iNSPiRED PRACTiCE

31 Days of Fiery Kite + Sweet Peach

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:59:28 +0000

July flame

Fiery kite

Will-o-the-wisp

Lead me through the night

July flame

Sweet summer peach

High up in the branch

Just out of reach

Can I call you mine?

*Lyrics from the song July Flame by Laura Veirs.

July, you make me hot. No really. I have nearly melted at least twice. The iNSPiRED PRACTiCE 3^rd floor headquarters (see top right photo above) has averaged a balmy 30C at 60% humidity many days this month. Since I am such a hardcore eco crusader and my husband is apparently cold-blooded (like an amphibian perhaps?) and unaffected by heat waves, we are sans air conditioning. The good news is that having my very own sweat lodge in-house has produced some pretty awesome revelations. Expect to see some creative additions to iNSPiRED PRACTiCE’s offerings this Fall. Oh and a change of scenery!

I have discovered one of the best ways to keep from turning into a puddle is to drink cool coconut water and eat juicy peaches (which are also quite delectable when grilled.) Thankfully all of this beautiful sunshine and warmth has done wonders for my blossoming (repurposed) container garden.

My Town of Parkdale and Dundas West station buttons (pictured above) are courtesy of Spacing Magazine. Do you know about it? My husband – the handsome fella in the bottom photo – introduced me to Spacing Toronto. You can learn all about the magazine here and check out the fabulous buttons featuring different TO ‘hoods and subway stops here.

Although July has definitely been fiery hot, I’ve hit the streets running. I am proud to have gotten back on the wagon with my training and even happier to say that I have reached my 8 km/hour goal. Now I simply have to sustain that pace. I suspect it is easier said than done. The good news is: I lucked out and found myself an ideal addition to the iNSPiRED team – a Director of Employee Morale. His name is Mojo and he is going to help me work my tail off during the last two weeks of August.

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Hello/Goodbye

admin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:58:31 +0000

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.

To everything there is a season. ~ The Byrds (originally from the Book of Ecclesiastes)

I strongly believe that my voice, passion and gifts are infinite. There is no expiration date on my inherent value to building a better world. That much I know. However, I strongly believe that “to everything there is a season” and that it is possible to reach a point with projects or clients at which the value I can offer is no longer optimal.

I very much like what Danielle LaPorte has to say about her own work credo.

1. Be useful. If your stuff is not 100% about utility, practicality or wisdom, then…

2. Be inspiring. If you’re not flush with inspiration, passion, motivation, then at least….

3. Be entertaining.

I believe utility is paramount. Over the course of a work relationship, needs change and must be fulfilled with new spirit and perspectives and skill sets. Since March, I have felt myself be pulled in a new direction. Who is doing the pulling is a matter of perspective but suffice it to say, an important decision surfaced. As of the end of September 2010, I will be proud to pass the flame along to the next torchbearer of the Children’s Health & Environment Partnership of Manitoba.

Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. ~ Dr. Seuss

Since February 2008, I have held a part-time contract with the Partnership as founding Secretariat Director and unofficially worked with this group since 2006 in helping to transition the former Children’s Environmental Health Project into a formal, multi-stakeholder partnership.

I have passionately and diligently pursued the Partnership’s mandate to advance the state of children’s environmental health in Manitoba. Providing partnership development and non-profit management expertise to such a worthy initiative has helped me to grow and iNSPiRED PRACTiCE to blossom. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with children’s health advocates who daily strive to create environments that support the healthy development of future generations to deservedly fulfill every ounce of their human potential.

All I can truly say to these awesome individuals – with a big smile and brimming heart – is thank you so very much for allowing me to walk this road with you.

Because God never slams a door in your face without opening a box of Girl Scout cookies… (Or so says, Elizabeth Gilbert.)

This fall, I will embark on a new adventure. (You didn’t think I was done, did you? Ha! Not even close.) This new adventure will take me to my own personal rockstar status and well…I absolutely can’t wait!

Check back here in mid-August for a special ANNOUNCEMENT that I imagine will make the hearts of many fabulous people around the world sing out loud.

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Dance with adversity

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:53:50 +0000

Disable (verb): To crush a spirit; to withdraw hope; to deflate curiosity; to promote an inability to see beauty; to deprive of imagination; to make abject.

Ant: To make poss-able.

*from Aimee Mullins New (and Better) Thesaurus

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.

For nearly two decades, I have pondered the term “disabled” and how this label has been used. I recently learned that during Nazi Germany the gas chamber that was later used to fulfill the horrors of genocide, was first invented to kill children who were marked as imperfect, not normal, and disabled.

I was 10 years old when I first got a real taste of what the word “disabled” means to most people. It was at that point in my life that my then 2 year old brother – Khorie – was diagnosed with a 90% hearing loss. By any colloquial or medical definition, he would have been considered “disabled” – someone who either needed “fixing” or would become part of a cohort of kids who went to “special” schools leading “special” lives segregated from the rest of our society. But he is not disabled. He is just deaf.

At the age of 19, Khorie graduated high school from a good old “regular” Canadian public school with the support of a full-time interpreter and the outcome of above “average” marks. He studied graphic arts, computer media and pre-calculus. He played peewee softball, dabbled in other types of recreation and later on discovered a love for tennis. For the majority of his life, he has communicated in two of Canada’s official languages: English and American Sign Language (ASL). He was the first high school student in Manitoba to be recognized with a United Nations Association of Canada Award in the ASL category at the annual public speaking competition. He is an emerging graphic artist, game developer and lyricist. He plays electric guitar, bass guitar, sings and somewhere along the way taught himself a bit of piano. So how did a young deaf man do all of these things? With the aid of his superpower, of course.

Aimee Mullins called it the X factor. You might call it: HUMAN WILL.

I was struck by how Aimee’s words were not only applicable to the medical community and thought leaders attending TED MED (October 2009) but also to those of us who are part of a movement to dance with adversity.

In Aimee’s talk, she references Charles Darwin and the underlying principle of his revolutionary work on evolution. It isn’t necessarily the strongest of the species that will survive – nor the fastest or the smartest. It is the most adaptable to change. I urge leaders in the business, citizen and public sectors to take those words to heart. Internalize them. If you can do that, then I promise you I will show up and do my part. I will be there to support you in managing that change but first you must be willing to adapt.

