Brian Brennan Honoured with the 2024 Robert Nourse Award
We proudly celebrate Brian Brennan as the 2024 recipient of the Robert Nourse Award—the highest honour a TEC Chair can receive. Represented by the Ascent sculpture, this award is given to those who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to guiding entrepreneurs through the trials of business ownership. With both compassion and directness, Brian continues to transform the journeys of countless leaders, making a profound and lasting impact on the Chair community. His dedication exemplifies TEC values, showing that the true reward lies in the lives transformed and the growth he fosters.
This year, we are beyond delighted to present this award to Brian Brennan, a leader in every sense of the word, who exemplifies the true meaning and honour of this award, and the impact TEC strives to achieve across Canada.
Reflecting on this recognition, Brian shared, “I had an overwhelming feeling of ‘wow, why me?”.
Known for his authentic leadership, Brian combines over 30 years of financial and business expertise with a genuine care and commitment for his members. For 14 years as a TEC Chair, he has transformed lives by empowering his members to approach challenges confidently, inspiring continuous growth in a supportive and thriving environment within TEC’s unique peer group model.
Brian started his career in finance, where he became a Chartered Public Accountant before transitioning to become a Certified Management Consultant and later a coach. Yet throughout each stage, he steadily built not just a network, but a community.
“I had experienced acquisitions, conflict situations, just about everything that you could do in business. In my corporate career I got tremendous experience, but when that ended, I wanted to feel that I could make a difference by working more closely with senior leaders”.
Yet his path to TEC was an unexpected one, stemming from a chance encounter with TEC Chair Bruce Harbinson, who recognized something unique in Brian—a blend of financial expertise and sales acumen —which Brian didn’t initially see as remarkable. Although unfamiliar with TEC at the time, Bruce was persistent, and convinced Brian that his skills and genuine nature would make him an exceptional TEC Chair. His natural curiosity led him to attend a meeting, revealing that the organization’s mission and the role aligned with his own values. Although he candidly admits it took time to find his footing and succeed by making it his own.
“While at the gym, I started talking to a man named John—someone I’ll always remember. At one point, he asked, ‘What do you think I do?’ I guessed he was a financial planner. He smiled and said, ‘I help people achieve their dreams.’ As it turned out, he knew Bruce Harbinson.”
Brian’s relatability and humility are immediately evident, as he recalls his own experience in dealing with imposter syndrome over the years, including when first becoming a Chair. “It was intimidating to walk into a room and talk to a CEO of a company, a self-made millionaire, if you will” he admits, yet he quickly turned that vulnerability into strength, becoming more relatable to his members and a confident Chair.
His commitment to helping others grow is clear in his encouragement for members to explore new perspectives and embrace their vulnerability, tackling business and personal challenges head on and with the support of the group. Brian takes great pride in working with a diverse range of C-suite leaders, from Advancing Leaders and KEY Executives to CEOs. In this trusted community, he views his role as both mentor and what he calls “guardrail” for his members, providing guidance and stepping in when needed. “I’ll be the guardrails for you. If you need me, just look and I’ll jump in, you’re safe” he shares. This approach has not only earned him respect but has also deeply impacted his members’ lives.
“I was really taken by the fact that I was able to help them. I got this warm glow”.
Brian’s warmth is infectious from the moment you meet him, there’s an unmistakable energy—a genuine interest to get to know you, a real curiosity, and a sense of kindness that instantly makes you feel at ease. A family man, Brian has been married for over 40 years, with three children and five grandchildren.
“I honestly believe the answers are always there. I think part of my job is to help people find the answers and implement them. That’s just a skill you develop as a Chair”.
Each year, TEC Canada acknowledges a distinguished TEC Chair for their exceptional contributions to their groups, fellow Chairs, and the TEC community with the Robert Nourse Award. Named after the man who initially established “The Executive Committee” in 1957, which is now known as Vistage in the U.S. and internationally, the Robert Nourse Award is the most prestigious award a Chair can receive. This award celebrates individuals who not only embody TEC’s core values, but also see the transformation of the lives of CEOs, KEY Executives, business owners, and emerging leaders as an intrinsic reward, reflecting the true character of the individual.
In recognizing Brian Brennan, TEC Canada celebrates not only an extraordinary leader but also the spirit of community and growth that defines the organization. Brian’s story is an inspiring example of the impact TEC Chairs have on members and how TEC Canada continues to drive meaningful change in the lives of business leaders across the country.
