When asked about the moment he learned he would receive the 2024 Robert Nourse Award , 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 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 Brian’s path to becoming a TEC Chair was an unexpected one, stemming from a chance encounter with fellow 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, releasing 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.

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 a mentor and what he calls a “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.

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.

His journey of growth is apparent, believing that learning should be lifelong, and embracing the mindset of “forever growth”. Staying current with new business insights, challenges, and trends, he remains connected to his members’ evolving needs. He makes it a priority to keep up with what they are reading by the large quantities of business books he consumes each year. Brian believes that everyone should have a mentor—and considers fellow Chairs Bruce Harbinson and Stuart Watson, as well as an early mentor named Hal, to be significant influences, highlighting the high value that TEC Canada places on mentorship.

“As I get older, I’m finding myself still wildly motivated to continue to learn, and there’s always something to learn. Every situation brings opportunity”.

In recognizing Brian Brennan with TEC Canada’s highest honour—the Robert Nourse Award—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.