Aimee believes that adversity is a part of life – not an obstacle to get around. She believes that through conflict comes transformation. Possibility is the order of the day – not disability. This perspective, if applied to the greatest challenges of the world, is decidedly different. We don’t look at economic recessions and oil spills as opportunities, do we? We view them as crippling. Why? Because they make it impossible to continue with life as usual. But what if these challenging, tragic moments could be viewed as transformative opportunities to awaken, raise the bar and propel us toward evolution as a civilization?

I caught wind of this article over the weekend. In the wake of taking to heart Aimee Mullins’ illuminations on the term “disable”, I was left with this sinking feeling that we have become a disabled society. Crushed of spirit. Hopeless. Deprived of imagination. Abject.

Chris Jarvis and Angela Parker of Realized Worth have captured in great eloquence what I would like to say about Chrystia Freeland’s piece. However, I would like to make one more statement and in so many words, a final plug for Aimee’s philosophy…

On behalf of agents of change, social responsibility gurus and pretty much all of human kind, I would like to apologize if there was ever some suggestion that evolution of our economies, societies, institutions, and so on was going to be easy as pie. Perhaps we are all responsible for that misunderstanding. If at some point, any of us misrepresented the incredibly gruelling yet rewarding process of physically, mentally, institutionally adapting to a new world, then we must be clearer from here on out. If Darwin, himself, led you astray to believe evolution is quaint and seamless rather than a whole lot of trial and error to become something more exquisite and capable, then you will have to become that much smarter than him. What BP has done with their so-called Corporate Social Responsibility strategy is attempted to SIDESTEP the tough stuff when a new world requires that we DANCE with the challenge of generating a true profit while internalizing very real social, environmental and safety considerations. A wolf in sheep’s clothing is not a reality of evolution, it is a masquerade.

In business, public and social sectors, much like everyday life, we have the opportunity to dance with adversity and through conflict – not despite it – we can transform and truly shine.

I am prepared to DANCE. Are you?

Photo of: Khorie circa 1991 taken by my parents on the front steps of my childhood home.

30 Days of Sidewalk Poetry

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:22:40 +0000

When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. ~ John F. Kennedy

Generally I would have had the iP whiteboard up by mid-June but the month was so full that I really needed a few extra weeks to let the events and ideas that surfaced marinate. I reflected on various themes that cropped up but one that seemed to stick was around “roles” – the roles we play in our work, family, community, etc… I have had my share of experience with role theory through Deep Democracy but this past month I was concerned with only one role (or archetype). The poet. Is the poet a visionary? a prophet? a messenger? a leader? a transformer? Is the poet the busker at an intersection singing her personal story, the dad holding his young son’s hand or the passerby with a soft smile on her face? Who’s work is poetic? Only the artist or also the changemaker? The doctor? The baker? The student who is also the teacher? The superhero who rescues herself? And then if those weren’t sufficient questions to ponder, I piled on one more: how does it happen?

For me “sidewalk poetry” is the magic that happens in the to-and-fro of life. The eloquent and poignant messages we leave behind like little footprints. Someone else will come by and pause in those footprints and for a moment, breathe in your message. It might linger for a bit inside their lungs or be expunged as quickly as it was absorbed. Either way, those footprints will be there to revisit again and again.
During the G20, while many others in my community were on the streets embroiled in their own battle for poetic justice, I sought solace in a pair of footprints much too big for my little feet to ever fill but worth an entire world of inspiration. In a modest yet significant way, I was present for the release of a collection of paintings based on the original poetry of one Jennifer Corriero, renaissance woman and changemaker extraordinaire. The question on the table was: “how does it happen?” And the subject was: change. The event was exquisite. The paintings were masterful. And the message was inspiring.

Earlier in June I attended a great event – Corporate Social Responsibility: How to Do It Right. Peggie Pelosi of ORENDA spoke about her work in facilitating corporate karma by connecting company with cause. The catch is that the cause has to truly resonate with the values of the company and its employees. It has to be focused and credible, and make sense with the company’s service and brand. If those conditions are met, it has the ability to completely transform a stagnant organizational culture and propel a company toward growth. This is exactly the approach I take and right now I am testing it out from the other end of the equation – beginning with the cause and connecting it to the right company. The right connection can inspire. Furthermore, it can support both an organization and a company to do well and do good.

So what of those who argue that you cannot do both – well and good? Organizations and companies may be institutions but even institutions are made up of people. And if there is one thing I know unequivocally – it is that people are capable of both doing well and doing good. Any high school graduate could explain that to you. They know what that means. Capacity accounts for 50% of it. The other 50% is entirely values. Lucky for me, expressing ideas so that they resonate with different value sets just so happens to be my form of poetry.

After such an intense month full of words, art and messages, I was happy to retreat to quiet mornings eating fresh croissants and blueberry-lavender jam procured from my local bakery and pottering around in my container garden. Is that the work of a poet too? I’m not sure. Either way, it suited me just fine.

Photo credits: Susheela Willis. Tyler-West family.

To the Class of 2010: Be Your Own Superhero

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:48:37 +0000

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.

Over a decade has passed since my own graduation and in that time I have learned some valuable lessons in how to be my own superhero. This is nothing more than my own individual experience. I share it with you as much with the intent to offer it as inspiration as with the intent to reflect on lessons learned (and in progress).

Dare to be great. Even if you have only a vague idea of what that means for you. Know this: success is individual. Accepting someone else’s definition of success is apt to leave you feeling like a failure.

Build on what is possible. Start from a position of asset not deficit. In the big bad world, at every turn, you will be tempted to compare yourself to others. Don’t. Inventory the skills, abilities, talents and qualities that you have to offer. These are the building blocks to your future.

Write your own manifesto. Decide what you stand for and carry that with you. Let it be your compass.

Conserve energy. Your own internal supply and that provided to you through the planet’s hospitality.

Set expectations for yourself and others. But don’t use them as an excuse to pass judgment.

