John Ferguson is president and chief executive officer of Purolator Inc.Supplied
John Ferguson is the president and chief executive officer of Purolator Inc., Canada’s leading integrated freight, package and logistics solutions provider.
With Canada Day approaching, I’ve been reflecting on the significant impact Purolator has on the country.
For 65 years, Purolator has helped keep our economy moving through a nationwide network that moves goods across the country and the world, all while supporting our people and the communities we operate in.
As a proudly Canadian company, I like to tell people Purolator is drenched in maple syrup. We work across every community and corner of the nation, covering 100 per cent of Canada’s postal codes from Prince Rupert, B.C. to Whitehorse to Corner Brook, Nfld. and Trois-Rivières, Que.
Over the past 18 months, our team has been challenged to overcome the impacts of extreme geo-political, trade and supply chain shocks.
We take our inspiration from being part of Team Canada. We’re motivated by the diversity of this great land, our team of more than 14,000 people and the grit, determination and imagination of the businesses we serve.
Our team believes that part of Purolator’s unique responsibility and role in Canada’s economy is to stay ambitious, build strategically and represent our country’s values in action.
Here is what those values look like in practice:
Taking on the world as it is
The past 18 months have been a masterclass in how to navigate constant change and uncertainty. Tariffs shifted overnight and trade corridors came under pressure. The business leaders I watched navigate this well were the ones who were already out there, talking to customers, visiting suppliers and exploring new trade lanes before they were needed. For us, that meant getting closer to our customers and our people, scanning the market and taking action. As leaders, we need to accept disruption, consider a diversity of ideas and work for a future that builds strength at home.
Cut new trails
Disruption creates openings if you are willing to move toward them. Over the past 18 months, we accelerated investments we might otherwise have staged more slowly: advanced robotics, artificial intelligence-powered routing, automated sortation and expanded facilities. We pushed further into underserved parts of the country, including the far North, because major infrastructure projects and growing industries there need reliable logistics partners. The uncertainty in the trading environment tested us but it also created opportunities and momentum.
Take the leap
Every time I speak with new leaders or recent graduates, my message is the same: set ambitious goals, take calculated risks and invest in yourself. Leadership is built in the moments where the outcome is uncertain and you commit anyway. The strongest leaders make the call, stand behind it and move forward.
Trust in trust
When things get hard, relationships are what hold. We saw this clearly when trade pressures hit: the partnerships that sustained were the ones built on years of showing up. We operate as one team with our customers, and that runs deeper than a service agreement. It is built on knowing each other’s business, being straight when things go sideways and showing up consistently. That is what trust looks like when it is actually tested.
Be well
At Purolator, we believe in the wellness of our people. Setting the tone from the top, we’ve invested in a full roster of programs and support for our entire team, including adding a chief medical director to help spearhead these efforts. We’ve also made significant investments in fully electric last-mile delivery vehicles, because the health of our communities matters. And through our employee-led Purolator Tackle Hunger initiative, we have delivered nearly 28 million meals to Canadian food banks since 2003. These actions reflect our belief that a company’s leadership responsibility runs wider than its balance sheet.
Glowing heart
Recognition matters. Look for genuine moments worth celebrating – a problem solved well, a new partnership that clicks, a team member who steps up. The milestone moments are important, but so are the everyday steps along the way. Your energy sets the example for your team, so be present, enjoy the moment and protect your passion for the work. It is one of the most underrated things a leader can do.
Marathon mindset
We see our role in Canada’s economy as a responsibility, not just a business opportunity. Every package we move, every community we serve, every leader we develop is part of building something that lasts.
Canada is not at the finish line and neither are we. The work of building a stronger, more resilient country is a united effort shaped by our common values. It runs through its businesses, its supply chains and its leaders. Successful teams stay focused on values, track progress honestly, celebrate what is working and persevere when the path is unclear. Keep going. Keep building Canada strong.
This column is part of Globe Careers’ Leadership Lab series, where executives and experts share their views and advice about the world of work. Find all Leadership Lab stories at tgam.ca/leadershiplab.