Every week, Tony Chapman chats with ordinary people doing extraordinary things. In his inspiring Chatter That Matters podcast series, Chapman uncovers tales of astonishing grit and resilience, stories of strength and impact, and valuable lessons that can help see the possibilities of life — even during challenging times.
Growing up in a 700-person community, McCain watched his father and uncle build McCain Foods brick-by-brick — then was caught in the middle of a feud that led to a split in ownership and family. McCain talks about the importance of moving on as he and his father Wallace left to invest in Maple Leaf Foods, where he has been CEO since 1995.
Perceived as a role model for crisis management due to his transparent and honest response to a listeria outbreak in 2008, McCain says he doesn’t deserve any of the accolades he’s received for his leadership through that situation. He simply led with principles, values and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing. “My belief is that we all make mistakes. It’s how we handle the ones we do inevitably make that matters,” he tells Chapman.
Today, McCain continues to lead Maple Leaf Foods with a combination of purpose and principles, reflected in the company’s vision statement: To be the most sustainable protein company on earth. “We’ve been living that vision,” he says. “It’s baked into virtually every single strategy of the enterprise. It’s not just about the planetary commitments and a sustainable earth, but it’s also about the food we produce, the animals under our care and the communities we operate in.”
A man guided by the values-based upbringing of his mother and father (whom he describes as his boss, mentor and best friend), Michael McCain displays integrity and humanity. Despite the challenges, McCain is hopeful for the future of Canada.
To listen to this show go to chatterthatmatters.ca, or download Chatter that Matters wherever you get your podcasts, or on these stations:
- Newstalk 1010, Toronto
- CFRA 580 Ottawa
- CJAD 800 Montreal
- CJBK 1290 London
- Newstalk 610 St. Catharine’s
- CKLW 800 Windsor
- CKFR 1150 Kelowna
- Fridays at 1 p.m.
- CFAX 1070 AM Victoria
- Fridays at 8 p.m.
- BNN Bloomberg, CFTE 1410 Vancouver
To listen to Tony Chapman’s CHATTER THAT MATTERS Podcast, download Chatter that Matters on I HEART Radio, wherever you get your podcasts, or at: https://chatterthatmatters.ca
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