Eleven years ago, while negotiating with a landowner over a pecan tree in rural Oklahoma, Sean Taylor had a conversation that would shape the values that guide his work today.

The tree—planted by the landowner’s grandfather—was more than a boundary marker; it was a physical representation of a family legacy. That moment shifted Sean’s perspective. The negotiation wasn’t just about reaching an agreement— it became a different kind of exchange, one defined by care, empathy, and the humility to listen deeply. And that, Sean says, is often what defines land work: the ability to navigate not just logistics, but relationships.

It also reshaped his understanding of what it means to be an effective negotiator and leader. Success in land work isn’t just about getting the deal done, it’s about doing it right. It means entering emotionally charged conversations with care, communicating with those impacted by decisions, and navigating situations where the odds are stacked against you. To be successful, you have to be adept at de-escalating, finding common ground, and—perhaps most importantly—walking away with a relationship intact.

Whether he’s working with landowners, clients, or his own team, Sean leads with curiosity, and a deep respect for people’s lived experience. As LandSolutions marks 25 years, he reflects on a core truth: leadership isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about connection. The best lessons don’t come from theory—they come from showing up, engaging directly, and earning trust through real conversations.

The Path From GIS Technician to Trusted Leader

Sean didn’t begin his career in stakeholder engagement. A GIS technician by trade, Sean, was drawn to the industry by a deep interest in the environment and fascination with how data, mapping, and logistics can solve real-world problems. He took his first GIS course in the mid-1990s at the University of Waterloo, inspired by the growing environmental movement and a desire to contribute to more sustainable infrastructure planning.

But a turning point came when a mentor—who had quietly observed how Sean approached conversations—encouraged him to consider a role with more direct stakeholder engagement.  

“You’ve got the technical skills,” they told him. “But you also have a way of connecting with people. That’s something this work really needs.”

That moment of recognition shifted Sean’s trajectory—and led him into a whole new side of the industry. Transitioning from technical work into stakeholder engagement meant stepping beyond data and logistics into the human side of land work—where conversations are complex, trust is earned, and outcomes often hinge on relationships.

Without formal training in land access, Sean learned by observing others, asking thoughtful questions, and staying open to feedback.  

“That opportunity, the recognition from that individual, opened a whole new world for me,” Sean recalls.

Empowerment Over Ego

Sean’s approach to leadership is rooted in trust, humility, and collaboration. “There’s no room for pride in paradise,” he says. “If I don’t have the skill, someone on my team does. My job is to create the conditions for them to succeed.”

He’s not interested in being the smartest person in the room. “If you are, you’re in the wrong room.”

That mindset shows up in how he leads: clear expectations, shared accountability, and a team-first approach that encourages people to lean into their strengths—and into each other.

Technology with Purpose

Sean doesn’t consider himself an early adopter. “I’m not the first to jump on a new idea,” he says. “But once I’m in, I’m all in.”

His background in GIS gives him a practical lens on how technology can support—not replace—good decision-making. At LandSolutions, he’s worked alongside teams using GIS, analytics, and business intelligence to drive project execution. “We don’t build tools for the sake of it. We build what’s needed. And we do it by listening.”

Leadership Rooted in Community

For Sean, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about growth. “Someone gave me a chance once. I want to be that person for someone else.”

Whether it’s a handshake at a project site or a Zoom call from his home office in Bayfield, Ontario, Sean shows up with intention. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a screen or a tailgate meeting. You show up, you listen, and you become part of the community.”

Sean’s Leadership Lessons

Sean’s lessons are shaped by years of listening, adapting, and showing up in moments that mattered:

• Be genuine. People can tell when you’re not. Sean recalls early stakeholder meetings where simply being honest and present made more impact than having all the answers.

• Empower others. You don’t need all the answers. His leadership style is built around creating space for others to lead, especially in high-stakes conversations with landowners.

• Stay open. Every interaction is a chance to learn. Sean didn’t come up through traditional land services roles—he learned by observing, asking questions, and staying curious. That openness helped him build trust and credibility in unfamiliar territory.