BREAKING THE ROUTINE: Why Change Really is as Good as a Rest
As I turn 70 next year, I have the good fortune of gaining some new perspective on my life. A lot of people look forward to the day they can “retire,” finally able to slow down, rest, and do nothing. But some of the happiest people I’ve met are not the ones who define “retirement” […]
Strong Fences, Open Gates: Mastering the Balance Between Distraction and Connection
Interruptions—whether from email, notifications, or colleagues—can have a negative impact on our focus and productivity. Interruptions are not just minor annoyances, they are “toxic” to concentration and the quality of work produced. There is much scientific studies that show that it can take up to 30 minutes to regain focus after being interrupted, and that […]
From Shadows To Sunrise: How Feeling Irrelevant Signals Imminent Change
Sometimes, the most meaningful insights occur when we admit our deepest uncertainties. This past week, I talked with a friend, Gord Sarkissian, about some of my feelings of irrelevance at this stage in life and career. It wasn’t easy to voice my self-doubts as I emerge into this next chapter of my life. Gord listened […]
I had the good fortune to present a virtual session to The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) on Psychological Safety In The Workplace.
A significant part of the discussion was about the vitally important topic of creating safe spaces for marginalized groups such as women, indigenous peoples and people of colour. We must recognize the blindness that comes with privilege. Let’s stay self-aware of ways we make it unsafe for people and keep the conversations going. Let’s be […]
Intentional Culture, Exceptional Results – Integrating Authenticity with Accountability
One habit of good leadership is to be out in your culture, shining a light on success, celebrating wins, and catching people doing things right. There are likely some amazing things going on around you that you may be missing if you aren’t intentional. It’s natural for human beings to fixate on what’s not in […]
If you see someone across the room that you’ve never met, could you build trust with them in ten minutes?
In ten minutes you couldn’t build enough trust to hire them, marry them, or invest your money with them, but you CAN move the trust needle. Here’s how: Reach out. Waiting and hope are not good trust building strategies. Introduce yourself. Put yourself out there. Extend trust. People either distrust you until proven otherwise or […]
We know about good leadership. What do we know about good followship?
A leader is only as good as the people around them. Maybe we need to spend as much time building good followers as we spend building good leaders. Good followship encompasses: Humility. It’s not about obedience and compliance. It’s about having a strong voice, being clear and direct, while being humble, teachable, and open to […]
Innovate Cochrane Community Innovation Ecosystem (CIE) Program Graduation Celebration
At the Innovate Cochrane Community Innovation Ecosystem (CIE) Program Graduation Celebration this past week, I was pleased to present: Inspiring Innovation through the Power of Connection. Innovate Cochrane is an amazing community-driven non-profit dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and business leaders in Cochrane, Alberta. They offer events and programs that foster growth, innovation, and collaboration, focusing […]
CHOICES MATTER How Small Decisions Unlock Big Potential
It is our CHOICES that show who we truly are, more than our ABILITIES. Harry Potter Three decades ago, after an extended bout of depression, a struggling business, and a lengthy fight with addiction, I made a decision that changed my life. I didn’t “hope” my life would get better, because it wouldn’t. I decided […]
Trauma leaves traces on our minds and bodies.
It leaves an imprint on everything we touch, the way we think, the way we feel, the way we interact with those around us, and the way we live. Join me this Friday, April 25th for a webinar focused on Trauma, Loss & Recovery. Leave with a greater understanding of trauma, its impact on our […]
