London Inc. Winter 2021-22 - 39

of heritage buildings created a unique
space - where no one has worked since
early 2020.
To no one's surprise, one of McLean's
first moves when contemplating a
return to the office was to gather data.
" We did a survey of our people to see
who wants to work from home or come
back. We're biased toward in-office, but
having said that, our policy is flexibility
of choice. We do not expect most people to
come back to the office. Working remotely
is great. I see that myself. I see my kids, and
I like it. "
McLean and wife, Lauren, have daughters Elle,
seven, and Brooklyn, five. They also have a son, John,
who turns two next year.
The company's return-to-work policy is also flexible to
allow for the varied circumstances of
its employees around the world. " If you
are commuting into Toronto every day,
why not avoid the drive and work from
home? " McLean says.
Pre-pandemic, much of the coaching
tions worldwide. The company has grown every year of its
existence and expects 40 per cent annual growth organically
across its various divisions.
" We've always been careful with our money and never had
to raise capital, " McLean says. " The demand for IT exceeds
capacity in every organization, so there is a constant demand
for our services. In addition, coming out of the pandemic
every executive is becoming a technology executive, asking
how they can use technology to do their jobs better. And
our goal is always customer satisfaction. How do we delight
them? That's what drives us. "
Not surprisingly, McLean's role has changed dramatically
from the early days when he was on the phone, pitching
services to potential clients.
" My goal has been to constantly replace myself and move on
to our next challenge. We have a great leader in sales, so I'm
out of sales. Same goes for research; I'm getting out of that,
too. "
" WE'VE ALWAYS BEEN CAREFUL WITH
OUR MONEY AND NEVER HAD TO RAISE
CAPITAL " -Joel McLean
was conducted by phone or video call.
That model was easy to expand when travel was no longer
possible. Week-long, on-site workshops shifted to virtual
delivery and worked well, too. Some members preferred the
approach; others will be happy to welcome Info-Tech experts
back to coach them in-person.
McLean, 49, looks forward to the company's 25th anniversary
with excitement. His determination and enthusiasm
are legendary, helping maintain focus on excellence as
the organization has grown and shifted to multiple locaBut
he's not getting out in general - far from it, in fact.
He loves the job as much as he ever has and is excited about
what's next, whether that's tomorrow, next year or next
decade. McLean has long since stopped listening to would-be
suitors, looking to buy the company or partner with it in some
form. A quarter century in, he's very much committed to the
long-term.
And McLean has the data to back up that position. After all,
that's what he's all about.
WINTER 2022 | londonincmagazine.ca | 39
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London Inc. Winter 2021-22

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