Since 1989, the Telfer School of Management has presented the R. Trudeau Medal to remarkable alumni who have achieved professional success, demonstrated leadership within their communities, and shown sustained engagement with their alma mater. This is the highest honour an alumnus or alumna can receive from the school.
This year, in part one of our award series, we are proud to present the three 2026 R. Trudeau Medal recipients in recognition of their impact as innovative leaders.
Mélanie Hennessey is Vice President, Corporate Communications at NOVAGOLD Resources. She holds an undergraduate degree in communications, an MBA from the Telfer School of Management, and an Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) designation from the Rotman Directors Education Program. She has also earned designation of Fellow of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute, which recognizes investor relations leaders who bring distinction to the profession. Mélanie is a recipient of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute’s Award of Excellence, the highest honour for investor relations professionals in Canada.
What is your leadership philosophy and how do you embody it in your daily interactions with your team?
My leadership style was shaped by mentors who expanded my horizons and shared their hard-earned lessons. I try to do the same by encouraging candid conversations, sharing knowledge freely, and giving people the trust and support to stretch beyond their comfort zones. I also believe in rolling up my sleeves and working alongside the team—it builds trust and reinforces that our best work comes through collaboration.
How did your experience at Telfer contribute to your success?
Telfer quite literally changed the trajectory of my career. Twenty-one years ago, Ian Telfer created an extraordinary opportunity for a graduating MBA student to work directly with him at Goldcorp in Vancouver. I was fortunate to be chosen, and that leap opened the door to a career in mining I could never have predicted. Beyond that opportunity, Telfer broadened my perspective through the people I learned alongside and gave me a community that remains part of my life more than two decades later.
Beyond leading in your profession, how do you bring your leadership qualities into other areas of your life?
My greatest joy comes from giving back, both through my time and through tangible support. It starts with my children—sharing my life experiences, exposing them to different facets of life, and encouraging them to recognize their own potential. Beyond my involvement with Telfer and its students, I have the privilege of chairing the board of Covenant House in Vancouver, which provides more than shelter with mental health support and education to young people experiencing homelessness. Supporting vulnerable individuals and seniors through the remarkable work of the Lotus Light Charity (Vancouver) has also been deeply fulfilling.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Choose your words carefully—especially the ones you say to yourself. They shape what you believe and, ultimately, what you think is possible.
Whatever the task or role, give it your best effort and pay attention to the details; you owe that to yourself and the investment will come back to you many times over. Stay true to your values and do not compromise on what matters. Most importantly, take the leap of faith. You may be surprised by where it leads.
Rick Hunter (MBA ‘80): Translating athletic drive into industry dominance
Rick Hunter is the founder of ProSlide Technology Inc., a global pioneer in the water ride and amusement sector. Since graduating from Telfer with an MBA in 1980, he has dedicated his career to transforming the water park industry. In designing and developing an extensive and diverse range of award-winning water park rides, he established ProSlide as an industry-leading global force in innovation. Over the last 40 years, Rick’s energy, passion and commitment to pushing boundaries have cemented him as an icon in the industry. In 2025, Rick was inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame, securing his legacy as a visionary and influencer.
What is your leadership philosophy, and how do you embody it in your daily interactions with your team?
My leadership philosophy centers on speed to invention. When I started ProSlide, the amusement sector was concentrated in the United States. There was a rush to get out of the gate first to rapidly produce, price, place and promote. To execute this, I recruited a team of like-minded adrenaline sports enthusiasts—a team built on going for it.
We strive for speed to market, diversification, relevancy and performance; there's no compromise.
How did your experience at Telfer contribute to your success?
After completing my undergrad, I decided to pursue an MBA because to me the fast-paced nature of business feels like ski racing every day. My initial plan was to enter the ski business after graduation, but a chance encounter with the owner and sales manager of Alpine Slide shifted my focus. I discovered that they needed someone to spearhead sales in Canada, and after they heard about my skiing background and upcoming graduation, they were convinced I was their guy. I worked for them for six years before diving into my own adventure with ProSlide and it allowed me to exercise all the fundamentals I learned at Telfer.
Beyond leading in your profession, how do you bring your leadership qualities into other areas of your life?
How you do anything is how you do everything. We’re in a deadline-driven business with projects all over the world that have strict timelines. That need to stay organized and creative reflects on your personal life. I channel that energy to my passions: I build gazebos, docks and boat houses at our family cottage in Gatineau. For me, it all comes back to the saying, “no work, no future.” My advice is to try and find something you’re passionate about and go for it, because it’s a foundational part of your life.
If you could give your younger self advice today, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to continue doing what we’ve done, to master the fundamentals and never stop improving. I have always felt very fortunate for my background in competitive sports because it forced me to remain diligent from an early age; I never rest on my laurels. So, that would be some of my advice to today’s Telfer students. Commit to something that helps you build a strong work ethic and an understanding of the connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Bernadette Sarazin (BCom ’99): Leading with authenticity
Bernadette Sarazin is the co-founder of Brio Strategies Inc., and CEO and chief privacy officer at Etika Privacy. In 1999, she earned a BCom in finance and marketing from the Telfer School of Management, and since then, she has been leading her business alongside her business partner Martine Dion. In 2021, Bernadette Sarazin also earned a master’s degree in law from Osgoode Professional Development at York University. On the personal front, she met her husband Carl while at Telfer and is the proud mom of Théa, Ana et Cam.
What is your leadership philosophy, and what does this translate to in your daily interactions with your team?
My leadership style is based on authenticity, the search for excellence and communicating a clear vision.
A person in a leadership position must inspire by example, communicate aspirational goals, and create conditions that allow each person to fully contribute.
In the day-to-day, this approach rests on relationships built on trust, collaboration and respect. I want to acknowledge the strengths of each member of my team, to highlight their contributions, and to support their professional development so they can achieve their full potential.
How did your experience at Telfer contribute to your success?
My time at Telfer really contributed to my career success by providing much more than a quality university education. My involvement in many educational activities, such as the Jeux du Commerce, the various committees and the student association, helped me hone practical leadership skills, provided opportunities to work in a team, and allowed me to apply the knowledge I had learned in class. I was also fortunate to be guided by professors who were deeply committed to student success. Their wise advice, their valuable career guidance and their business experience helped me better understand the reality of the job market and to hone the skills I needed to confidently join the workforce and succeed in business.
Outside of your business, how do you apply your leadership talents?
I firmly believe that we are responsible for helping to build strong, inclusive, dynamic communities that meet the needs of their members and reflect the values that bring them together. It is with this in mind that I have dedicated time to several local organizations. As a board member and chair of the Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la capitale nationale, I have contributed to the development of the Francophone business community. As a spokesperson for #OttawaBilingue, I participated in a civic movement that led the Ontario government to recognize the City of Ottawa as officially bilingual in its act of incorporation.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
That being humble and generous are still key to success.
Congratulations to the 2026 R. Trudeau Medal recipients! The impact you have had as leaders, along with your dedication and your legacy of professional distinction, is a source of inspiration for future generations. Your success serves as a great example of the Telfer effect: our alumni community sharing their strengths, drive and expertise with the world.
The award moments don’t end here. Read about the Young Achiever and Community Builder award recipients and their remarkable achievements.
Interested in nominating a member of the Telfer alumni who exemplifies business excellence for the 2027 Telfer awards? We will start accepting nominations for the R. Trudeau Medal and the Young Achiever’s award in February 2027.
Meet Telfer’s 2026 Spirit of Giving, Donor of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year recipients: Murray Kronick, Mathieu Lupien and Jeffrey R. Smith (BAdm ’78, BMgtSc ’79).
