Thomas D’Aquino Delivers 20th Anniversary Lecture on Leadership

Why It Matters

By linking character‑based leadership to concrete economic challenges, d’Aquino’s address pushes Canadian CEOs to shape policy, close internal trade gaps and defend democratic values, directly influencing the country’s competitiveness and social cohesion.

Key Takeaways

• Character-driven leadership outweighs tactics in prolonged crises today
• Canadian CEOs must champion democratic capitalism against authoritarian trends
• Internal trade barriers cost Canada $210 billion annually, hindering growth
• Business councils should lead nation‑building and security resilience efforts
• Trust and humility are essential for sustainable corporate reputation

Summary

The Ivy Business School hosted the 20th‑anniversary Thomas d’Aquino Lecture on Leadership, coinciding with the Business Council of Canada’s 50th anniversary. Dean Julian Burkenshaw introduced the event at the National Gallery, emphasizing the heightened demand for trustworthy leadership across business, government and community sectors.

d’Aquino framed leadership around character—integrity, humility, accountability and collaboration—arguing that these traits become a performance advantage when crises intensify. He warned that today’s global environment—geopolitical fractures, wars, inflation, AI disruption and climate threats—requires CEOs to uphold democratic capitalism, defend the rule of law and resist protectionist and authoritarian pressures.

He cited historic Canadian examples, from the rapid construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway to the wartime mobilization of industry in World II, illustrating how private enterprise has long underpinned nation‑building. He also highlighted a $210 billion loss from internal trade barriers, a figure quoted by the IMF, and referenced Prime Minister Justin Carney’s Davos call for democratic leaders to act.

The lecture urges Canadian business leaders to become active architects of economic security, to repair domestic trade frictions and to reinforce Canada‑U.S. ties, positioning the private sector as a catalyst for national resilience. For investors and policymakers, the message signals a shift toward purpose‑driven strategies that blend profit with public‑good outcomes.

Original Description

Thomas d’Aquino delivers his talk, Business Leadership in a Time of Crisis, at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on Monday, March 2, 2026. This event, co-hosted by the Business Council of Canada, celebrated the 20th anniversary Ivey-Thomas d'Aquino Lecture on Leadership. Mr. d’Aquino was introduced by the Dean of the Ivey Business School, Julian Birkinshaw. To learn more about this prestigious lecture and its esteemed alumni of speakers visit: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/events/thomas-d-aquino-lecture-on-leadership/