Count on Me : My Life, Lessons, and Legacy as Former President of Shaw Communications
- nicolasmercadovald
- Sep 1, 2025
- 3 min read
5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:
By SM Harrison
Count on Me is a masterful examination of the enduring value of integrity, resilience, and leadership. Peter J. Bissonnette provides a vivid narrative of his life and career, which includes formative experiences abroad, military service, and a daring foray into the Canadian telecommunications industry. This narrative is enhanced by the precise storytelling of co-author Lucy Lynskey, which guarantees a clear and compelling flow that captivates the reader from the very first page.
The writing is articulate and measured, balancing analytical depth with personal reflection. Bissonnette effectively communicates intricate business strategies and corporate decision-making, rendering the complexities of the telecommunications industry comprehensible without sacrificing nuance. The narrative is enriched with candid observations and vivid anecdotes, capturing the triumphs and challenges of leadership. The memoir is elevated beyond a conventional business story by the meticulous attention to narrative craft that is demonstrated in the interplay between professional insight and human experience.
At the heart of the book are themes of perseverance, ethical leadership, humility, and collaboration. Bissonnette contemplates the importance of values-driven decision-making and the influence of enduring commitment. The memoir also underscores the importance of adaptability and the courage to confront uncertainty, providing insights that extend beyond the corporate context. These themes are both profoundly relevant and thought-provoking, prompting readers to contemplate the broader implications of their decisions and the enduring impact of character in both personal and professional life.
The book captivates the reader's intellect and emotion, prompting them to contemplate their own journey and to admire Bissonnette's journey. The lessons are delivered with clarity and grace, resulting in a lasting impression of motivation, insight, and a more profound comprehension of purposeful leadership.
In conclusion, Count on Me is a work that is both personal and professional, and it is eloquent, thoughtful, and inspiring. Bissonnette's reflections, which are articulated with precision and sincerity, provide valuable advice on the pursuit of a meaningful legacy, integrity, and leadership. This memoir serves as a compelling testament to a life that was characterized by a steadfast dedication to principle, vision, and resilience.
About the Author
Peter J. Bissonnette

Peter Bissonnette began his thirty-five years with Shaw Communications Inc. in 1989, as vice president operations. He became presidentin 2001: a position he held until his retirement in 2015. He remained on the board until Shaw's sale to Rogers in 2023. As a child, Peter was an army brat moving from place to place. He attended a Catholic boarding school in England and for a time considered pursuing a life in the clergy. Instead, he joined the navy and later the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he discovered his aptitude for electronics and radar technology. Always seeking new opportunities and growth, Peter left a low-paying job at Northern Radio in Ottawa with just fifty dollars in his wallet, and headed to Vancouver on a Greyhound bus. In Vancouver he found work with BC Tel, where he worked for twelve years, climbing the ranks, gaining a reputation for operational excellence, and attracting the attention of big telecom leaders like the McDonalds, Ted Rogers, and ultimately, JR Shaw.Peter is an avid musician, with his own recording studio and an impressive collection of guitars. He is also a talented photographer, a subject he majored in at college and later pursued, photographing models and weddings. Today, Peter spends his time between Calgary, Kelowna, and Rancho Mirage with his wife Tracy and their much-loved wieners, Winnie and Frankie.



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