About | Sean Magennis

My Path to Global Business Leadership

01 From Boarding School to Boardrooms

02 Building Enterprises That Matter

03 Transforming a Global Organization

I was eight years old when I first learned about leadership—not from textbooks or TV programs, but from necessity. Sent to boarding school in South Africa, I quickly discovered how to navigate complex social environments, build alliances, and identify the difference between those who commanded respect and those who merely held authority.

These early lessons intensified during two transformative years in South Africa's defense force and continued through university, where I served as senior student in my residence. In environments defined by structure and hierarchy, I began to develop my own philosophy of what it means to truly be a leader.

In 1990, as South Africa stood at a political crossroads, I made a decision that would fundamentally shape my future: emigrating to Canada at 26 and then subsequently earning citizenship in the USA, without connections or safety nets. This leap into the unknown became the first of many calculated risks that would define my career.

Armed with determination and the insights of my early years, I established my first company in Canada– a psychometric testing and organizational development consultancy. What began as a small operation with distribution rights to assessment tools from a British firm evolved into a multifaceted enterprise spanning Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Over 14 years, I expanded this venture to include executive search services, organizational development consulting, meeting planning and execution, and incentive program design.

After orchestrating a strategic exit in 2003, the entrepreneurial journey continued when I partnered with the former CEO of Diner's Club to develop an affordable housing financing platform in Mexico. We secured $80 million in financing and facilitated the building of approximately 2,200 homes before the 2008 financial crisis fundamentally altered the landscape. This experience–with both its triumphs and challenges–provided invaluable lessons about diversification, cross-border operations, and the importance of adaptability in uncertain markets.

In 2013, my path took another significant turn when I was recruited to become President and Chief Operating Officer of YPO, the premier leadership community of chief executives worldwide.

What followed was an eight-year period of unprecedented personal and business growth. During my tenure, YPO expanded from 13,000 to 33,000 members across 128 countries. Our team directed two-thirds of the organization's P&L, led a global remote team of hundreds of employees, and rebuilt YPO's operational infrastructure to support a rapidly expanding network of CEOs whose companies collectively contribute $9 trillion annually to the global economy.

This role demanded extensive international travel and deepened my understanding of how business principles both transcend and adapt to cultural contexts–insights that continue to inform my approach today.

Recent Endeavors

Expanding Elite Communities at Tiger 21

Since 2023, I have supported the global expansion of TIGER 21—the world’s leading peer membership community for high-net-worth entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. My work focused on introducing TIGER 21’s transformative model to key international markets, including Singapore, the UAE, India, and Europe. This involved both strategic market development and the nuanced work of fostering environments where accomplished individuals engage in deep dialogue around wealth preservation, legacy planning, and business growth.

I also provided guidance on expanding TIGER 21’s presence across the U.S. and Canada. I now serve as a Senior Advisor to the organization.

Guiding Innovation at MDB Capital Holdings

As an independent board member for MDB Capital Holdings (NASDAQ: MDBH) since 2022, I help an organization that transforms how visionary technology reaches the marketplace. MDB’s unique approach to public venture capital finances pre-revenue, early-stage companies with breakthrough potential.

This work connects me with pioneering entrepreneurs and technologies that have the capacity to reshape industries– from advanced biotech solutions to environmental innovations that address pressing global challenges.

Leading Member Engagement/Growth at Scouting America

My primary focus is Scouting America, where I collaborate closely with Scouting leaders, staff, and volunteers across the country, marshalling talent and energy toward growing the membership of scouting and thoughtfully engaging alumni.

For a select and curated client portfolio, my consulting practice focuses on helping businesses scale thoughtfully, design effective organizational structures, develop authentic leadership capacity, and build meaningful communities.

My leadership approach centers on creating environments where trust and respect flourish, where questions reveal more than answers, and where individuals connect to something larger than themselves. This philosophy—tested across continents and refined through leading businesses of all sizes—forms the foundation of how I add value today.

My Focus for the Future

My primary focus is Scouting America, where I collaborate closely with Scouting leaders, staff, and volunteers across the country, marshaling talent and energy toward growing the membership of Scouting and thoughtfully engaging alumni.

How Can I Support You?

With decades of global leadership experience and a commitment to service, I offer expertise across several key areas to help you actualize your organization’s business objectives:

Business Growth Consulting

Scaling thoughtfully, reigniting momentum, and transforming potential

Leadership Development

Transforming how leaders engage, inspire, and deliver results

Exit Advisory

Preserving legacy while maximizing value

Strategic Business Advisory

Co-creating a purposeful future through appreciative inquiry

Non-Profit Management Consulting

Building sustainable structures to support meaningful missions

Peer-To-Peer Community Consulting

Creating transformative connections through structured exchange

A Quick Word on
My Approach

My approach begins with understanding—not just your challenges, but your organization's unique context, strengths, and aspirations. From there, I draw on proven frameworks and a global network of specialists to develop practical, sustainable solutions.

At the core of my process is the belief that the most valuable relationships–consulting or otherwise–are built on mutual trust and transparency. Whether working directly with you or bringing in and introducing specialized partners from my network, my goal is to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change that continues long after our time together concludes.

Let’s talk about what matters most

Whether you’re navigating growth challenges, considering leadership transitions, or building more meaningful connections within your team, I welcome the conversation and opportunity to collaborate. Share what’s on your mind, and let’s figure out how I might help you achieve your most important goals.

Connect With Me

About Sean Magennis