Peak Leadership: Kyle Lowry at the Top of His Game

If you managed to catch Kyle Lowry, the GROAT (Greatest Raptor of all Time), playing in the NBA playoffs, you can see how much Kyle loves his job.

His beaming smile after Game 5’s long pass to his teammate, OG Anunoby, with only .5, yes point 5 seconds, on the clock saved the Raptors from elimination. And he saved the Raptors again Game 6 Wednesday night.

Watching Kyle bounce back play after play at both ends of the court in a heart-stopping double overtime do-or-die Game 6, Kyle’s leadership is indisputable.

Watching Kyle compare himself to “Sea Biscuit” after being on court for 53 minutes made fans laugh while exhaling a huge sigh of relief after a tension-filled 58-minute game.

Watching Kyle go to work and get ready for Game 7, you can’t help but be inspired by his consistent work ethic, undeniable belief, and limitless perseverance.

Boston Celtics’ Coach Brad Stevens: “He’s an All-star but he might be the most underrated player in the league. He does everything you need to win.”

Will Kyle do it again and get another day at the office? What I know for sure Kyle will show up … early. Let’s Go Raptors!

How to Fit in Field Trips While Working and Why it Matters

People are not only looking for ways to cope with and combat COVID but also ways to deal with sudden feelings of doom and despair.

Field trip in the City

Time for another “field trip” with Creative Mornings! I know I’ll return refreshed and recharged. Members choose from a weekly “menu of field trips”.

We owe huge thanks to Tina Roth Eisenberg (Swissmiss) who started Creative Mornings in 2008 out of a desire for an ongoing, accessible (and free) event for New York’s creative community. Read more

Our network zooms in from 216 cities across 67 countries to listen and learn about an astonishing range of topics.

Proudly volunteer driven, the fine folks at Creative Mornings know how to host and have fun.

Creative Mornings World-wide

Since COVID, thanks to Creative Morning field trips, I’ve:

Don’t let COVID stop you from taking a field trip . Keep calm and connect with Creative Mornings soon. Everyone’s creative!

I am Canadian

As children, we are all the same. Then something happens when we become adults.  But on this day, Canada Day 2018, I’m reminded fondly of the conversations I have had with both children and adults at our round table at the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum). As volunteer hosts, we facilitated conversations among soon-to-be Canadian citizens on behalf of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.

Institute for Canadian Citizenship 2018 Table Hosts

“Why have you decided to become a Canadian citizen?” Canada is safe. “What were your first impressions of Canada?” Snow! “What do you love most about Canada?” Freedom … and snow!

Round table discussions

I’ve been hosting since 2016 and I can guarantee:

  • When I hear “safe and freedom”, my heart literally swells with gratitude.
  • When I sing our national anthem “God keep our land, glorious and free, my voice quivers.
  • When I witness our new Canadian citizens raise their hands and swear their allegiance to Canada, my tears fall.

I am immediately reminded of the hard sacrifices our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents have made over 70 years ago.

As all immigrants, then and now, continue to work tirelessly so that next generations are safe and free, we must remember not only on Canada Day but every day that new Canadian citizens have given up their homes so that we can call “Canada” our home.

Sister is a new Canadian citizen.
Mom is a new Canadian citizen.
Grandmother is a new Canadian citizen!

O Canada, “Thank you” is not enough.

Working with Recruiters – How to find Nemo & stay away from the Sharks

Photo by Layton Diament on Unsplash

“We eat what we kill” was how one shark recruiter described how he made his living. I shuddered. After COVID closed our classrooms, I was looking for a recruitment professional to be a guest speaker for our students. I needed “Nemo”, not a shark. Then I remembered my good friend, Mike Fedryk. He is the Founding Partner of Flex Solutions. One thing I know for sure, Mike is not a shark.

When I first approached Mike back in March, he wanted to be sure he was the right person and asked good questions. By taking the time to ask, I knew he would be perfect. We decided to have an informal “fireside chat” (now “dockside”) followed by Q & A. He also generously critiqued student resumes before our chat so that he could offer his best advice during his live resume review. And because of Mike’s self-effacing manner, he expected absolutely nothing in return…no honorarium, no praise nor recognition, not even something to eat.