Try. Then try again. And again. Persistence and practice will help you learn nearly anything in life. Don’t be afraid of failure or hard work.

Do well. And do good. Ambition and compassion are not mutually exclusive.

Replace fear with curiosity. Go beyond doing the things you know you are good at.

Give yourself permission to change your mind and behaviour. What some call hypocrisy, others call evolution.

Know when to ask for help. But don’t rely on anyone else to rescue you.

Seek out friendships and relationships that are based on reciprocity. And let go of those that are not.

Travel near and far. Travel on your own and with others. Travel with purpose. Maybe you are the type to relax on a beach or maybe you are the type to climb a mountain. Either way, go with the intent to truly experience your destination.

Connect the concept of “home” with people not place. If you do that, you will never feel homeless.

Learn how to say “no”. Use it to help you establish priorities and make time for the things that matter. Don’t use it as a way to shelter yourself from experiencing something foreign.

Beware the bearers of bad advice. An obvious red flag? That its bearer knows nothing about you.

Respect your body like the temple that it is. It is the only one you get. Don’t mutilate it, poison it or deprive it. Instead, nourish it, protect it and love it.

Sit in the driver’s seat of your own life. If you don’t, you may find yourself being taken for a ride.

Don’t panic. Trust that your life experience, ingenuity and values will help you dig yourself out of any hole.

Learn how to be financially independent. Respect your parents and others as more than human ATMs.

Don’t allow your political affiliation to determine what you believe in. Political beliefs are not a package deal. Decide for yourself.

Make generous acts a way of life. It doesn’t take a Herculean effort to create everyday miracles.

Take nothing for granted. But when you do, recognize it and learn from it.

Life is not a straight line. It is a crooked path. Proceed with a direction in mind but give yourself the freedom to detour.

31 Days of this Wild + Precious Life

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 04:46:51 +0000

Better late than never. The May iP Whiteboard…

Tell me, what is it you plan to do,

with your one wild and precious life?

~ Mary Oliver

Time flies. It was just the first of May not too long ago and here we are nearly at the end of the month.

Essential Wisdom. A Guide for Grown-Ups was this year’s mother’s day gift. Amazing wisdom from The Little Prince author Antoine de Saint-Exupery. My favourite quote of the moment is: “I need to put up with two or three caterpillars if I want to get to know the butterflies.”

Snapshots of this wild life. A blossoming tree, thriving dahlias, a doggie sunning herself and a sustainably-harvested bamboo bowl ready for fresh salad greens and fruits.

Fresh strawberries. Yum. Need I say more?

New landing. One of my new contracts is supporting Options for Success in their change and transition management of a large group of Air Canada employees. Hence the toy airplane.

Dandelions. I love this graphic decal by Elly Nelly that I used as the background for the May whiteboard. What says Spring better than dandelions?

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It’s Up to You

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 19:42:17 +0000

If you’re at a dead end, take a deep breath, stamp your foot and shout “BEGIN!” You never know where it will take you. ~ Twyla Tharp

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.

Stamp your foot and shout “begin”. The Twyla Tharp quote above came to mind when I reflected on my picnic in Trinity Bellwoods Park with Anfernee Chansamooth of My Positive Change. Another member of The Incredibles, he is a people-hugger like me and a true creative. He can speak, he can dance, he can coach, he can juggle…he is a Renaissance Man (which could be a great Superhero name – just saying…) He has a zest for life. And he has had some pretty life-changing experiences. You can find out more about his story here. He knows what it means to reach a dead end and take your life in your hands. You can either stand there or you can stamp your foot and shout “begin”. He chose the latter and that has led him to a new habitat and a new way of living. Now he shares his transformation with others.

Life Opportunities Food Technology: The theme for this post is largely thanks to the amazing young artists who through Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre’s L.O.F.T., have brought music and inspiration to young people in their community and beyond. L.O.F.T. which stands for Life Opportunities Food and Technology supports aspiring youth in their endeavours as musical artists. The L.O.F.T. crew have now recorded three volumes of their inspiring music. One of the tracks on Vol 3 is called “It’s Up to You”. *Note: They are fundraising for their program by selling their CDs. Find out how you can get your hands on them here.

I met with Javid and his team to exchange ideas about how to collaborate in building a better world at the local level. In our meeting, Javid shared that when he heard about iNSPiRED PRACTiCE, he felt like there was an immediate affinity and opportunity to partner. There was an instant resonance for him. Well I can say the same is true about the social enterprise incubated by L.O.F.T. called Under the Radar. I am hoping we will continue our conversation about collaboration in June and see how iNSPiRED PRACTiCE can support Under the Radar as it grows and evolves.

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How to Get What You Want

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 23:56:55 +0000

People of the world: listen up.

This is how you get what you want.

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.

Then I remember: I am a much more effective seductress than I am a dominatrix.

Here is a little story to help illustrate how much strategy and drivers can influence how successful you are at getting what you want.

Once upon a time there were two siblings: a young girl named Eve and her younger brother Garrett. They grew up in a large family of 6 kids. Eve, as the oldest child had a lot of responsibility to help raise and look after her younger brothers. She was very strong-willed and often, serious, because given her many responsibilities, life was pretty serious. Having little control over her childhood due to circumstances, Eve was most satisfied when she felt in control of her life. On the other hand, Garrett was a mostly silly, happy-go-lucky kind of kid. He loved to joke with people. Although he could be a bit of a worry wart at times, Garrett felt most satisfied in life when the people around him were happy – especially if he had a hand in that.

One morning, Eve and Garrett’s mom called all of the kids to the table to eat their breakfast of oatmeal. It wasn’t a favourite of any of the kids but especially not Eve and Garrett. Eve outright refused to eat the food in front of her. Eve’s mom let her know that until she ate her oatmeal Eve wouldn’t be moving from that table. Eve continued to refuse to eat her breakfast and sat frustrated at the table. Garrett had no intention of eating this tasteless breakfast, however, he tried a different approach. He spooned a little bit of oatmeal into his mouth. Then he smiled and said: “Mommy, you are the best! Thank you.” That made his mom very happy and after just the one bite, he got up from the table and went off to play. Eve, on the other hand, was still sitting there. She attempted to reason with her mom and tried all sorts of other hard-and-fast strategies to get her way. Alas, she did not.

