"You'll never amount to anything."
As a child, Peter J. Bissonnette heard those words-and made it his mission to prove them wrong.
In Count on Me: My Life, Lessons, and Legacy as Former President of Shaw Communications, Peter recounts his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Canada's most respected business leaders.
From an English boarding school to military service, from seminary life to Vancouver's fashion industry, Peter's path was anything but conventional. Yet it was in the fast-moving world of telecommunications where his relentless determination, sharp instincts, and unwavering faith propelled him to the top.
With candor and insight, Peter shares the leadership lessons that defined his career, the challenges he overcame, and the pivotal moments that shaped both his personal and professional life. From navigating complex boardroom negotiations to working alongside industry titans like JR Shaw and Ted Rogers, he offers a rare insider's perspective on the evolution of Canadian telecommunications.
But Count on Me is more than the story of a successful career. It is a powerful testament to resilience, personal growth, and the enduring value of perseverance. Peter's story is a reminder that our beginnings do not determine our future-and that with faith, grit, and a willingness to keep learning, extraordinary things are possible.
About the Author :
Peter Bissonnette began his thirty-five years with Shaw Communications Inc. in 1989, as vice president operations. He became president in 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.
Review :
"Peter Bissonnette was the Yoda behind the Shaw Cable empire: wise, humble, and quietly powerful. His story is a testament to leading with insight over ego. This autobiography is a rare glimpse into the mind of a true corporate Jedi." Kirstie McLellan Day, Above and Beyond: The JR Shaw Family History in Life and Business
"With equal measures of business insights, motivational advice, and derring-do adventure, Peter Bissonnette keeps the pages turning in an autobiography steeped in humour and humility. Count on Me is packed full of the kinds of characters and stories that could only come from getting on a Greyhound bus with a guitar and camera and stepping off into one of Canada's most legendary business careers. Peter Bissonnette shows how to lead with heart and how setbacks and even tragedies can be turned into an opportunity for learning and growth." Troy Reeb, Co-CEO, Corus Entertainment
"An extraordinary life from an extraordinary man; a wonderful read!" Brad Shaw, Former CEO and Executive Chair, Shaw Communications
"Peter Bissonnette's journey to becoming a key figure in shaping the Canadian telecommunications industry is an inspiration. His story shows that with hard work and determination, it's possible to overcome the obstacles in our way, prove the naysayers wrong, and go on to do great things. Count on Me is a gripping must-read." Michele Romanow, Co-Founder, Clearco, and Dragon, CBC's Dragons' Den
"Using feelings of abandonment to climb the highest peaks of success while discovering the meaning of love and loyalty through chosen family (or fictive kin). This is a great read for those who want to peel back the curtain of the Shaw dynasty and gain motivation from Peter Bissonnette's story of turning tough circumstances into a happy life fuelled by unwavering confidence, taking risks, and a side of musical inspiration." Dallas Flexhaug, Anchor, Global News Calgary
"Immediately after reading Peter's book, I went to the gym. The attendant, a premed student with brilliant marks working a summer job, had googled me and noticed my association with Jordan Peterson, Ted Rogers, Jim Shaw, Peter Bissonnette, and others, so asked me what it would take for him to achieve greatness. I told him to read Count on Me and integrate the lessons of Peter Bissonnette. Peter achieved his accomplishments unconventionally, but with an intense focus on what he wanted, and developed techniques to turn his visualizations into actualization. It is a beyond fascinating read by a great raconteur, an essential tool to achieve leadership and greatness." Howard Levitt, The Law of Dismissal in Canada, and columnist, The Financial Post
"This candid memoir shows how perseverance can transform adversity into achievement across both our personal and professional lives." Ken Carpenter, Chief Technology Officer, Foundation Devices
"Count on Me is a truly compelling biography of a proven leader who seizes life! Peter openly shares his life pursuits, experiences, innermost thoughts, and inspirational wisdom presented in a style that is uniquely Peter. Readers can expect to be encouraged and provoked by Peter's passion for people, purpose, and personal best." Shannon Donnici, Principal, Donnici Solutions Inc.
"I originally met Peter Bissonnette in the early '70s when he signed up for guitar lessons with me. I never would have guessed that we would collaborate on many news themes for Global together, and that was when I really got a glimpse of what a smart, fun, caring person he is. Brilliant." Jamie Bowers, Composer and Producer