Mike’s in the middle of the third row!

Last week I invited Mike again to share again with our students. It’s rare to watch someone do what they love. I’m envious of Mike’s “hip pocket skill” (Indra Nooyi’s definition of super power). He’s able to communicate tough feedback with just the right amount of empathy and compassion so that his listeners know his intention in seconds. As a result, people trust and respect him and listen fully and truly appreciate his feedback. This is how he sets himself apart from the sharks. He is in a pool of his own.

Mike live streaming to students from Ashbridges Bay Marina.

Mike took time off last Saturday and live streamed from Ashbridges Bay Marina for us. He’s so passionate and engaging that when I looked at the time, I had to remind him it was time to wrap up because his sailboat was about to launch without him. Of course, he didn’t leave without inviting all students to reconnect with him on LinkedIn.

Thank you, Mike, for all you have given to help our students. Your generosity of spirit is unsurpassed. On behalf of our students and our faculties, I wish you and your family infinite happiness, success, and clear sailing in the days ahead.

Staying Connected During COVID-19

I have a quote taped above my desk:

~ Rev. Cecil Williams, Co-Founder and the Reverend in the film “The Pursuit of Happyness”.

But what do we do in this time of COVID-19? How can networking skills help us if we can’t meet in person? 

I often ask my students and audiences what “networking” means to them – “connecting, building relationships, meeting new people, making friends, socializing” to name a few. During this Covid-19 crisis, having networking skills will help us because as humans, we need connection. Technology makes it very easy for us to reach out and connect while maintaining social distance.

When I teach my networking workshops, the first networking skill in my “Five Hacks for Fearless Networking” © is to “Show Up”, overcoming the fear of social rejection. It takes courage to meet someone new in person and on-line.

Is setting up a social calendar useful when we can’t gather physically? 

I have a friend who keeps a checklist to help her connect with family and friends who are near and dear to her. She also keeps another checklist to help her connect with professional contacts and colleagues.

I always maintain a professional calendar because of the nature of my business and now add to my whiteboard daily a list of my family and friends.

Which platforms are available for staying connected? Phone calls vs. Video chat vs. Social media vs email or snail mail? 

I use them all!

Video Conferencing

Most platforms have similar features – share, chat, raise your hand, etc. I’ve use GoToMeeting, WebEx, and Zoom to hold meetings with clients pre-COVID-19 and was a guest panelist on an AGEWELL webinar hosted by Translational Research Project, U of T Faculty of Medicine a year ago on March 14, 2019 on I believe, WebEx.

I’ve transitioned my in-person classes on-line on Zoom quite seamlessly and as someone who is very social. I’m delightfully surprised how much I love teaching virtually. I recommend Zoom because it is simple to start and use and you don’t have to be a member to join a Zoom meeting.

Video calling and phone calls

I had planned an Easter visit to be with my 90+ year old parents in Calgary but of course, my visit has been postponed so I call now them daily, sometimes twice a day instead of our usual Sunday weekly call. This ritual provides all of us tremendous comfort and assurance. Hearing them say they love me every night means so much to me. My siblings also live in Calgary so they help connect me with our parents through video calling on Whats App and Facebook Messenger. My Dad loves touching the screen! Use video calling and phone calls if you want to reach someone you love and someone quickly.

Social Media

You either love it or leave it alone! I’m very active on social and connecting and engaging with friends, family, students, mentees, colleagues, acquaintances, and strangers through comments and direct messaging on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter.

My sister who had been a reluctant user of technology now does a fitness class with her soccer friend via video!

I recommend LinkedIn to stay relevant within your business network by posting comments and sharing if you don’t have time to contribute a post or an article.

Email

As a Boomer, we tend to default to email but I’m mindful when connecting with my younger friends (IG DM and Whats App) and my 22-year old niece (FB messenger) by choosing the media channel they use frequently.

