Miles Nadal - January 13, 2010

Upper school students assembled in the Healey Athletic Complex gymnasium the morning of January 13 for this year’s first Leadership Speaker Series presentation delivered by Mr. Miles Nadal. Following an introduction by junior Lexi Coudert and senior Katherine Stanton, the international entrepreneur and philanthropist and chairman and CEO of MDC Partners, a worldwide marketing and communications network, addressed the audience.

“I think the secret of success is simple,” Mr. Nadal said. “The more you listen, the smarter you get. All of us need to be in a constant state of evolution to be successful. It’s important to recognize and reward the truly talented individuals.” Mr. Nadal then presented three video clips for the audience showcasing the impact of technology in today’s society as it relates to marketing and management principles.

Mr. Nadal’s firm, one of the largest in the world, has been named Agency of the Year in the trade press, in addition to the Cannes International Advertising Festival a total of 14 times. As a philanthropist, Mr. Nadal was instrumental in the rebuilding of the Bloor Jewish Community Centre, later renamed the Miles. S. Standish Jewish Community Centre.

Mr. Nadal has also been honored for his significant contributions to the Reena Foundation, an organization committed to integrating people with developmental handicaps into the mainstream of society. Through his involvement with Junior Achievement and the Schulich School of Business, Mr. Nadal has provided high school and university scholarships for students striving to become the entrepreneurs of the future. He served on the board of Mt.Sinai Hospital and the Baycrest Institute, and has frequently been a guest lecturer on the subject of entrepreneurship at school and universities across North America.

For his many accomplishments, Mr. Nadal is the recipient of numerous awards, including The Top 40 under 40, Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Human Relations Award, which was bestowed to recognize outstanding contributions to society crossing the lives of religious, racial, or ethnic differences.

Mr. Nadal, who grew up in Canada with meager beginnings, encouraged students to reach for their dreams. “I started a photography business in high school with less than $500," he said. “From there I invested in check printing and other services until I found a passion in marketing.” 

In a question and answer session, Mr. Nadal offered his advice for success. “It’s important to follow your passion, partner with people you can trust, and have breakfast or dinner with people you enjoy.”

He also believes the importance of living one’s legacy. “Do what you can to make the world a better place,” said Mr. Nadal. “For me, my interests are in the fields of health care, education, and entrepreneurship. I encourage each of you to pursue your dreams.”

Mr. Nadal’s presentation was the third in a series of Leadership Lectures that began last year with presentations by Mr. Jack Nicklaus and Mr. Bob Wright. The Leadership Speaker Series was established by Board of Trustees President Dan Stanton and is coordinated by Co-Dean of College Counseling Kristen Learner