So what is the moral of the story? You catch more flies with honey. Yelling at the top of your lungs and banging your head against a wall is only going to leave you with a lost voice and a cracked skull. Let’s not have that, shall we?

I have a modern take on fly-catching with honey. I call it Mastering the Art of Seduction.

Smile. I know this seems old-school but smiling – whether in person or on the phone – is actually the first step. You can hear and see and sense a smile. Mona Lisa was famous for her smile. Mother Teresa once said: “peace begins with a smile”. Well I believe the balance of power is in a smile. Remember that whether you walk into a cooperative meeting or a tough negotiation.
Soften your tone. If you walk into a bar sounding like you are ready for a fight, you will get one. Sometimes how you say something is more important than what you say. Be calm and collected with your tone and purposeful with your words. You are much more likely to get heard that way.
Stroke ego. “When you’re good to mama, mama’s good to you.” Be charming. Make people feel good about who they are. A simple statement such as: “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.” – can go a long way to demonstrating that you value that person’s time and the role they will play in helping you get what you want.
Make the big ask. Be prepared to ask for what you want. Most people aren’t mind readers. Beating around the bush is no good. Besides, what do you really have to lose?
Find someone more experienced. The truth is most organizations are set up as hierarchies. That means that the power to make decisions is in the hands of the top two tiers of any organization. As you work your way down the ladder, people have significantly less authority. Sometimes you are dealing with people on the bottom rung and they are only authorized to do as much as they are told. That’s when you might want to speak with someone who is empowered to say “yes” or “maybe” when you make your big ask.
Don’t fake it. Be genuine. If you are not satisfied, don’t say you are. Make sure you walk away with something that works for you. Maybe it is just the first step on a much longer path but it if works, then it is a start.
Be unforgettable. There are two ways to go about this: 1) build a bridge or 2) burn that bridge. I say, don’t miss an opportunity to be gracious and say “thank you”. No one forgets a “thank you” and it leaves a positive vibe. Choose not to leave that impression and instead, you will either make someone feel used or snubbed.

The Fine Print: Seduction is an art not a science. Therefore, I cannot guarantee results.

The New Green

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:15:18 +0000

If green is the new black.

Then truthfulness is the new green.

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.

The only time at which point my expectations were aligned with reality was during the first five minutes when I walked in the door, grabbed myself a glass of water and munched on a few nibbles. What followed was nothing more than a mildly engaging infomercial and a low-energy facilitation of a forced information-exchange based on too many questions and too little time.

So what’s the point? We are all guilty of forgetting to run our copy through the B.S. detector. (Yes all of us!)

For example…

Companies make claims about products on the basis of performance, safety, eco-friendliness, ROI, and so on. Governments choose to fluff up reports, media releases, etc… to save face. And the direct selling industry lures you into multi-level pyramid schemes with the promise of millions.

It happens.

After the first few gullible bites, we have learned that scepticism is the best prevention of B.S. indigestion. But eventually our systems become immune to the effects of scepticism and we move on to an over-the-counter version of cynicism. After all, our disappointment when reality doesn’t match our expectations feels a lot like a chronic case of food poisoning. And there are only so many times you can throw up bad shrimp before you decide to stop eating shellfish altogether.

Well I gave up shellfish years ago but I am not ready to give up on people. Many of us suffer from spewing B.S. every now and then. It is not because we are disingenuous. Many times it is that we assume everyone is speaking our language. Not so. Other times it is simply that we are ridiculously passionate about what we offer to our clients (and to the world). Passion is key but like with Event X above, clarity is even more important.

If it looks good, you’ll see it.

If it sounds good, you’ll hear it.

If it’s marketed right, you’ll buy it.

But if it’s true, you’ll feel it.

~ Kid Rock

So for the “greenwashers” out there, the jig is up. But unlike others, I say, let’s look at this as a work in progress. For the rest of us who simply struggle with how to best market ourselves, fail fast. Learn faster.

Here are a few lessons I have learned over time. I have yet to perfect them all but I try a little harder every day.

Be authentic. I had a conversation recently with a fellow who asked for my feedback on his soon-to-be company offerings. We talked about a great many things that I liked about his model but what struck me most was how he had chosen to communicate the business concept and services. It was extremely well thought-out and very academic. He had received similar feedback from others and wondered if he should consider a shift in language or communication style. I told him, without hesitation, that he has to be who he is. Some of us are conceptual thinkers and communicators (i.e. him) and others make up new words a la Dr. Seuss to attempt to express our ideas (i.e. me). [Note: I always define my Seuss-like words.]
Use the B.S. checker in your brain (just like spell check but infinitely more fun). Or if one wasn’t automatically installed with your model, try the Patent-Pending Aaaaaaagw B.S. Detection Device. It was created by Kelly Parkinson to be used by PR practitioners, marketers, and entrepreneurs, everywhere.
Be specific. There is nothing a person dislikes more than a string of words that are so diluted that they become almost meaningless. Avoid ambiguity to whatever extent possible in what you say about you, your product, your service, your event, etc… If you can’t spell it all out in 140 characters, then at least ensure there is an opportunity to gather more details (for example: on your website).
Invite questions. I really like FAQs. I have plans to add such a section to the iP site. I peruse FAQ sections on product websites a lot. (Maybe more than I should?) If a facial moisturizer lists “parfum” or “fragrance” as one of their ingredients, I want to know what that means to them. Is it a synthetic-based fragrance or is it derived from essential oils? If a company claims to be a leader in “Corporate Social Responsibility”, I am going to expect to find a definition of what that means somewhere in their FAQ section (or more generally on their website).
Use the power of story telling. This is also something I am working on behind the scenes for iP. (Your patience is appreciated.) The idea of using case studies, stories and examples as a way to communicate beyond jargon or ambiguity appeals to me. I do this a lot in person because I like to tell stories and listen to them. Don’t you?

Truth is the only currency.

~ Guy Kawasaki

Sharing the goodness

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:21:03 +0000

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.

