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On March 11, the Telfer community came together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its most anticipated event: the CEO-of-the-Year Breakfast. Students, alumni, faculty, and industry leaders filled the room to hear from Hugh Gorman, named the 2025 Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Board of Trade CEO of the Year.
As CEO of Colonnade BridgePort, Ottawa’s largest privately owned real estate company, Hugh has spent more than three decades helping shape the city and the communities within it. What stood out that morning wasn’t just Hugh’s experience, but his honesty as he spoke openly about uncertainty, values, risk, and what leadership looks like in practice.
For the students in the room, it wasn’t just a conversation. Instead, it was a rare chance to hear how a seasoned CEO thinks, offering insights rarely found in textbooks or case studies. That experience left a lasting impression.
We asked three Telfer students to share their key takeaways.
Nour Al Dada: Third Year BCom student
One idea stayed with me: in high-pressure moments, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters. That’s why Hugh Gorman keeps his core values written on a simple piece of paper; something he can return to when decisions get difficult.
It made me realize leadership isn’t just about strategy or outcomes. It’s about staying aligned with who you are while making them. Maybe strong leadership isn’t defined by the biggest decisions, but by the small habits and intention behind them every day.
Maya Coopland: Third Year BCom student
I sometimes feel behind my peers, who seem to know exactly what they want and where they're headed. Instead of working towards a goal, I have always worked while trying to figure out what the goal looks like.
It was reassuring to hear that Hugh never had a revelatory "Ah-Ha!" moment that pointed him to real estate. Through trial and error, he found himself in real estate, stayed because he enjoyed the work, and built both success and happiness along the way.
Thierry Mentor: Third Year BCom & JD student
As business students, we must stay grounded in our values. At the CEO-of-the-Year breakfast, Hugh Gorman reminded us that true leadership means standing by our principles even if it costs us business. He emphasized taking calculated risks, asking for help, and not fearing the unknown.
Networking isn’t about collecting contacts, but creating value by asking thoughtful questions. Ultimately, success comes from working with people whose values align with yours because doing business with integrity is what truly lasts.
This article was written by Zain Ibrahim.
Zain Ibrahim is a third-year marketing student at the Telfer School of Management. As part of her co-op program, she serves as communications and special projects assistant with the Engagement and Development teams at Telfer.
