Ron McLester, vice-president, truth, reconciliation & indigenization, Algonquin College

Ron McLester
Ron McLester
Editor's Note

Each year, OBJ and the Ottawa Board of Trade choose 40 of the region’s top young entrepreneurs and business executives and recognize them for their professional achievements, expertise and community service.

 

In these profiles, OBJ highlights some of this year’s recipients – their impressive accomplishments, what drives them and how they like to spend their downtime away from the business world.
See the full list of recipient profiles here and be sure to check out photos of the 2019 gala here.

 

2019-06-21

Education: Master’s program in executive leadership, University of Guelph (2015) 

Biggest business achievement: Promoting the ongoing inclusion and embedding of Indigenous knowledge into the organizational fabric of Algonquin College.

Biggest obstacle overcome: Indigenous work has only recently become attractive to mainstream stakeholders. Finding an organization willing to explore this has not been an easy task. 

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Biggest influences: My parents. They pushed me when I needed to be pushed. They pulled me when I needed to be pulled. They led by example and taught me the value of having a good mind.

Most important lessons I’ve learned in business: My first executive leader told me to always remember three things: be friendly, be firm and be fair.

First job: Pumping gas at a full-service gas station.

Advice I’d give the younger me: Never forget about those who have paved the way for you; never forget about those who will come afterward.

Favourite pastime: Laughing.

I’m currently reading: And Grandma Said… by Tom Porter

Favourite movie: The Return of the Living Dead

Favourite song: All My Loving by the Beatles

 

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