Pragmatic Idealist: How can you NOT be inspired by someone who approaches world-building in such a beautiful and common sense way? I had the pleasure of hanging out with my very talented kindred spirit Ruby Ku yesterday evening. She is always enlightening and crazy smart. I have (not-so) secretly dubbed her one of The Incredibles. Anyhow, you will want to read about her. I am hoping she will delight us with some snacks from her adventures in Austin at kind of a design for change bootcamp. We shall see.
The “Bono” way: I attempted to post a comment 3 times in response to this post but alas, technical difficulties… So I shall add my thoughts here but go to Wonderment Woman’s blog first:

Many of the “superheroes” I know are not sitting in ivory towers pondering the world’s challenges or advising global leaders. They live in towns/cities that most of us would have trouble pointing to on a map. I get to meet them via platforms like Sprout (www.sproutecourse.org) or more generally through the online community that is Taking IT Global (www.tigweb.org) or via international networks like Pioneers of Change (www.pioneersofchange.net) Other “superheroes” are people in my own communities who are transforming the mainstream by doing things differently within their organizations, workplaces, schools, homes and neighbourhoods. I have no doubt that many would consider the work of the “superheroes” I have described above as small potatoes. Bu then it is truly amazing what small potatoes can accomplish. There are some great platforms helping to shine a light on those who are on the ground solving real issues and building better communities in their home nations in developing regions. I take your point about Bono’s role in illuminating those who are creating change out of immediate necessity. However, let’s not come to rely on Bono and his “rock star status” to do that because then it seems to be no better than relying on “white guys with MBAs who launch start-ups” to pave the way.

What’s in it for me?: I came upon this thought-provoking piece written by John Elkington (possibly best known as the Father of Sustainability). But what really got the wheels-a-turning was a comment by Hermant Puthli which addresses the 800 pound gorilla in the room. No one wants to answer the one question that sits under the surface hindering efforts towards social change: what’s in it for me? Here is an exerpt from his comment but I encourage you to read the whole of it by following the link above.

One of the factors inhibiting scalability of social change is the fact that it has till date been driven by selflessness in some shape or form – call it charity or philanthropy or altruism or whatever. ‘Social Enterprise’, in most cases, is just the new avatar of the familiar 20th century non-profit / NGO type of activity. In exceptional situations (and there have been many more of these in recent times), social enterprise is actually more business-like in its approach and practices, in terms of ascribing legitimacy to the self-interest of the entrepreneur.

The tipping point will come when the question “What’s in it for me?” gets a meaningful answer when it comes to activities that drive social change. In other words, when the motive to act towards social change is clearly visible as delivering benefit to self, more people will act, and act on a larger scale. Till that happens, we will only have sporadic exemplars whose efforts everyone will laud, a few will follow and try to replicate, but not all will embrace en masse.

There are two pre-requisites to reach that tipping point, and they both need to go hand-in-hand. One is the recognition of ‘sustainability’ as a design goal for a healthy and prosperous society – the recognition that the common good is a higher goal than short-term narrowly defined self-interest, not from an emotional / moral / religious perspective, but from a very practical point of view. And the other is of course, technology.

The human story: You can talk to me in terms of percentages and demographics and I will listen. You can talk to me about ideologies and dogmas and I will listen. But if you really want me to hear you, tell me a human story. It is in those human stories that truth is illuminated. Case in point: Renjie Butalid (another of The Incredibles) posted a powerful story yesterday that allowed me to hear the thumping of all those human hearts we encounter every day on the bus, at the grocery store, walking down the street, etc… Go read it. Maybe you too will hear hearts thumping and be reminded of what connects us all.
Planetary alignment: I attended the Acumen Fund Toronto Chapter launch last night. I learned quite a bit about this non-profit social venture captial firm but wondered why I was really there. What was to be my role in this Toronto Chapter should I desire to be involved? Well I soon realized that my presence there was possibly a result of planetary alignment or some other equally intangible thing. I got to connect – by chance – with some of The Incredibles and get introduced to new people doing fabulous work to begin even more fabulous conversations.
OpenAgile: Today I have the great pleasure of meeting up with David Parker of OpenAgile to discuss this innovative process for organizational development. One of OpenAgile’s fundamental tenets is truthfulness. I am trying to encourage my Sprout participants to be open and honest about where they are in the process of their project and personal development as social entrepreneurs. I am also trying to remind myself to do the same with mountains of work under which I am slowly getting buried. I have been thinking a great deal about the importance of truthfulness in communication after having attended an event earlier this month that left me feeling slightly ”swindled” or at the very least was misrepresented (hopefully, unintentionally?). At any rate, this is worth sharing and should you want to know more, you can learn more here.

30 Days of Lighting up the World

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 05:02:54 +0000

“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.

Hindery declares that great leaders are meteors and that there is a set of “unassailable characteristics that distinguish and in turn define them”. He goes on to list attributes such as grace, cleverness, vision, decisiveness, and a strong ethical backbone.

One month of lighting up the world.

April is 30 days of my personal leadership journey and a reminder

that it all starts with one person.

The month began with a happy celebration to honour iNSPiRED PRACTiCE’s 3^rd birthday. So far three is a great colour on us. The sun came out. The tulips blossomed. New partnerships were built. New work was created. How very spring like…

The middle of April kicked off the Spring 2010 cycle of Sprout. My Sprouters and I have connected and are ready to take on innovative projects for social change. There is nothing as fun as conspiring to create a better world. Through my role as an e-mentor, I also have the opportunity to use Appreciative Inquiry (the 4 D’s: Dream, Discover, Design & Deliver) to develop my personal leadership journey. The personal leadership journey is a tool that helps me as an e-mentor identify my learning and leadership goals within the context of Sprout and my mentoring role.

Another big plus for me is that I get to look at social and environmental challenges through the eyes of those living in different parts of the world. Most people don’t actually get a chance to share a meaningful dialogue with others on every continent of the world. One of the Sprouters with whom I am working is based in Caracas, Venezuela and his goal is to solve a great big problem.

I have already learned so much this month via professional development and networking gatherings as well as my interactions with a cool virtual family. The body of knowledge, ideas and tools contained within the many communities of which I am a part – is so significant. It is very inspiring.

