Confident Leadership in a Changing World: a Canadian leadership perspective

TORONTO (May 11, 2023)

Globe Media Group, in partnership with the Canadian Media Directors Council, is pleased to announce the publication of the 2023 leadership survey report, “Confident leadership in a changing world.” The leadership report officially launched on Wednesday, April 26th, at the CMDC Media Leaders Dinner, in attendance of 100 C-suite executives.

The leadership survey is unique in Canada and represents the largest survey of C-suite marketing and media leaders nationwide. In its second year running, over 200 executives participated, making it the primary resource for key leadership trends and advice from trusted sources within the industry. While no one can know what the future has in store, this year’s leadership report is a valuable indicator of what those most knowledgeable of their industry see ahead. 

Shannon Lewis, President of the CMDC, said, "Business is changing rapidly, and leaders need to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Our leadership report provides valuable insights into what it takes to be an effective and confident leader in today's evolving Canadian media ecosystem. It identifies the key traits that are essential for success including adaptability, resilience, integrity to cultural intelligence."

The survey examined the leadership traits that are the most important for navigating economic uncertainty and the commercial outlook for 2023. It also explored the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and the continued evolution of the future of work.

“The media industry underwent incredible changes in the past year, presenting leaders with an immense challenge to adapt quickly. Yet, it also demonstrated that leaders can successfully navigate the most demanding circumstances with resilience and creativity,” said Andrew Saunders, Chief Revenue Officer, The Globe and Mail, “The survey results indicate that Canadian leaders excel in challenging times by embracing change and that the path to success in 2023 will be determined by those that lead with confidence.”

Overall, the results show a media and marketing landscape that is optimistic and focused on collective impact. It provides an insightful look into the minds of those at the forefront of media, indicating that despite economic concerns, most leaders intend to maintain or increase their budgets compared to 2021. 

The survey provided key findings about the media landscape today, including:

  • 24% of leaders see themselves as adaptors, able to make rapid decisions and pivot directions as priorities change.

  • 33% of leaders have already signed the Canadian Media Manifesto, and 99% of senior marketers see the benefits in supporting it.

  • 91% of companies have taken significant action to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

  • The leading business concern for the year is attraction and staff retention.

  • Two-thirds of leaders plan to maintain a hybrid work model in 2023.

  • 71% of leaders are worried about the effects of economic uncertainty or recession on their business.

Leaders shared valuable business advice highlighting the importance of remaining empathetic to employees, embracing change, and the power of self-belief. Their insights reinforced the survey’s finding that confident leadership will be critical to success in the coming year.

To download the full leadership report, visit https://globelink.ca/leadershipreport/

About Globe Media Group 

The Globe and Mail is Canada's foremost news media company. Each day, The Globe engages Canadians with award-winning coverage and analysis of news, politics, business and lifestyle topics. Through its advertising products, Globe Media Group provides unparalleled access to influential audiences within trusted, premium environments, reaching 19 million monthly unique visitors through its Globe Alliance digital network and 2.7 million weekly print readers. Globe Media Group offers end-to-end advertiser solutions across multiple platforms including newspaper, magazines, online, mobile, video and app, as well as custom content and special events.  

For more information, please contact:

Marcin Zerek

Head of Trade Marketing, Revenue

The Globe and Mail

437-518-6342

mzerek@globeandmail.com