BSc Hons. ’76, KIN
Currently: President and CEO, Caldwell Partners International
When John Wallace was 42 he walked away from his 20-year telecommunications career and took a job managing a small executive search firm.
It may have seemed an unlikely move, but four years later John had nearly tripled the company’s annual revenues, and overseen its sale to a large international firm headquartered in the US.
Eight years after that found John helming Caldwell Partners, Canada’s most venerable executive recruiting firm, where revenues have grown over 350 per cent under his leadership.
Despite this success, John is first to admit he didn’t set the world on fire at university. Originally planning on a phys-ed degree and varsity football at the University of Toronto, he came to Waterloo instead, because some friends talked him into it. “I made the UWaterloo football team – but just barely,” he laughs. “And truthfully, in my first three years, I think I was more interested in everything and anything other than studying.”
John finally put his nose to the grindstone in fourth year, pulling nearly straight As in hopes of pursuing a master’s program at the University of Oregon. “I decided against the Master’s degree. But I definitely learned I could focus if I put my mind to it. I have Waterloo to thank for that lifelong lesson.”
After graduation John took a sales position with Bell Canada, and spent the next 20 years filling increasingly executive positions in that industry. Eventually he tired of the constant business travel and the big company politics. “I couldn’t see any real opportunities for innovation or breakthrough — and hardware sales margins kept getting lower. It was a good time to make a move.”
In his wildest dreams John never saw himself as a “headhunter,” but 20 years later he loves the industry, the team he works with, and the clients he serves.
“Every day I have the privilege of working with the very top people — the ones who are making a difference. Frankly, it’s very fulfilling to play a part in that.”
John’s latest gift supports our AHS highest priority fund, which helps with student awards, research, equipment, and other Faculty priorities. Thank you, John!
