michael burns

Michael Burns began his career with a focus on marketing and financial services, co-founding Clearsight Wealth Management in 2002. As Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Affinity Relations, he established this full-service brokerage firm, significantly surpassing revenue targets and laying a strong foundation for its growth. By 2006, he also assumed the role of President of Clearsight Inc., a subsidiary of Wellington West Holdings, where he successfully integrated Clearsight Wealth Management operations and its team into Wellington West’s extensive network of over 300 advisors across Canada. His leadership in these roles positioned him as a key figure in the financial sector, culminating in the acquisition of Clearsight by Accretive Advisor in 2011, where he then transitioned all partnership agreements during the integration phase.

Burns further expanded his leadership into impactful societal and community-driven initiatives. From 2015 to 2018, he served as the CEO of the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, where he orchestrated the event from its inception, building the organization, securing support from government and over 100 corporate and community partners, and recruiting more than 1,800 volunteers. Under his guidance, the Games achieved a complete sell-out, generated the highest national and worldwide viewing audience ever for the event, and operated with a multi-million-dollar budget surplus. Following this, from 2018 to 2021, he held the position of President & CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, where he transformed the organizational culture and positioned the foundation for sustainable growth. He continues his extensive philanthropic and leadership efforts, co-founding the True Patriot Love Foundation to support Canada’s military families and serving on various boards for organizations such as the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, Canadian Institute for Military & Veteran Health Research, and prominent Toronto entertainment venues like Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall. In recognition of his diverse contributions, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from Dalhousie University in 2017, and received the Meritorious Service Cross in 2016 for his work with military families, among other distinguished honors.

His commitment to excellence and community service has earned him multiple accolades, including the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service in 2012, the military’s highest civilian honor, and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in the same year. He was also named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2010. Currently, alongside his role at PurposeU, an AI-powered self-discovery platform launched in 2024, Michael is the Executive Chair for Canada’s Valour Games, the country’s first adaptive sports games for veterans, since 2020. His career reflects a consistent trajectory of leadership, innovation, and a profound dedication to both corporate success and societal betterment.