapting, and redefining what leadership looks like in our region. It’s an honor to be among them.

But my biggest honor remains this: leading a company where leadership is shared, trust is foundational, and the work matters.

To the association leaders we serve: you deserve this kind of culture too.

The spirit that built HOST Management is the same spirit we bring to our clients. Associations are often quiet powerhouses — serving industries, advancing causes, and supporting members with limited resources and endless complexity. You deserve strategic partners who see your work and help you scale it.

talkEXEC. is one of the ways we bring this belief to life. It is meant to spark the conversation and fill the gap. Association leaders deserve more than reactive support; they need space to grow, connect, and lead with confidence. We truly believe in the strength of associations and the impact they have when equipped to lead boldly.

So yes, I’m honored. But more importantly, I’m motivated — to keep building, keep serving, and keep creating opportunities for others to thrive.

Because when leadership is built into the culture, everyone rises.