John Wilson (00:00):
Corey, I can't thank you enough for being on the CEO Global Network podcast. We were reminiscing a little bit about the last time that we were together, and it's been almost a year. It's hard to believe it's been a year since we were together.

Cory Turner (00:11):
Yeah, time goes by too quickly sometimes.

John Wilson (00:14):
It goes by too quickly. Just before we get started, before we start our conversation, I wanted to just let our listeners and the people that are watching, I just want to give them a quick thumbnail sketch on Cory Turner. And president of Spicers Canada for almost 15 years, Cory. And you've been with Spicers almost 31 years.

Cory Turner (00:34):
Yeah.

John Wilson (00:41):
I noticed you started in the warehouse, Cory. From warehouse to president, that's amazing. I'd love to hear a little bit about that. You're on the board of National Paper Trade Association, the NPTA. You're a governor and board member, MS Canada, and you are a University of Calgary grad, as I recall, right?

Cory Turner (01:02):
You did your homework on me, good.

John Wilson (01:08):
Now you and I first met through Yves Savoie, you remember that? And Yves was the CEO of the MS Society of Canada at the time. I do believe that you came to one of the speaker events that we had. And I also remember that meeting with you in the Spicers boardroom, and we talked a lot about culture and your beliefs around culture.

Cory Turner (01:11):
We did.

John Wilson (01:31):
I'd like to talk about that in the next few minutes that we have together, but I also want everybody to know that it was in 2005, like 20 years ago, Cory, when you started your journey with MS. I'd really like to get your thoughts and feelings around the impact that had on you and your leadership.

Cory Turner (02:06):
Yeah. First off, I appreciate you having me on. I guess we're at that point in my career where you get to reflect a little bit…

(Cory continues describing his journey from warehouse to CEO, his MS diagnosis, and how it shaped his leadership philosophy, including creating core guiding principles, embracing vulnerability, and leading with purpose. Key themes include courage, ownership, empowerment, and building culture.)

John Wilson (07:00):
Absolutely. You've had a tremendous positive impact on others. Vulnerability, just to stay with that for a little bit longer, Cory, how has that impacted beyond your team? Does it impact your customers and suppliers as well?

Cory Turner (07:19):
It is, and I think by virtue of it, people feel that…

(Cory discusses how a vulnerable culture creates relatability and strong connections with employees, customers, and suppliers.)

John Wilson (08:01):
Absolutely. Now, I got one last question for you, Cory. Is there anything you would say to new CEOs taking the seat for the first time? Any key lessons from your journey?

Cory Turner (08:38):
Think don't be afraid to change… know what you stand for and stick to that. Be committed to who you are and what your organization represents… selflessness and unity… focus on culture, not just products, and you'll deliver a winning experience for everyone.

John Wilson (09:44):
Cory, I can't thank you enough for being with us today. The lessons learned from your journey are outstanding—vulnerability, overcoming adversity, embracing change, and flexibility.

Cory Turner (10:08):
John, I appreciate you having me on. Next time, give me an hour and a half, we could talk about it a lot longer.

John Wilson (10:12):
It's a pleasure. Thank you so much.