Spring Cleaning 2 Ways: For the Cheap or Lazy

admin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 01:40:41 +0000

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.

I am everything from the CEO to the janitor.

Plus the accountant, the receptionist, the IT technician, the purchasing clerk, and the list goes on and on. Cleaning is definitely in my job description because I do it all.

Recently, I have been asked about what steps to take to create a healthy home environment.

I believe the way to a home’s heart is

through its kitchen pantry.

First, let me very briefly explain “healthy” home. My vision of a healthy home is one that is well maintained but not in a way that stinks up the air, harms my health, poisons our watersheds or creates tons of unnecessary disposable waste. However, a healthy home has as much to do with what’s in it as it does how you clean it. So I would recommend starting here.

Personally I am obsessed with baking soda and vinegar. Mostly because I am cheap and really like the idea of “shopping” in my own home. (I go shopping in my closet all the time.) Plus I generally don’t mind rolling up my sleeves. But occasionally, I get lazy and splurge on beautifully-packaged, pre-mixed cleaners.

Before I tell you about what I use to create a healthy indoor environment, let me tell you what I avoid (like the plague).

Petroleum solvents. Such as petroleum benzene which are often used in floor cleaners and are carcinogenic. They are also neurotoxic.
Chlorinated ANYTHING. Chlorinated phenols are found in tub and tile cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and laundry detergents/spot removers to name a few. A major irritant for eyes, skin and the respiratory system.
Air “fresheners”. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde. Other sources of VOCs are referenced in the Healthy Home Audit.
Butyl cellosolve. Yikes! Take a read here and here. Often used in many all-purpose cleaning agents among others sold for public consumption and everyday use. I find this seriously bad news since the Material Safety Data Sheets tell a very different story about how it “should” be handled.
Phenols and triclosan. Two different chemicals used in disinfecting agents. Phenols mess around with your lungs and cells (yes they have that kind of power). Triclosan is what you will find in anything marked “anti-bacterial”. Vinegar, a natural disinfectant, eliminates the same percentage of germs (i.e. 99.9%) and doesn’t build up in your body like triclosan does.
Smelly products. I try to avoid a lot of heavily fragranced cleaning products. Even if the fragrances are derived from essential oils they are quite potent and can nonetheless be an irritant. Less is more.

Ok. Here I offer you my take on Spring Cleaning. Options for the cheap and options for the lazy. If you are both cheap AND lazy then you are a very complex human being.

Do you need a checklist? I rely on the Queen of Clean for that. This will help you get started.

The Fine Print: The suggested products below are entirely a reflection of my personal tastes and do not constitute endorsements based on payment by any of the companies mentioned below. Feel free to test out the following options and decide what works for you.

Cheap or Lazy?

All-Purpose: Awesome for everything from kitchen countertops to toilet seats.

Cheap: Mix ½ cup pure soap (or soap flakes) with ¼ cup vinegar (or lemon juice) and 1 gallon of hot water.
Lazy: Method Multi-Surface All Purpose Cleaner (GoNaked is free of scent and colour but my personal fave is French Lavender. Neither contain alcohol ethoxylate which is a fragrance emulsifier made from synthetic materials.)

Reflective Surfaces: Good for windows and mirrors and anything else in which you want to see your shiny happy face.

Cheap: Mix white distilled vinegar (1/2 cup) with warm water in a spray bottle.
Lazy: Nature Clean Glass & Window Cleaner (ammonia free)

Laundry Suds: For those who like to clean their clothes.

Cheap: Mix 1 part Borax with ¼ part baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Add vinegar to the fabric softener container.
Lazy: BioLife 3x Cold Water Laundry Detergent

Note: If you have really stubborn stains then you can use washing soda (sodium carbonate). Arm & Hammer sells such a product. However, it is caustic to skin because it has a higher pH (11) than baking soda (7).

Warning: Never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach. The combination creates toxic fumes.

Whitener: Good for whitening not-so-white whites. (I actually don’t own a lot of white clothing. But I use this to whiten my white towels and fabric shower curtain.)

Cheap: Put a ½ cup of lemon juice in a gallon of hot water. Soak your whites for 30 minutes or overnight. Works well with cotton and polyester. Use hydrogen peroxide on wool or wool blends. Baking soda also works!
Lazy: Ecover Powdered Bleach (non-chlorine)

Air Your Laundry: For eliminating that darn static cling.

Cheap: Hang clothes to dry or add vinegar to a damp rag and toss in dryer.
Lazy: BioLife Fabric Sheets (no synthetic fragrances and totally compostable)

Furniture Polish: For banishing dust.

Cheap: Mix 1 tsp olive oil and ½ cup vinegar or lemon juice applied with a soft cloth.
Lazy: Method Wood for Good Surface Cleaner

Rub-a-Dub-Dub: To be used on tubs, showers and tile.

Cheap: Baking soda and all-purpose cleaner (see above). To clean grout use ¼ cup baking soda mixed with ½ cup vinegar.
Lazy: Nature Clean Tile & Bath Cleaner

In the Oven: Dealing with grease stains.

Cheap: Create a paste with baking soda and water for ceramic stove tops, non-self-cleaning ovens.
Lazy: Self-cleaning oven.

Stove Top: For burned on spills.

Cheap: Soak burners in 1 gallon of warm water and 1/2 cup washing soda for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry. For ceramic top use a micro fibre cloth and mix 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup Borax and 1 cup regular salt. Gently scrub.
Lazy: Lainnir Glass Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner

Suck it Up: I think vacuums are one of the best cleaning tools you can have. I heart my vacuum. I am not ashamed to say that when I moved to NY, I packed it up in its little box and took it with me to my new home-to-be. Why do I like it? Because it is a compact vacuum by Eureka with a HEPA filter. I got it for my birthday (not so lame let me tell you!) in 2004 and have had it ever since. No vacuum? Wet mop.

