How to Learn from Summer Interns
Interns are adding value to companies, non-profits and the public sector around the world this summer. At Vancity, one of the things that we want from this experience is an exchange of ideas – put another way, we want “reverse…
Three Career Lessons I Learned from Tossing Hay Bales
I grew up in a small rural community on Vancouver Island, British Columbia called Merville. When I was a kid I helped my dad help his best friend clear hundreds of hay bales from his field. When I was a…
Career Lessons from Climbing Mountains
A few weeks ago I attended and presented at Canada’s leading conference for career practitioners, Cannexus. One of the workshops that I attended was led by Rob Shea and Senator David M. Wells – it focused on the connection between…
Four Ways to Manage Triggers
It’s happened to all of us. During a heated conversation with a colleague, friend or loved one, they say something that’s not only wrong but completely infuriating. You might even get so pissed off, it’s hard to contain an eruption…
Top Ten Leadership Lessons from Chris Hadfield
In his book, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life, Commander Chris Hadfield, weaves relevant suggestions for leaders through the story of his life journey as an astronaut. While some of these lessons are pretty obvious, others fly in the face of…
Five Ways to Make Your Next Meeting Terrific
In a world where collaboration is increasingly encouraged, knowing how to run effective meetings is critical. If you get it wrong, you can waste your time and your colleagues’ time. As you feel your team losing focus during meetings keep…
10 Professional Lessons from the World Cup
After nearly a month of epic play, the 2014 World Cup is over. Germany is basking in the glow of victory. Brazil’s football soul has been crushed. And the United States’ love of the beautiful game is ascending. Countless stories…
How to Lead Without a Title
Let’s say you want to find some leaders to learn from, so you jump online and Google ‘great leaders’. The first result is images of Ghandi, Steve Jobs, Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln. So hey, no pressure, but…
Dare to Compete: Hillary Clinton Inspires Vancouver
Hillary Clinton Inspires Vancouver On Wednesday, March 5, 2014 I participated in history in two ways. First, I attended an event that was the largest in the 127-year history of the Vancouver Board of Trade. Second, while I appreciate everything…
How We Will Reach Our Potential in 2014
Our Potential in 2014 Mike, Kurt and I will know that 2014 has realized its potential when we see streamlined focus on family, hands-on experimentation, and envelope-pushing career growth flourishing in our lives. These are the hopes and aspirations of…