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Trust is both a currency and a safeguard. Few leaders understand this reality better than Alex Van Zijl, Founding Partner of InterAtlas Chemical

Leaders face a constant tug-of-war between achieving results and building relationships. Strategic thinking is crucial for setting direction, making tough decisions, and keeping organizations competitive.

Lately I’ve been reminded of a saying we’ve used around our business for decades: Business lives in conversation. The origin of that thought came from our consulting work helping organizations create breakthrough, unprecedented business results.

Few qualities are as universally valued and as often misunderstood as trust and accountability. For Hal Somers, Owner and President of Towne Auto Group in New Brunswick, these aren’t just buzzwords; they are the bedrock of a business that has not only survived but thrived through decades of economic ups and downs.

When economic uncertainty hits, it’s easy for business owners to focus on external threats: rising interest rates, shifting consumer habits, or new competitors. But for Hal Somers, Owner and President of Towne Auto Group in New Brunswick, long-term success has always started with something much more fundamental: leadership.

Business is all about people. Technology, systems, and products matter, but at the end of the day, it’s people communicating with people that drives success. Remembering names, understanding what matters to others, and listening well can turn a simple transaction into a lasting relationship.

It's easy to get bogged down by endless data, opinions, and what-if scenarios. Leaders are often told to analyze every angle, run the numbers again, and wait for the perfect moment. But as Ron Foxcroft’s story shows, sometimes the real game-changer is courage and confidence, not more analysis.

For Canadian companies navigating a rapidly changing global market, trust is a real differentiator. Ron Harper, President and CEO of JFE Shoji Power, has seen firsthand how moving beyond transactional relationships to become a true strategic partner can transform both business results and team culture.

A builder’s mindset starts with seeing opportunity where others see obstacles. It’s about focusing on what you can create, not just what you can protect. In today’s business landscape, that means looking beyond cost-cutting and crisis management.