Indigenous societies and groups are unique in terms of culture. Despite making up roughly 6% of the world’s population, they represent about 19% of the extremely poor. Indigenous peoples frequently face numerous obstacles to fully participating in the formal economy, having access to justice, and participating in political processes and decision-making. They frequently lack formal recognition over their lands, territories, and natural resources; they frequently receive the last government investments in basic services and infrastructure; and they frequently receive government investments after other groups. As a result of the legacy of injustice and marginalization, Indigenous peoples are more susceptible to the effects of climate change and natural disasters, including disease outbreaks like COVID-19. In an effort to be an advocate for Indigenous people, Rob Campbell, the National Director of Indigenous Services at MNP, works hard to educate people about Indigenous issues and dispel misconceptions.
Portrait of the Role
Rob has held prominent positions in the business, Indigenous, and government sectors during the course of his more than three-decade career. Among his many roles, Rob was a former Vice President of a large Indigenous Investment Firm, has been on the executive of National Indigenous organizations, operated his own consulting practice and has been recognized as a “Top 50 Executives in Canada 2020”. His unique experience has given him an in-depth understanding of Indigenous issues and opportunities.
Within MNP his duties pivot frequently, but Rob would have to say that they are rooted in: contributing to the business vision and direction; identifying and developing new products; assisting team members in navigating the system; client relations; marketing and communications; and cultural understanding. The best aspect of his schedule is that there is no regularity; each day appears to be an adventure with something fresh to offer. When his team and clients succeed, in his opinion that is the best part of his job.
Rob adds, “I love to be in a room where we can collectively find solutions, laugh, share emotions, and build something that helps.”
Since MNP is a more significant national provider of assurance, consultancy, and tax services, it offers all the customary services one should anticipate from a company of its size. It provides a very broad variety of assistance built on a lifetime of tried-and-true experience. It offers a special fusion of specialist knowledge and abilities along with continual customer engagement to make sure their needs are being met and that they are assisting the clients in moving forward. MNP offers Indigenous finance departments resources that are customized to meet their needs that they regularly with others to learn new things to strengthen local economies. MNP focuses on the needs of key community sectors such as children and families, human resources, education, and agreements. They pay attention to the difficulties faced by their clients, address those issues, and develop fresh ideas for collaboration and success.
Unique in Competition
Rob Campbell believes that MNP stands apart in a variety of ways and has experienced unparalleled success in the market. In many situations, he and the team have roots in small towns and rural areas, and they frequently deal with people who have had similar experiences and lifestyles. They are familiar with what it’s like to drive on long dirt roads and with the realities that come with that way of life. They have locations in closer proximity to their clients, allowing them to be available more immediately. They frequently interact with people in communities and organizations, offering assistance beyond merely their work. They take part in special occasions, as well as challenges associated with their families and communities. They react to crises and make every effort to be of assistance. They think that increasing their clients’ capacity expands opportunities for MNP rather than reduces them and leads to more and more fascinating ventures in the future. This, along with the fact that they have a committed vision and goals that are unique to their Indigenous services, makes them the best option for many.
The Work Formula for Rob
Rob aspires to develop solutions through knowledge and awareness of a fresh direction or unfilled space. He makes an effort to comprehend the changing dynamics of his clientele before trying to reinvent or expand the services to address their needs. He believes that, depending on the circumstances, success can come in a variety of flavors. His definition of success can be personal fulfillment, and knowing it made a positive difference.
Mr. Campbell has established some excellent networks across the nation and does his best to tap into these extraordinary folks to provide their unique perspective. In all honesty, he admitted, he is not “the sharpest tack”, but he has been wise enough to surround himself with talented, interested, and devoted individuals who assisted him in understanding new and exciting concepts. He attempts to listen as an entrepreneur and look for trends or connections that let them see into the future. In his opinion, although success is more easily quantified in monetary terms than in intangibles, success is also defined as being able to find excitement in your work and being eager to get started on a project. Success is within reach if your job keeps adding value for the client and if you take advantage of new opportunities.
“That, combined with hard work and dedication, seems to be the formula that works for me.” -Robert Campbell states.
Technological Advancements
Indigenous clients’ experiences and access to technology are very varied. The capacity and access of the customer will increase as more cities adapt and develop their technology infrastructure, which is taken for granted in most urban settings. The fact that fresh solutions bring value to the client and are meaningful is their most crucial feature. That the customer helped shape the solution in the eyes of the target audience by contributing to its development. Rob, though, is confident that these developments will increase productivity and, ultimately, make operations more efficient and effective. This, in his opinion, can help projects finish more quickly and allow team members better communicate when necessary. One size does not fit all, so the solutions must be meaningful and adaptable. It must have the capacity to adapt quickly and be receptive to ideas for improvement. Rob believes it will aid in increasing local capability and enable better teamwork in various endeavors.
Ethical Leadership
Rob Campbell considers himself to be an open book and makes an effort to treat everyone with respect, honesty, and his best attempt at humor. He enjoys learning about other people and their lives, struggles, and triumphs. He has a strong sense of obligation to lend a hand and is frequently sympathetic to those who are in need or going through a lot of hardships. There is no doubt that having Indigenous people as leaders makes a difference. MNP has a number of Indigenous Partners, providing clients with benefits that are unmatched elsewhere. Rob works closely with another MNP First Nation’s leader and Partner, Clayton Norris, who also serves on our firm’s Board of Directors. This offers immediate knowledge of, and influence over, the important decision-makers, firm-wide strategy, and long-term direction at MNP.
Rob states, “I’m a dad at home, and maybe I seem a bit the same way at work. I think I feed off of the energy of other people, so I enjoy engaging with my family and friends, which translates to the same with a wide range of colleagues and clients.”
Guidance to Next Leaders
Rob advises the next generation to focus on important goals rather than just following the almighty dollar. He feels that doing something that genuinely benefits others can lead to financial success. The calm and delight you experience after acting morally will be your true reward. He argued that he didn’t want to sound overly philosophic and that, perhaps as a result of advancing age, getting a good night’s sleep will be more important than how much your bed costs. He exhorts individuals to be considerate of others and to avoid taking advantage of those who are more challenged.
A Futuristic Vision
MNP pledges to enhance the quality of life for Indigenous people and communities. Their long-term guiding principle was as straightforward as “if we act morally…if we treat our clients and as friends and partners, we’ll develop multigenerational connections that will enrich everyone involved.” Given that, Rob’s vision is also straightforward. When he joined MNP he believed that he had a wealth of knowledge, insights, and ideas about how the company could keep enhancing its offerings and fulfilling the changing demands of this significant segment of the Canadian population. Furthermore, he felt that his Indigenous perspective and understanding could benefit MNP’s long-term Indigenous strategy. His long-term goals include maintaining and expanding this fantastic organization.
Rob wants to ensure that they have a strong succession and a lasting legacy so that he can grin as an old man sipping tea by the fire. He believes in the MNP team and that they can achieve, along with their clients, great things together.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
