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Q: What were some of the overriding attributes breaks, balance, etc. Also, most companies we
shared by this year’s winners? spoke with clearly had prioritized the health and
Peter: A few things really jumped out at us. First— safety of their people as their number one priority.
so many of the companies lead with purpose
this year—defining their reason for being in Q: How many companies were nominated and how
business way beyond the bottom line and making many winners are there this year?
employee health (physical and mental) their first Peter: We had hundreds of applications and
priority, helping customers survive the pandemic, interested companies and 37 new companies were
and finding meaning beyond profit to drive their selected to join the network of over 486 companies
thinking going forward. Additionally, there was a in Canada.
steep change in the amount of time energy and
investment they put into digitally transforming all Q: How does the title of Canada’s Best Managed
aspects of the business. company impact the companies that are chosen
going forward?
Q: The importance of solid leadership was
highlighted this year. Can you speak on how the “Our process evaluates the
nominees adjusted to the threat of Covid 19, and companies against four program
whether that was a major consideration this year? pillars—Strategy, Capability
Kari: Most definitely! The degree of innovation and Innovation, Culture and
made us proud of the Canadian business Commitment, and Financials and
community this year. The Covid pivot became Governance.” Kari Lockhart
a “thing” supported by creative ways to do work
safely, creative new avenues to explore new
business motivated by a genuine concern for Kari: Once a company wins the first time they can
helping customers and communities survive and requalify if they continue to meet our rigorous
then thrive. standards. Our process evaluates the companies
against four program pillars—Strategy, Capability
Q: Please speak on the importance of health and and Innovation, Culture and Commitment, and
well-being in your companies’ organizations. Financials and Governance. Underneath these
Kari: For the first time in my long career, I areas we have gathered a perspective on global best
saw mental health at the forefront of a lot of practice in each of these categories and applicants
conversations. This will last long beyond the must demonstrate they operate at this level.
pandemic. It quickly became ok to talk about
stress levels, the importance of physical and mental www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca
JUNE 2021 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA 9