Rave On

admin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:44:31 +0000

(Photo by Christine Lebrasseur)

On April 4, 2007, I launched iNSPiRED PRACTiCE into the brave new world. Yesterday marked the 3^rd 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…

I started my first social venture when I was 19 – although at the time, I didn’t quite realize it was a social venture. (FYI: Not realizing things at once is a recurring theme in my life.) I had co-founded the University of Toronto Environmental Resource Network (UTERN) with a fellow student. It was a “network” – a web to help unite individuals/groups, encourage partnerships and fuel collaboration. UTERN responded to the need to connect a somewhat massive student and academic community that in reality cuts across various disciplines that intersect the environment and three distinct campuses in three different geographic locations. A year after its inception, I realized it could not simply be a network. The community itself was unsustainable without resources. I considered all sorts of routes to connect resources with the thoughtful people and ideas who needed them. I even contemplated jumping into the foray of student politics. (Not one of my better ideas.) Through discussions, brainstorms and research, I discovered that UTERN was destined to be a grant-making body for student-led environmental and social impact initiatives – a hub for sustainability innovation at U of T. And that is exactly what it became.

—

Genius is more often found in a cracked pot than a whole one. – E.B. White

It was a bit of a lunatic idea – never attempted at a Canadian university and certainly not something most 4^th year undergraduates would be contemplating. It meant spending 12-hour days on campus in class, at work, fulfilling my duties as co-President of the Environmental Students’ Union and then finally on building support for UTERN. By March 2003, UTERN had a governance framework, mentoring support, approval from Student Affairs, participation by numerous environment-related student communities, representation from all three campuses and funding guidelines plus a draft grant application for future applicants (i.e. recognized student organizations at U of T). Most importantly, it had won a successful campaign for an environmental levy (50 cents per full-time student) which translated into approximately $25,000 in annual funds. And 7 years later, it still exists. This small yet significant legacy persists.

—

Most people, after one success, are so cringingly afraid of doing less well, that they rub all the edge off their subsequent work. – Beatrix Potter

In 2004, after I had begun my graduate studies, the concept and name of iNSPiRED PRACTiCE floated into my brain. By 2005, life had taken me on a detour across the border to New York and considerably farther away from the path to iNSPiRED PRACTiCE. After a series of breakdowns and breakthroughs, I landed back in the place of my own birth – Winnipeg. It was there that I finally found my inner amphibian and gave voice to iNSPiRED PRACTICE. And since its start, I have learned: you may succeed with a fixed-mindset – simply maintaining your own personal status quo. But you will enjoy your success much more if you take risks and challenge yourself to go beyond what you can already achieve. Like with all businesses, I have experienced some unique successes and some disheartening set-backs. But at 3 years old, I remain wildly enthusiastic about iP’s evolution.

I dream of what iNSPiRED PRACTiCE will be like when it is 5 and 7 and 10 years old. I wonder how its story will change and how it will change the world’s story.

—

And I say to my heart: rave on. – Mary Oliver

20 Take-Aways from re:Vision 2010

admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:07:28 +0000

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.

1. Grab talent from the audience.

Reject that invisible line that separates the “experts” from the “participants” at professional development gatherings. The re:Vision 2010 conference organizers saw value in grabbing talent for their program from the pool of amazing young social entrepreneurs attending the conference. The results were fantastic.

2. Adapt in ‘real time’.

Day 1 of the conference got to be a little too program-driven and structured. But organizers and volunteers listened to the feedback they were hearing from participants and changed the game plan to respond to our desire to simply connect and talk – allowing learning to happen organically. Very cool.

3. Pens are overrated.

Blue pens. Red pens. Any pens. Totally overrated. Use crayon instead.

4. I am not alone.

Hallelujah! During one of the workshop sessions, a tension surfaced that – when viewed in black and white – seemed insurmountable. But one participant shared the shades of grey – suggesting that there is always an opportunity to educate and influence. I truly believe this and it was especially heartening to hear it come out of someone else’s mouth for a change.

5. Awkward turtles are hilarious.

I can’t say anymore than that.

(Pictured above: The Biz Crew)

6. The people make the experience.

I think the people make EVERY experience. I met some rad folks at re:Vision 2010. Organizers. Gurus. Creators. Initiators. Agitators. Architects. Connectors. Innovators. I walked away having made truly meaningful connections.

7. We are all born motivated.

Motivation comes from within. It is useful to remember that when developing strategies to build a better world. Remove the barriers to accessing that motivation. (via Tim Higgins of In2:InThinking)

8. Two words: ‘elevator striptease’.

I have often struggled to find the words to communicate what I do in a succinct way. (Yes I am talking about the all-important elevator pitch.) And then I find myself frustrated with not being able to explain and maintain someone’s interest with only 30 seconds on the clock. I took a different approach at re:Vision 2010. I tested out an “elevator striptease” whereby I began with one overarching statement about what I do and then exposed more – little by little – using enticing language and examples. (via Kelly Parkinson of Copylicious)

9. Know your ABCs.

When it comes to connecting with PEOPLE, know your ABCs. Autonomous – people like to have their independence respected. Bigger – people want to feel that they belong to something bigger. Competent – people need to know that they are contributing their own knowledge, skills, experience, etc… and that it is valued. (via Tim Higgins of In2:InThinking)

10. We are here to ‘revolutionize the fishing industry’.

“Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionized the fishing industry.” (Bill Drayton via Celia Cruz of Ashoka Canada)

11. There’s no one-stop shop.

I experienced the biggest reality check when it comes to looking for a mentor who gets both parts of the “social mission” and “enterprise” equation. They likely don’t exist. Duh. This is an emerging field. So quit waiting for the perfect person and grab as many people as possible from whom you can take different bits of learning. (via Mark Simpson of The Institute of Entrepreneurship & Community Innovation @George Brown College)

12. Everyone has her own sphere of influence.

When it comes to collaborating, you’d better have a serious framework for governance. Nothing kills an initiative faster than in-fighting. (via Tonya Surman of Centre for Social Innovation)

13. Never underestimate the power of 140 characters.

Need I say more tweeps?

14. Social ventures are sector agnostic.

Don’t get caught up in sectoral positioning. Most social ventures transcend boundaries of conventional sectors anyway. (via Cheryl May of Social Innovation Generation @MaRSDD)

15. You never know what can happen when the lights go out.

Although I was dead tired by the time Earth Hour rolled around on Saturday night, I ended up making three amazing connections with people NOT part of the re:Vision 2010 conference that I hope will grow into something bigger for iNSPiRED PRACTiCE down the road. You never know what will happen.

