John Lounds took the helm of the Nature Conservancy of Canada in 1997, when the 35-year old organization had a staff of 27 and a budget of $8m.  Under his leadership, the organization has grown to a staff of 200 and a budget of $100m per year. 

“I have had to relearn my role and my job every few years because of that growth,” reflects John.  Just recently, the Nature Conservancy of Canada completed its largest project ever:  protection of 136,400 acres of forest land in British Columbia that is habitat for Mountain Caribou.

What has been the secret to his success?  Like many of the world’s best leaders, John points to those around him.  “I have a very energetic board of directors, and I have a great staff team,” says John.  He enjoyed getting together with other executive directors at ICL to talk about the unique role of the ED as the “fulcrum between staff and board.”  He has fashioned himself as the “keeper of the process,” and does not try to control everything.  “I find that the dynamic tension between board and staff, well managed, is where you get creativity, energy, fundraising and growth.”

John has participated in ICL programs over the years, such as Executive Director Leadership and Leading from Within, consistent with his style of constantly learning and growing.  “ICL helped me focus on the difference between the important and the urgent,” says John.  “You can get caught up in the hurly burly of the issues you are dealing with.  Unless you take time to reflect and take time for yourself, you can’t actually do the job well enough.  For me, just going on the course forced me to reflect.”   

“The Institute played an important role in my life and career.  I think it is wonderful that an organization like ICL was created and exists.”

John Lounds