CEO Global Network Podcast
🎙 Hosted by John Wilson, founder of CEO Global Network and author of GREAT CEOs and How They Are Made, this podcast delivers powerful insights for CEOs and executives looking to grow as leaders and drive lasting success.
Each episode features candid conversations with high-performing business leaders, expert speakers, and industry trailblazers—all focused on sharpening your leadership edge, building resilient companies, and improving your life, your team, and your impact.
Join a community of CEOs helping CEOs succeed.
CEO Global Network Podcast
Marcia Mayhew, President & CEO of Mayhew Inc. - Redefining Leadership, Design, and Legacy
Join John Wilson on the CEO Global Network Podcast as he sits down with Marcia Mayhew, President and CEO of Mayhew Inc., a fourth-generation family business leader transforming workspace design and building a people-first culture. Marcia shares insights on human-centered office design, the power of local Canadian craftsmanship, fostering employee-driven innovation, and how community activism strengthens workplace culture. She also discusses embracing legacy leadership principles while breaking outdated myths about CEO vulnerability.
Whether you’re a CEO, executive, or leader seeking practical lessons on leadership, culture, and innovation, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways from one of Canada’s most respected business leaders.
John Wilson (00:00)
Marcia, I can't thank you enough for being on the CEO Global Network Podcast. And I've been looking forward to this for a long time. so thank you for making the time. I know you got a on your plate. You got a lot of things going on. So thank you for being on our podcast.
Marcia (00:14)
It's a pleasure, John. I'm very excited to talk with you today.
John Wilson (00:18)
Yeah, no, thank you very much. And I want to let everybody know who's listening and watching that you are the president and CEO of Mayhew Inc. We should let everybody know that you and I have known each other for a long, long time, right? Quite a number of years. You have been a success not just in your business life, but in your family life as well. And I respect that so much of you.
Marcia (00:29)
Okay.
John Wilson (00:41)
You joined Mayhew in 2002 and in 2007 at the age of 30 were appointed president of the company, right? And the company was born out of a small office supply company in Windsor, Ontario that was established in 1934 by your grandmother.
Marcia (00:49)
My great-great-great grandmother, yes.
John Wilson (01:08)
You and your company have received many awards of excellence, including Canada's Best Managed Company, Canadian Business Excellence Awards, and others. You're a University of Windsor grad, BCom, Human Resources and Marketing, and a lifelong learner. You've been a founding member of CEO Global Network for 17–18 years.
John Wilson (01:42) **
So my first question, Marcia, is this: You've led Mayhew through a major transformation in workspace design. What's one design principle that leaders still get wrong about how people truly work today?**
Marcia (01:52)
Organizations are still designing for the imaginary average employee. Real teams are a blend of neurodivergent brains, cultural practices, mobility needs, and shifting energy levels depending on seasons. At Mayhew, we focus on human-centered inclusive design. Everyone, regardless of sensory profile, physical ability, or faith practice, should find a place to focus, collaborate, and reset.
John Wilson (03:12) **
Mayhew emphasizes local Canadian craftsmanship. How is doubling down on local suppliers helped you compete in a globalized market?**
Marcia (03:21)
We pivoted to lead with consulting services and sourced exclusively from Canadian manufacturers. Benefits include environmental credibility, shorter lead times, and lifetime value in partnerships. Local sourcing gives us resilience, faster turnaround, and superior warranty offerings compared to international suppliers.
John Wilson (04:47) **
You've built a culture around idea sharing and employee empowerment. What's the most surprising employee-driven idea that actually changed the business?**
Marcia (04:49)
One field team developed an online closeout portal for project photos, punch lists, and warranties. This innovation saved time, reduced errors, and improved client experience. Empowering employees to fail safely allows great ideas to flourish.
John Wilson (06:31) **
You and your team do a lot for the community, including walking 631 kilometers in support of reconciliation. How do you turn this community activism into ongoing workplace culture?**
Marcia (06:40)
We acknowledge treaty lands, incorporate reconciliation into our processes, and educate our team on Canada's history. Every project includes opportunities to honor local land and culture. Employees also have six paid community days annually to engage in giving back.
John Wilson (09:09) **
You became president at age 30 and are now a fourth-generation leader. Which legacy expectations did you embrace and which did you intentionally break?**
Marcia (09:18)
I embraced people-first leadership and customer service principles instilled by my parents. I intentionally broke the myth that leaders must appear unshakable. Embracing transparency and vulnerability fosters team courage, stronger culture, and better customer relationships.
John Wilson (11:51)
Well, good, good, good for you. I can't thank you enough for being on the CEO Global Network podcast. You gave us some wonderful lessons to learn from.
Marcia (12:04)
Thank you.
