Lawrence Pentelow is a multifaceted professional with over 40 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, business systems integration, and program development. From 2003 to 2018, he served as managing director of Crieff Hills Community, a 250-acre retreat and conference center owned by The Presbyterian Church in Canada. There, Lawrence Pentelow oversaw operations, managed a team of 25 staff, and implemented sustainability initiatives such as geothermal systems and ecological restoration. He worked to create a welcoming environment for diverse communities.
In addition to his work at Crieff Hills, Mr. Pentelow has held leadership positions in various industries. As president of Lamatech International Inc., he focused on integrating hardware and software solutions for nonprofits. His earlier roles, including director of systems divisions at Russell A. Farrow Limited and president of Katydid Information Systems Inc., involved implementing business systems for accounting, manufacturing, and wholesale distribution. He also has experience in youth programming, having served as director of Camp Ontario, where he developed outdoor education and leadership training initiatives.
Mr. Pentelow’s educational background includes studies in theology at Ewart College and the University of Toronto, as well as certifications in automotive technology, enterprise systems implementation, and leadership development. He has also been involved in community service, contributing as a youth leader, finance chairperson for church camps, and member of Presbyterian committees. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking, hiking, and canoeing.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I have a quick breakfast and head off to work, arriving before most others get into the office. I get overnight emails out of the way along with meetings. Greet and host guests throughout the remainder of the day. I fit in as many projects both in the office and around the property in order to make my day productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I involve others as much as possible. The combination of experience and multiple inputs helps to bring ideas to life fast and efficiently.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The trend towards providing space for people to relax, recharge, and refresh their lives outside of the pressures of daily living.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Early morning arrival at work ahead of the other staff. Being there to greet them as they arrive.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Learn to touch papers, emails, and internal issues only once. Don’t let the item go until it is solved or has a plan. Every additional contact is time consuming and non-productive.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Half-time staff can be a bonus to some organizations. Providing these people with benefits and pensions is motivating and the extra cost is offset by high energy and excitement for the job.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Don’t berate others when they make a mistake. Avoid saying “don’t do that again.” Telling someone not to do something again simply allows you to take responsibility. Assume that they did not do it on purpose and they won’t do it again on purpose. Look at how to act to minimize the chance of a repeat.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Take a walk. I am fortunate that I can head out onto a beautiful property and clear my head.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I see that my role as a leader is to motivate others to succeed and excel. Most important is to minimize my role in accomplishments and recognize their work. I have my position. I don’t need recognition to get ahead and to motivate me.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Procrastination. Learn to handle things once and not put them off. Pursue ideas without always being certain they will work. Be prepared to fail.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create and market a rural mailbox that will withstand repeated attacks by snowplows.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
OneNote. It allows a great deal of flexibility in both security and categorizing business processes and projects. It can be available to all staff and becomes a permanent repository. Sensitive areas can be secured and locked to only specific users.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Igniting the Third Factor by Peter Jensen. He looks past the nature and nurture factors of influence on who we are. He talks about the third factor, that which allows those with poor quality nature and nurture in life to rise to the top of their field.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Champions movie. Amazing movie about taking a group of people without a lot of skills in life and motivating and coaching them to a championship. Spoiler: They are more interested in the success of the other players than actually winning the championship.
Key learnings
- When you interview potential staff members, place a high value on teamwork. Skills can be improved over time. The instinctive ability to get along and support others comes from inside.
- Motivation and productivity are integral.
- Don’t hijack subordinates’ achievements to make yourself look good.