Entries by David Irvine

Men’s Saturday Circle

As part of Men’s Shed Cochrane, every Saturday morning, a group of us meet. The group is turning into a true community that gives men a safe space to talk openly about our well-being and mental health. It’s not about fixing everything. It’s about listening, sharing experiences, and realizing you’re not alone. These conversations help […]

Life in Transition: Facing Adversity Through the Hero’s Journey

Midway on our life’s journey, I found myself In dark woods, the right road lost… – From THE INFERNO OF DANTE, Robert Pinsky, trans. When Barry’s life shifted overnight—a downsized job, the sudden, unexpected end of a twenty-five year marriage, a son being admitted to a treatment centre for addiction (all within a period of […]

Wall Of Influence

For those who know my work, I often speak of my Wall Of Influence – the pictures of the 25 most influential people who have helped shape me and make me who I am. The collage of influential people in my life hangs in my office. Following a recent leadership program I facilitated, one of […]

Navigating Political and Social Polarization in the Workplace: The Role of Leadership as Unifiers

On March 18, 1956, Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermon at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, entitled “When Peace Becomes Obnoxious,” started with a story: “A few weeks ago, a Federal Judge handed down an edict which stated in substance that the University of Alabama could no longer deny admission to persons because […]

Accountability With Heart: Igniting Engagement Through Trust and Ownership

When Brenda took over as the Executive Director of a community outreach, nonprofit organization, she walked into a team that had lost its spark. People were burned out. Staff meetings were tense. Deadlines constantly slipped and a sense of defensiveness hung in the air. At first, Brenda responded the way many leaders do under pressure—by […]