16. Share.

Be generous with others when sharing your network, energy and ideas and others will share alike.

17. Set your own schedule.

I didn’t worry about “missing out” on content at re:Vision 2010. If a conversation was taking place that seemed meaningful, I went with it. Sometimes the program isn’t as important as the people.

18. Soak up the inspiration.

Lots of great personal stories of people “living the dream”. Listen. Absorb.

19. Don’t flinch.

The trick to succeeding when playing Waffles is – don’t flinch.

20. Take advantage of free hugs.

People-huggers are what tree-huggers aspire to be.

The Modern-Day Superhero Book Club

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 07:23:01 +0000

(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.

It’s a virtual book club. And all modern-day superheroes can join. That means you! So READ, share your thoughts and recommend your favourites.

You can visit my LibraryThing to get the particulars on each of these books.

#1: Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho

#2: The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander

#3: Mission Inc.: The Practitioner’s Guide to Social Enterprise by Kevin Lynch & Julius Walls Jr.

#4: Presence: An Exploration of Profound Change in People, Organizations, and Society by Peter Senge, C. Otto Scharmer, Joseph Jaworski & Betty Sue Flowers

#5: Getting to Maybe: How the World is Changed by Frances Westley, Brenda Zimmerman & Michael Patton

#6: Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

#7: Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time by Paul Rogat Loeb

31 Days of Dropping More Keys

admin — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:24:28 +0000

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)

This month I was inspired by the extraordinary words and ideas that comprise Chris Guillebeau’s The Art of Non-Conformity. I like how he says that he has been “challenging authority” since 1979. I have been “challenging the status quo” since 1981. The poem above is featured on Chris’ site and encapsulates the true meaning of empowerment. March is a great month to be dropping more keys so that we can all free ourselves from the cages built around us.

I started off the month reflecting on a late February walk through Parkdale and West Queen West in Toronto. Perhaps it is as a result of this walk that the theme for March’s whiteboard emerged so clearly. Let freedom ring.

A big part of our personal and professional philosophy at iNSPiRED PRACTiCE involves evolution and transformation. Every living person, place and thing evolves over time. In our quest to make the world a better place, I felt the need to free myself of an unnecessary administrative burden so that I could tend to what matters. So I made the decision to amalgamate the existing iNSPiRED PRACTiCE site with the iP blog. The conversion has started and changes will be complete this month. The beauty of this new and improved site is that it offers both static and changing content.

Spring is nearly here and to get in the spirit, the office is decked out in Ecojot designs. Before the end of March, some hardcore yoga is in order. There is quite a contrast between the damp atmosphere and intense sunshine. New muscles in the body and brain must be awakened.

March is a cup-runneth-over kind of month. My favourite kind. Manitoba Eco Network hosted its inaugural Reel Green Film Festival on March 12 & 13, 2010 and I was pleased to represent the Children’s Health & Environment Partnership of Manitoba (CHEP) there. CHEP also sponsored the premiere of A Chemical Reaction. A film that traces the genesis and evolution of Hudson, Quebec’s cosmetic pesticide by-law which set an enormous community and legal precedent for other municipalities in Canada.

So what of “empowerment”? What does it mean? Well it all begins with empowering SELF. As part of my and iNSPiRED PRACTiCE’s journey for 2010, I am seizing opportunities to grow my mind, develop new skills and connect with others to support my development as an entrepreneur. This in turn will better position me to empower others. I was selected as one of 100 young changemakers to attend the Young Social Entrepreneurs of Canada (YSEC) inaugural conference re:Vision 2010. YSEC has partnered with Social Innovation Generation at MaRS for this event and I perceive this to be such an ideal marriage.

Heads 03 is rolling in on March 25, 2010 and I plan to be there. Heads is an innovative social gathering, one based on new ideas and connections. This throw-back to the days of living room salons is both entertaining and engaging – a killer combo. The third event in this salon series features captivating speakers, inspired conversation, new connections and the art of interaction around The Future of Radio and The Greenest City. An added bonus is Microtalks – a minute with the mic, your idea and the Heads audience. Should be a blast!

Cultural Intelligence

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:54:36 +0000

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.

Since I also have a role with Options for Success as Sustainability Strategist and iNSPiRED PRACTiCE has been contracted to work on key projects relevant to this subject area such as the Newcomer’s Guide to the Canadian Workplace, it was very special to take part in this moment.

It is the goal of both Options for Success Inc. and iNSPiRED PRACTiCE to continue our work by increasing Cultural Intelligence (CI) in workplaces across all sectors. As such, Options for Success is pleased to launch a new signature presentation:

Culture Shock: What You Don’t Know About How Culture Influences the Workplace

What you don’t know about how culture influences the workplace can cost you. Although we seem to better understand the need for ‘equity’ and ‘diversity’ in the workplace, this does not often translate into ‘integration’.

Do you know what the competencies of cultural integration are? Do you know how recognition of prior learning in a cultural context links with training and development? Do you understand how people of different cultures interpret self-assessments, learning plans, coaching, and feedback? Are you making culturally-appropriate choices in your decision-making? Have you grasped the complexity of culture norms in the success of integrating and leveraging foreign-trained talent?

No? Now is the time.

As part of the session, Options for Success will present our Cultural Intelligence Assessment Tool. This tool allows participants to assess their cultural fluency in relation to recruitment and retention, group dynamics, prior learning and recognition, training and development, and performance evaluation, feedback and coaching.

As subject matter experts in the field of multi-generational and multi-cultural workforces, we have delivered presentations to Conference Board of Canada, Canadian Association of Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA), Manitoba Hydro, Emergis (Telus), Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), and Occupational Rehabilitation Group of Canada.

Call (204) 989-0141 to engage us in increasing your Cultural Intelligence.

Greetings from the Pond

inspiredpractice — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:53:44 +0000

Just the other day, in a land not so far away, came iNSPiRED PRACTiCE…

It was born from the belief that ambition coupled with compassion could evolve us toward an economy that promotes quality of life for all and enriches our natural environment.