Photo: ELO Peer Advisory Group 2025 Retreat at Barnabas Landing
Every year, as I reflect on the work and relationships that make up ELO, I’m reminded that leadership lessons don’t expire. The same core principles continue to surface—quietly, consistently, and convincingly—through the lives of remarkable people.
I have the privilege of spending time with an extraordinary network of accomplished, ethical, and deeply thoughtful leaders and the teams that surround them. What strikes me most is that the lessons are often revealed not in what they say, but in what they do—sometimes so instinctively that they don’t even realize others are watching and learning.
ELO exists only as a cooperative undertaking. Its impact results from countless people choosing to contribute their time, insight, resources, and presence. While it’s impossible to name everyone without unintentionally leaving others out, specific patterns and principles stood out again this year.
Here are twenty “laws of success” I learned—and re-learned—in 2025:
1. Leadership is big-picture thinking.
The best leaders think beyond themselves, their circumstances, and the moment. They come to give, not to get. “We” always outweighs “me.”
2. Substance beats flash—every time.
This year’s Entrepreneurial Leaders Award recipient, Dave Brereton, embodies this truth: deep integrity, no theatrics.
3. Relationships are revealed under pressure.
You truly discover who your friends are when you build something together. Events have a way of clarifying that quickly.
4. A few committed people change everything.
A small group of deeply invested individuals makes an outsized difference. Commitment always outweighs numbers.
5. Finishing well matters.
At 83, John Lennox continues to flourish—joining us despite personal challenges, even dialling in from a hospital conference room—a masterclass in perseverance.
6. Generosity still defines outstanding leadership.
While giving may be declining statistically (see the recent Fraser Institute Report), the Christian leaders I encounter continue to lead with open hands and open hearts.
7. Long-term thinking wins.
I gave a talk at Indiana Wesleyan University in September on “Long-term Thinking and Doing." Virtually all the people I work with reflect the value of long-term thinking across key spheres: relationships, spirituality, family, career, and financial management. Short-term thinking rarely works.
8. Innovation starts with courage.
Every organization began with an idea someone dared to pursue. Entrepreneurial leaders remain indispensable.
9. Contribution without expectation is rare—and powerful.
Many supporters show up with no sales pitch, no agenda, and no demand for ROI. They see the value.
10. Presence is a form of leadership.
The less you need from others, the more critical it becomes to show up for them.
The less you need from others, the more critical it becomes to show up for them.
11. Impact often happens unseen.
From a sound technician at one of the ELO Forums, taking notes, to quiet observers deeply affected, you never fully know who’s listening.
From a sound technician at one of the ELO Forums, taking notes, to quiet observers deeply affected, you never fully know who’s listening.
12. Excellence attracts allies.
Professionalism and care don’t go unnoticed—and they invite future partnership.
Professionalism and care don’t go unnoticed—and they invite future partnership.
13. Discern quickly between doers and talkers.
Momentum depends on knowing who will actually show up when it matters.
Momentum depends on knowing who will actually show up when it matters.
14. Givers stand out—especially among takers.
Healthy communities thrive because generosity sets the tone.
Healthy communities thrive because generosity sets the tone.
15. Servant leadership still surprises people.
At our Forum in Toronto, we needed volunteers on short notice. One of my clients, Progressive Auto Group of Sarnia, had a couple of their guys volunteer to help with registration at the start of the day (along with a 12-year-old helper, thank you, Jacob).
16. Standing apart takes courage.
Leaders like Nigel Biggar remind us that conviction often requires swimming against the current.
Leaders like Nigel Biggar remind us that conviction often requires swimming against the current.
17. Community multiplies energy.
When like-minded leaders gather, momentum compounds.
When like-minded leaders gather, momentum compounds.
18. Isolation breeds irrelevance.
Silos weaken impact. Shared purpose strengthens it.
Silos weaken impact. Shared purpose strengthens it.
19. Sacrifice is part of the calling.
Speakers and contributors routinely absorb inconvenience without complaint—for the greater good.
Speakers and contributors routinely absorb inconvenience without complaint—for the greater good.
20. Reflection among peers is essential.
Our Peer Advisory Group retreat in May at Barnabas Landing was a spectacular retreat centre off the coast of Vancouver. It is essential to have time to reflect and reset, especially among peers who have similar experiences. Definitely good for the soul.
Our Peer Advisory Group retreat in May at Barnabas Landing was a spectacular retreat centre off the coast of Vancouver. It is essential to have time to reflect and reset, especially among peers who have similar experiences. Definitely good for the soul.
Leadership success is rarely loud—but it is always intentional. And year after year, the ELO community continues to remind me that when purpose, humility, and commitment align, the impact reaches far beyond what we can see.
We thank you greatly for joining us in 2025. Blessings as we serve and work to create another incredibly memorable year in 2026.