Leslie Drynan: A Tale Of Transformation And Dynamic Leadership

Leslie Drynan is a dynamic leader from Ontario, Canada. She is renowned for her strategic approach and extensive expertise in the Eastern Ontario municipal sector. As the General Manager at the Port of Johnstown (POJ), Leslie exemplifies exceptional proficiency and dedication. She empowers growth and makes a real difference!

The Remarkable Transition: Entering to the Port of Johnstown

Leslie dreamed of becoming a local municipal Chief Administrative Officer by 40. This aspiration began in her early 20s, inspired by a strong female CAO who mentored her at the start of her career. Over the years, Leslie made strategic career moves to enhance her skills and broaden her experience in both the upper and local tiers of municipal government. However, as she progressed, the landscape of local government also evolved. When Leslie finally achieved her goal of becoming a CAO, she soon realized that the position for which she had long aspired was no longer what it once was. Although she was fortunate to work alongside a supportive mayor and council and had a wonderful team, she felt that her true purpose was not fulfilled. Surprisingly, an opportunity arose to lead the Port of Johnstown. While Leslie had never envisioned herself in this role, the prospect was appealing. Since the port is owned by a local municipality, she recognized that her governance experience would be transferable, allowing her to collaborate and grow the business in a way that would benefit the entire community.

Leslie’s Key Leadership Principles for Change

First, Leslie concentrates on the importance of knowing her team and becoming part of it. She states, “People are our greatest assets. If you don’t understand what makes them tick, what motivates them to come to work and contribute, you will never achieve seamless change.”

Effective communication is crucial; as a key leader, she fosters a strong workplace culture by ensuring that everyone knows how much they are valued. This is essential for creating a clear vision and strategy. Every day, Leslie shows up with a positive attitude, remembering small details about each team member. She genuinely cares about leading by example, embracing change, and involving everyone. She encourages the team to take pauses when necessary and challenges them to dig deep, empowering them to recognize their worth and her belief in their abilities.

Nurturing an Innovation and Collaborative Culture

Leslie started her career at a small desk in the corner, answering the phone. As she gradually climbed the career ladder, she adhered to only one key principle for fostering a positive workplace culture: active listening to every team member. From day one, she focused on creating a work environment that empowers all employees to speak their minds, generate new ideas, and express concerns about what may not be working. She encourages opportunities for experimentation and actively involves team members in the development of operating and capital budgets. Most importantly, she allows them to become the creators of innovation and continuous improvement.

Leslie’s Biggest Inspiration

Leslie’s biggest inspiration is her parents. Throughout her childhood, they embraced her innate firstborn, encouraging her to lead and inspire others through quiet, empathetic, and compassionate kindness.

Challenges in Male-Dominated Industries

Consistency has been the key to Leslie’s leadership success, and she has been fortunate that her reputation continually exceeds hers. She considers herself blessed for being able to work with great people who accepted and embraced her for who she is as a person. As a result, she has not faced any major challenges.

Priorities for the Port’s Strategic Plans

Leslie’s vision for the new strategic plan focuses on business and partnership development. She aims to expand the rail and marine operations while ensuring the resilience and continuity of grain operations. Another goal is to cultivate a high-performing, cross-trained team that is open to growth and committed to innovative excellence. Leslie plans to provide a motivating employee experience, including a focus on customer service and health and safety culture excellence.

Short-term Operational Efficiency with Long-term Infrastructure Investment

The Port is currently in a strong financial position, particularly in 2025. Given the aging infrastructure, the team is focusing on preventive maintenance initiatives while developing a new strategic plan and a long-term capital plan.

Previous leadership, with the support of the Port Management Committee and Township Council, has made some wise strategic investments to improve efficiencies within grain operations. Therefore, the Port will continue to rely on its internal expertise to maintain financial health.

Empowering Teams and Encouraging Growth

To empower the team and encourage growth, it is essential to lead by example. Actively listen to understand each individual’s passions and areas for improvement. Provide honest and open feedback, trust team members and offer development opportunities. Ensure that expectations are clear and foster an environment of collaboration, positivity, and authenticity, allowing people across the organization to feel grounded and accepted as their true selves.

An Edge Over the Peers

The Port of Johnstown is Eastern Ontario’s Premier Port! Its strategic location and potential make it an ideal choice for customers across the province and beyond. To maintain a competitive advantage, the Port collaborates with its contracted stevedoring company to attract more cargo, shipping business, and grain brokers. By focusing on customer service excellence, superior programs, ongoing investments in infrastructure, and operational efficiency, the Port aims to remain the preferred choice in the region.

Economic Development of Eastern Ontario: Port’s Significance

Leslie believes the Port plays a crucial role in the broader economic development of Eastern Ontario. It serves as a gateway for international trade, facilitating the smooth movement of commodities and goods across borders. The Port supports local industries, creates jobs, and attracts investment, acting as a catalyst for economic growth in the region.

As global trade continues to evolve, Leslie and her team must strike a delicate balance between advancing economic goals and safeguarding the planet’s future.

She believes that through collaboration with companies across the sector, suppliers, customers, other industries, society, and local communities, this sector can champion a transformative shift that aligns with both local and global goals, securing a sustainable future for business and the planet.

The Port is not just an economic driver but also an integral part of the community’s social fabric. It offers jobs, supports local industries, and drives growth.

At the Forefront of Shifting Global Supply Chain Dynamics

In the dynamic field of supply chain management, the integration of marine transport and logistics is transforming the traditional role of the Port. Leslie envisions the company evolving from merely a point for loading and offloading cargo to becoming a crucial enabler of trade. The Port is adapting its strategies to align with the changing needs of global supply chains.

The Port’s geographic location is a strategic asset that influences accessibility and connectivity. The team is focused on developing robust infrastructure to support the seamless flow of goods while maintaining awareness of the current and evolving political scenario.

Upcoming Strategies for New Business and Investment

Following the completion of the strategic plan, Leslie and her team will focus on promoting the brand and communicating their priorities through enhanced marketing and efforts. The approach is simple: engage with people, start small, and build relationships and partnerships. Whether through a pilot project or long-term investment, embracing a bit of risk and having the determination to succeed will enable them to expand the business and better serve their customers.

Future Endeavors

The infrastructure expansions will be a key priority in the upcoming discussion during the 2026 capital budget deliberations scheduled for the fall of 2025.

Additionally, there will be a focus on developing a 5- to 10-year capital plan for the port.