CEO Global Network Podcast

Harry Blum, National Managing Partner, RSM Canada – Scaling Trust, Culture, and Global Leadership at RSM

John Wilson Season 1 Episode 2

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson speaks with Harry Blum, National Managing Partner of RSM Canada, about what it takes to build and lead one of the most distinctive advisory firms in the country - and beyond.

Harry shares the leadership philosophy that earned him the Global Leadership Award at the RSM Latin America Conference, the lessons he’s learned scaling from one office to a global platform, and why culture isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a system.

From empowering people through trust to building solutions across borders, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and real-world inspiration for CEOs, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders alike.

00:00 – What does receiving the Global Leadership Award mean to you?
Harry reflects on how the award is a reflection of empathy-driven leadership and a commitment to showing up—for teams, affiliates, and clients around the world.

01:35 – What makes RSM so distinctive in the advisory space?
“It starts and ends with our people.” Harry explains the firm’s culture-first approach and how RSM’s “Success Cycle” became a blueprint for global adoption.

03:13 – How has your leadership style evolved since launching RSM in 2017?
From running a single office to leading a national and global platform, Harry discusses the shift from command-and-control to trust-and-inspire leadership.

05:02 – What belief has anchored you through transformational change?
Harry shares a pivotal moment and timeless advice: “Keep your eye on the prize.” Outcome-focused leadership is at the core of his strategy.

06:50 – How do you maintain strong culture across a fast-growing, dispersed firm?
By curating rather than acquiring culture, Harry explains RSM’s deliberate approach to growth and values-based hiring.

07:58 – What does ‘The Power of Being Understood’ mean to you as a leader?
Harry explores how empathy, curiosity, and deep listening differentiate truly great advisors—and why trust still drives business in a relationship economy.

09:31 – What advice would you give young professionals entering consulting and accounting?
The future is bright. Harry encourages young talent to embrace possibility, stay curious, and take advantage of RSM’s diverse opportunities and global reach.

People on this episode