JAMES SCONGACK

Executive Vice-president, Corporate Affairs & Operational Services BRUCE POWER

BIO: Bruce Power is in James Scongack’s DNA. He grew up, and continues to reside, in nearby Port Elgin. His father was a firefighter at the generating station. James joined the organization in 2004 as a research assistant and communications consultant. Now, more than 16 years later, he leads a team of approximately 900 people who provide services and support for operations and construction activities at the Bruce Power site. James is also responsible for external relations, market and business development, regulatory affairs, and corporate social responsibility. In addition, he leads the company’s medical isotopes business, which provides health care facilities around the globe the ability to sterilize equipment, and to diagnose and treat certain cancers. James is considered a visionary in the industry. He is a generator representative and vice-chair of the Independent Electricity System Operator Advisory Committee and a member of the Advisory Board for the Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre. His commitment to the importance of nuclear energy in Canada’s clean energy future led James to take a leadership role in creating the Nuclear Innovation Institute to accelerate new thinking and technologies. He subsequently established a Green Ribbon Panel of environmental and economic leaders from across the country to tackle the urgent need to reduce emissions, while growing the economy. James has a personal connection to Bruce Power’s medical isotope business. That personal connection led to his founding of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council, of which he is chair. The council comprises more than 50 organizations from across the country that are committed to advancing the fight against cancer and disease, both on the domestic front and internationally. He is also on the board of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario.

BEST/MOST-VALUED CAREER LESSON IN THE PAST YEAR: It’s in challenging times like during COVID-19 when we can bring out the best in people and our organizations. If people understand a challenge and what we need to achieve there is no shortage of passion, smarts, dedication and effort to get the results needed. More importantly, we are all in the people business. When our people are engaged, at their best and challenged is when we achieve great things.

BEST CAREER ADVICE: Three strong pieces of advice I work hard to live by everyday. Nothing replaces hard work. There are so many things we can’t control but our dedication and commitment we can. Leaders also need to focus their energy on bringing out the best in people, build strong teams, set clear direction and be a support when challenges are encountered. Finally, its all about people. If people are engaged, supported and empowered the results follow.