Inspirational Leadership: Stories of Strategy and Success with Trevor McAlmon

In my role at Odgers Berndtson, I have the opportunity to meet leaders from across Canada who have demonstrated their dedication to innovation and change. The experiences they share underscore the importance and influence of dedicated leadership in advancing the organizations and systems they operate within. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Trevor McAlmont, the President and CEO of the YMCA of the National Capital Region, about his leadership style. He discussed his commitment to the principles of empowerment and adaptability in his approach to leadership, and the role these values play in creating positive change. 

In the fast-paced world of leadership, the true measure of success is not just in the goals achieved, but in the lives that are impacted and the communities that are transformed.

Trevor embodies this ethos. With a career spanning over 25 years, Trevor’s journey is a testament to the power of strategic leadership rooted in empowerment and adaptability.

A Journey Rooted in Empowerment:

Starting his career as a counselor in schools and communities, Trevor was guided by a clear mission from the start of his career journey: to empower young people to be the best they could be. This foundational belief has guided him through various roles, evolving into his leadership philosophy that emphasizes the development and support of the people his organization serves and those who work within it. "The workforce is the number one resource of any organization," Trevor stated, highlighting how staff empowerment has been key to his approach to operational excellence.

As Trevor’s career continued, his leadership style continued to evolve as it was shaped by his experience working in both the private and public sectors. Trevor’s work in municipal and provincial government underscored the importance of leveraging strategic partnerships and meaningful engagement to drive system-wide change within mission-driven organizations. He recognized that while they play an essential role in driving change, “community partnerships alone will not necessarily get us to our desired outcomes, without a firm grasp of the structural and legislative levers that drive society.” The experience Trevor gained from local government allowed him to understand the need for a firm grasp of the broader systemic forces at play to spark change. 

Leading Through Change and Transformation:

With experience leading organizations with over 500 employees and volunteers, Trevor understands that true leadership is not just about maintaining the status quo but about pushing the boundaries to achieve greater impact. Under his leadership previously at an NGO in Toronto and now currently at the YMCA of the National Capital Region, Trevor has championed a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the organization. Recognizing the realities of a rapidly changing socio-economic landscape, organizations are increasingly required to be resilient and adaptable. With this in mind, Trevor has aimed to focus his attention on prioritizing modernization within the YMCA’s operations – upgrading not only technological systems and processes, but also fostering a mindset shift among staff and volunteers.

Trevor believes that achieving organizational transformation starts with the people who drive it. He noted, “we must become more nimble and willing to take certain leaps that may be uncomfortable.”

To guide his team through this period of transformation, Trevor has focused on transparent and consistent communication, ensuring that everyone understands the vision and their role in achieving it. He has introduced regular training and development programs aimed at equipping staff with the skills needed to navigate and thrive in a changing environment.

By actively involving his team in the decision-making process, he not only empowers them but also creates a sense of ownership and accountability. This participatory approach has been instrumental in driving the YMCA’s recent success in adapting to new challenges and seizing opportunities for growth. Trevor’s leadership in this area has set a strong foundation for the YMCA’s future, ensuring that it remains a dynamic and responsive organization capable of meeting the evolving needs of the community it serves.

Tackling Challenges with Data-Driven Decisions:

Despite constant changes in our socio-economic environment, Trevor explained that “the needs of people and communities always remains constant.” He described how the last several years, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have demonstrated the need for organizations to accelerate the process of adapting processes. “[It] has proven that the old way of doing things won’t suffice any longer,” Trevor emphasized.

To navigate these changes, Trevor pointed to the value of technology and data in driving decision-making. “Understanding the communities we serve, how they are changing, and what their needs are, is crucial," he reflected.

However, for Trevor shifting towards a data-driven decision-making process has come with valuable lessons. He explained, “one important thing for me has been understanding that data is not just about the numbers, it is also about the story behind the numbers.” Trevor believes that focusing on the qualitative data—people’s voices and lived experiences—is key to making informed organizational decisions. "If we are truly in the people business, then we need to focus on the stories of those people," he says, underscoring his commitment to a leadership style that is both data-informed and deeply human​.

Trevor’s story is truly one of inspirational leadership – a journey defined by a commitment to empowering others, embracing change, and strategically navigating the complexities of the modern world. His success is not just in the goals he has achieved, but in the lives he has touched and the communities he continues to transform through his work.