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Is it just me or has 2010 somehow turned into THE year for a whole lotta people? More than ever, I keep bumping into people who are transforming their lives, fulfilling long-held dreams, and basically making their lives EPIC. Did I miss a memo or did we perhaps all arrive at this epiphany individually? Maybe I missed an episode of Oprah… Regardless, since the start of this year, I sensed 2010 would be an important year of transition for me, my business, and my dreams.
And it certainly is turning out that way.
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Over the past week or so, I have been secretly engaging in an indulgence of mine. The indulgence: watching TED talks via the web. I call it an indulgence because often I must borrow time from what otherwise would be chunks of my day dedicated to work. That said, I figure of all the guilty pleasures I could have, at least through this one I learn all sorts of fascinating things about nature, humanity and myself.
Over the weekend, I listened to an incredible young woman, Aimee Mullins, talk about The Opportunity of Adversity. Aimee Mullins was born without shinbones and has lived her life as a double amputee. But she isn’t disabled. She is an athlete, model, actor and activist for women, sports and the next generation of prosthetics. But she doesn’t believe in “overcoming” adversity either – as though what’s on the other side of the adversity is the achievement. Interestingly, Aimee believes it is because of challenging experiences not despite them, that we shine.
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On June 24, the Grade 12 students of one Churchill High School in Winnipeg, closed a major chapter in their lives and started another. Today’s high school graduates are the greatest and most privileged minds of my generation. Many of these graduates are more independent and “grown-up” than other 18 year olds from decades past. Most of them are incredibly aware of the challenges that lie before them – as individuals and as a community. The stakes have never been higher.
Among those graduates was one young woman I know quite well. And although she probably has yet to realize it about herself – like most of us have yet to realize it about ourselves – she is emerging as a superhero. I have had the privilege to bear witness to her life and this is what I see…
A young woman – just 18 – exercising her free will. She is making choices, juggling responsibilities, seeking out adventures and when needed, learning how to rescue herself.
To the Class of 2010: Be your own superheroes. If everyday you strive to achieve that, you will leave an incredible legacy.
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Better late than never. The May iP Whiteboard…
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This (much-delayed) post is a bit of a Part 2 to the Sharing the Goodness post from last month. In April and early May, I had the great pleasure of connecting with a number of very cool superheroes.
Fearless is as fearless does. Last month, I met up with Ryan Coelho one sunny afternoon at Leitteri. Ryan, who I met at re: Vision 2010 and is a part of the group I call The Incredibles, has an interesting story. He has been to Ghana and back through his work with Engineers without Borders. He got schooled in Engineering and then realized that there was something missing in his chosen career path. And then he decided it was up to him to carve out the livelihood he wants. So now he is testing out the world of consulting for BOSS – Business Owners Success System. Ryan’s enthusiasm and drive has the potential to be infectious. (You will know what I mean if you chat with him for a few minutes.) Fearless is a word that comes to mind when I think of him. He isn’t afraid to try on different opportunities to see how they fit. During our chat, I shared a bit of my story and that such a big part of my work is testing out and adapting as I go. I figured if I could impart one little pearl of wisdom it would be that what makes my work important – other than its impact – is that I do not automatically think I have all of the answers. It is a choice that anyone starting out must make – choose not to allow assumptions or limitations to interfere with true innovation.
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I see a lot of people enraged by frustrating realities in their lives, within their workplaces and most definitely, in their communities. I see them banging on doors, yelling at the top of their lungs and then walking away defeated. There are moments when I too wish to run around like a maniac trying to knock some sense into people…. Or demand better from institutions that are supposed to protect me and my community. Or put prejudice in its place. Or scold companies that have stolen my blood-sweat-and-tear-stained money with good marketing and a bad product.
Here is a little story to help illustrate how much strategy and drivers can influence how successful you are at getting what you want.
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Well not yet, but I am hoping this will catch on.
First, let’s talk about how not to do it.
I attended an event awhile back. Let’s call it Event X. It was held in the space of a highly reputable think tank and promoted by a number of names (organizations) within the social innovation hub that is Toronto. Based on the marketing (and yes, my understanding of how each word within the marketing text is defined according to Webster dictionary), I had fully expected it to be an opportunity for entrepreneurs, leaders and practitioners in my field to enjoy a meaningful exchange of successes, challenges, ideas, tools and so on. I also understood the event format was to include a keynote speaker followed by a facilitated discussion.
There is expectation. And then there is reality.
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It is a glorious Tuesday filled with sunshine, opportunities to connect, meaningful work and mind-blowing ideas. My cup runneth over. So let me please share some of this goodness with you.
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“Great men are meteors, consuming themselves to light the world.” ~ Napoleon
I don’t often have occasion to quote Napoleon. This is oddly momentous. I was flipping through a book my parents gifted to Mike for Easter – Letters from Leaders: Personal Advice for Tomorrow’s Leaders from the World’s Most Influential People. In it are letters from the likes of Global Leaders like the Dalai Lama and Empire Builders like Donald Trump. One such letter – from Leo Hindery Jr. (Managing Partner of InterMedia Partners and the Midas of cable TV networks) – is a variation in theme on Napoleon’s words.
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I heart spring cleaning. I like it so much that I actually do it four times a year. Once for every season. I find cleaning highly satisfying and often therapeutic. In Montessori school, while other kids were learning/playing at the water table or in the workshop, I was polishing silver and washing dishes at the cleaning station. You could say that I have a bit of a history with cleaning.
As an entrepreneur, particularly a sole proprietor, I have become accustomed to playing all sorts of roles in my company.
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(Photo by Christine Lebrasseur)
On April 4, 2007, I launched iNSPiRED PRACTiCE into the brave new world. Yesterday marked the 3rd birthday of this little-company-that-could. I have long considered iNSPiRED PRACTiCE my “baby”. It is certainly my brainchild. And much like a child it consumes nearly all of my time and energy. (Three year-olds can be so demanding!) Much like a human toddler, this 3 year old business has evolved and in ways that continue to surprise me. But if I am to be totally truthful, iNSPiRED PRACTiCE’s story began long before 2007. There was a history before its birth…
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It is now 2 days after re:Vision 2010 and I have had ample time to reflect (and get organized). These are my take-aways from the conference.
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(Image created at the Hero Factory)
At the start of every new year, I craft a series of goals to fulfill by December 31. Last year, in 2009, I wanted to start a book club. Despite crazy schedules and infrequent get-togethers, a small but dedicated group of us had a great run and read a few books of fiction.
This year I am starting another book club. It’s called The Modern-Day Superhero Book Club.
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The small man builds cages for everyone he knows.
While the sage, who has to duck his head when the moon is low,
keeps dropping keys all night long for the beautiful rowdy prisoners.
~ Hafiz (a 14th century sufi poet)
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On March 11, 2010, Options for Success – our sister company – was recognized for Excellence in Leadership by the Human Resources Management Association of Manitoba (HRMAM) in the category of Diversity & Cultural Awareness. Although several other organizations submitted applications for the award, Options for Success Inc. was the sole nominee in the category and the ultimate award winner. It was an honour to be recognized for the work we do in breaking down cultural, generational and economic barriers to success.
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- posted on 29.07.10
