Daniel Tisch, APR, FCPRS, ICD.D on LinkedIn: Opinion: Companies need to stop giving corporate swag that people just… (2024)

What if Justin Trudeau, Donald Trump and Joe Biden were CEOs reporting to corporate boards? In my Toronto Star column today, I contrast leadership succession in business and politics to highlight a problem that cuts across partisan lines: those who govern democracies are often terrible at governing themselves.The problem is both structural and cultural: removing even a massively unpopular or unethical leader against their will is incredibly difficult; transparency and accountability mechanisms are weak; and the tribal culture of politics makes a rational discussion of a leader's performance almost impossible.But just as corporate governance has changed, perhaps political governance can, too. The Reform Act championed by Conservative MP Michael Chong is a good example. It's time for parties to go further.The stakes couldn't be higher for businesses, workers and communities. In turbulent times, we need leaders who can make smart economic, social and environmental decisions. The change must begin from within.#business #cdnpoli #successionplanning #governance

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I'm saddened to learn of the death of the great Bob Newhart today.When I started media training in the 1990s, my favourite clip to help my clients relax was the classic "gotcha" media interview from the original Bob Newhart Show. The humour still resonates today. even if much has changed. Today, an interviewer wouldn't be shocked about a psychologist (or plumber) charging $40/hour, nor, fortunately, do we have the same stigma about seeking help for mental health. However, the journalist's fear about "a deranged man out there in a position of power" sounds more familiar!#comedy #media #journalism #newhart #rip

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Worth reading, to understand the metrics that ultimately gauge our collective progress. #SDGs

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As Canada grapples with slow growth and declining productivity, one of the easiest ways to strengthen our economy is to tear down internal barriers to trade.That's why today, on behalf of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, I'm joining the leaders of other major business organizations in calling for Ontario to join the New West Partnership Agreement -- an accord between Canada's four western provinces for a barrier-free interprovincial market.Studies show that regulations on interprovincial trade impose nearly a 7% tariff on goods crossing provincial borders. That's coming out of the pockets of ordinary people, families and businesses.If Ontario joined the New West Partnership, our economy could grow by as much as $4.1 billion annually -- boosting household income by approximately $1,000 per family and generating new revenue of roughly $420 million for the province. No agreement is perfect, and trade disputes will flare from time to time - as we saw recently between B.C. and Alberta. But committing to dismantling barriers is an essential start.For Premier Doug Ford and his team, this is an opportunity to show leadership that eluded previous Ontario administrations. We need that leadership now. To benefit Ontario's economy, interprovincial trade is the lowest-hanging fruit there is. It's time we harvested it.▶️ Read the letter here: https://lnkd.in/ewRD4FZsI'm proud to join the co-signatories, including Goldy Hyder of the Business Council of Canada; Perrin Beatty, P.C., O.C. of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; Giles Gherson of the Toronto Region Board of Trade; Sueling Ching of the Ottawa Board of Trade; Laura Jones of the Business Council of British Columbia; Adam Legge of the Business Council of Alberta; Bram Strain of the Business Council of Manitoba.#trade #ontario #canada #business #competitiveness

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Common sense communication from one of the smartest people I know. It's time for straight talk on climate risk, not magical thinking.#climate #risk

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Today, I was excited to facilitate a Page Society conversation on some compelling research into Canadian and global public confidence in business. My co-host was the insightful Rob Jekielek, Managing Director of the The Harris Poll, who led this important research.Among the key findings:🥇 For Canadians, the most important issues for business to address are economic stability and growth (90%); job creation and workforce skills development (90%); corruption (88%); mental health (85%); potential negative impacts of #AI (81%); and income inequality (81%).🤔 Canadians have lower confidence in business than the average in other countries surveyed (the G7 nations + Brazil, China and India). Our highest confidence in business relates to its role in job creation and workforce skills development (63%), and in economic stability and growth (58%). These are Canadian business leaders' key "brand assets." Environmental (53%) and mental health (51%) issues are key opportunities, because of their importance and the potential for business to enhance its impact.♀️ Women and younger adults (18-43) have greater confidence in business as a positive force on gender, racial and income equality, mental health and environmental issues. Women also care significantly more than men about maintaining workplace flexibility. These are fascinating findings -- and opportunities for business communication.💻 On #AI, we see a continuing preoccupation with mitigating its potential negative impacts (important to 81%) versus using it to improve products and user experience (important to 66%). Canadians don't have great confidence in business on either front right now. Leaders need to show what we're doing about the former, while shifting both action and communication into realizing the latter. (This is one focus of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's AI Hub).🌾 #ESG has accumulated a lot of baggage as a concept, but when you cut away the noise, Canadians care deeply about its component parts. Environmental issues, mental health, inequality and ensuring ethical behaviour through good governance all cluster among the top issues for business to address. And, as we know from other research, investors remain as focused as ever on these issues because of the inherent risks in failing to address them.Thanks to the Page Society team for continuing to prioritize research into business communication issues, and for inviting me and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to co-host such a compelling conversation. #business #confidence #ontario #canada #chamberofcommerce #research

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Six months ago today, I joined the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. On January 15th, I knew it was a strong organization with a diverse, talented board, team, membership and network. Today, I understand just how deeply those strengths are matched by a belief in our shared purpose, and an ambition to grow our impact.I'm also amazed at how much this team can do in just half a year:👉🏽 A long list of advocacy wins – on skills development, housing, clean energy, transit, infrastructure, mental health, primary care, Indigenous economic reconciliation, and more. Each of these successes will help improve Ontario’s and Canada's business climate.👉🏽 Impactful policy initiatives on some of Canada's most urgent challenges – including our Ontario Economic Report, AI Hub, reconciliation roundtables, and a primer on the business and community impact of addictions.👉🏽 Engaging more than 75 local Chambers face-to-face on priorities for our next strategic plan - while working together every day on current issues.👉🏽 Bid to host the 2027 World Chamber Congress.👉🏽 Extending and renewing major programs for Ontario SMEs.👉🏽 Engaging member events – including our Queen's Park Advocacy Day, the AGM in Timmins, seven Ontario Business Advisory Council meetings between our corporate members and provincial or federal cabinet ministers and party leaders, and more.👉🏽 Steady growth in our corporate membership and sponsorship base.👉🏽 Recruiting seven outstanding new board members, and holding a board retreat to engage all our directors more deeply in our strategy.Our collective aspiration isn't just to represent businesses today; it's to think ahead and advocate for the needs and opportunities of businesses, workers and communities tomorrow. That's the key to inclusive, sustainable prosperity.Thanks to our incredible team, board, members and network - and our government and elected partners - for this incredible journey so far. I'm confident that the months and years ahead will be even more rewarding.#ontario #chamberofcommerce #business #leadership #gratitude

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Congratulations to Candace Laing, FCPHR on her appointment as President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber! I was delighted to meet her in the spring and look forward to working together.I am confident that the Ontario Chamber of Commerce will continue to have an outstanding partner for business and public policy success in Ottawa - building on the exceptional relationship we've enjoyed with Perrin Beatty, P.C., O.C. and his team.Congratulations, Perrin and Candace! Great leaders attract great successors.#leadership #business #canada

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