Navigating Change as a Business Leader

JONATHAN N. BORRELLI

2025 MBOT Chair | Partner, KMB Law

Summer is a season of growth—but in 2025, it is more than that. For business leaders in Mississauga and across Ontario, this summer represents a turning point. After years of political change and global uncertainty, we are finally entering a more stable period. Governments at all levels have settled into their mandates, and with that comes something businesses deeply value: predictability.

That does not mean the pace of change is slowing down. Far from it. Business owners continue to face a rapidly evolving landscape—new regulations, shifting supply chains, and emerging technologies are just a few of the forces at play. But with a more stable policy environment, we are better equipped to anticipate and respond to these challenges.

This moment offers a rare window of opportunity. We can expect earlier notice of policy shifts, new government programs, and regulatory updates— all of which make planning easier and engagement with policymakers more meaningful. This is where organizations like the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) play a vital role. We take policy and turn it into action. We keep our members informed, connected, and ready to compete.

Collaboration Is Our Advantage

No business thrives in isolation. The strength of Mississauga’s economy lies in its interconnected business community. Leaders here understand the value of sharing knowledge, mentoring one another, and working together to grow.

Through MBOT’s roundtables, events, and peer networks, we give businesses the tools they need to adapt, innovate, and move forward with confidence. These are not just opportunities to stay informed—they are opportunities to lead.

As we enter this promising season, we encourage business owners to pause and reflect:

• What do you want your business to stand for?

• What kind of leader do you want to be?

• Which technologies, markets, or partnerships are worth exploring now?

With fewer distractions, this is a time to make bold moves and set a clear course for the future.

Honouring Local Leadership

This year also brought a proud moment for MBOT and the wider business community. On May 8, 2025, Trevor McPherson, our President & CEO, was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by Ontario’s Associate Minister of Small Business and MPP for Mississauga—Streetsville, the Honourable Nina Tangri.

This prestigious medal recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada and their local communities. Only 30,000 Canadians are selected for this honour. Trevor’s leadership and advocacy for businesses in Mississauga and across Ontario have made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly proud to see his work recognized at the national level.

Looking Ahead

While challenges still exist—economic fluctuations, global pressures, workforce transitions—we are better prepared than we have been in years. The question now is not whether we will face change, but how we will lead through it.

At the Mississauga Board of Trade, we are committed to helping businesses do just that. We are your advocate, your connector, and your partner in progress.

Let’s Lead the Change—Together

Now is the time to take action. Whether you are a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, we invite you to connect with MBOT. Join a committee, attend an upcoming event, or explore the benefits of membership.

Visit www.mbot.com to learn more about how we can support your growth and success—today and into the future.

Together, let’s build a stronger Mississauga.