Use email to connect with people of a certain age (Boomers) and also to maintain documentation or an “audit trail” on any important issues – business and personal.

Snail Mail

Snail mail also serves a unique purpose if you don’t mind physically receiving mail. I found Easter cards at Whole Foods last week, had stamps from Shoppers Drug Mart (available from cashiers), and popped them in the mail box with a little prayer that they reach my family and friends – so old school but another way to connect and send a little happiness.

Use snail mail because you’re like a mini-Amazon, delivering love, caring, and joy in an envelope or small package to anyone in the world.

What are some things we can do every day to avoid feeling too isolated? 

Or what are some things we can do every day to stay happy at home?

Top 10 Tips to Stay Happy at Home During COVID-19

  1. Keeping a journal – digital or paper – gives you a place to off load your thoughts. I also have this blog and contribute and share posts and articles on LinkedIn and other business blogs.
  2. Do something nice for your neighbours whether you live in a condo, apartment building, or a house.  Check in while maintain social distance and ask if you can pick something up for thing if you are making a quick trip to the grocery store.
  3. Connect with nature. Walking meditation helps and a good one can be found in “Peace is Every Step” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
  4. Meditate even for 5 minutes to help clear your mind.
  5. Learn something new! With so many ways to learn online – YouTube, IGTV, Coursera, etc., most of us have access to so much. We are fortunate because not everyone has Internet access. I’m sad to see on Twitter that people who don’t have Internet access gather around the exterior of branches of the Toronto Public Library trying to find a way to log in if they have cell phones. It also shows us the value of our libraries and social services.
  6. Some establish new routines immediately. It grounds them and gives a sense of control. As a creative, I maintain some routine to get work done while also allowing (and sometimes scheduling) time for my mind to wander and be free.
  7. Move! Make sure you move and not sit in front of your computer all day. Stretch! Jump! Dance! Do the Wonder Woman power pose made famous by Professor Amy Cuddy! With over 56 million views to date, watch her 2012 TED Talk:  “Your body language may shape who you are”. “We know our minds can change our bodies but can our bodies change our minds?” ~ Amy Cuddy
  8. Pick up the phone and call someone you love, someone who lives alone, someone you’re thinking of.
  9. Take the initiative and identify someone you can help by introducing them to someone in your network who can help, mentor, share their expertise and experience.
  10. Breathe and be thankful for all that you have this moment. The universe will unfold as it should.

Nothing is forever, not even COVID-19. Keep healthy. Keep safe. Keep connected.

The Most Vital Community Hub – Our Public Library

Before COVID-19, we had a choice in how we learn and teach at post-secondary institutions: in-person, on-line, or a bit of both.  

As instructors, we collaborate with industry experts, fellow faculties and ancillary services, and communities within our network to enrich the learning process for our students.

In the mere weeks prior to shutdown, we had no idea how very fortunate we were to attend two on-site workshops at the Toronto Public Library. The expert Business and Reference Librarians at the two largest branches of the Toronto Public Library customized and seriously over-delivered for our students, teaching how to job search effectively and perform company research strategically using databases accessible and free with a TPL Card on:

Feb 29th:  Abbas Amarshi and Tashi Lhamo, North York Central Library for Seneca College Building Environmental Systems Bridging Program

Class at Library Workshop
Seneca College BES Cohort 10 with Abbas Amarshi, Librarian, North York Central Library

and

March 4th:  Angjelin Hila and Tony Rocchi, Toronto Reference Library for Ryerson Chang School Mid-level Management Bridging Program.

Class at Library workshop
Ryerson Chang School Mid-level Management with Angjelin Hila, Librarian, Toronto Reference Library

We cannot thank you enough!

And as students in the City of Toronto, both cohorts were eligible and left with Library cards, giving them 38 ways to access many services free. Here’s a few:

  • Learn 70+ languages with Mango Languages. Access online with your Library Card.
  • Stream kids’ videos including Sesame Street. Use your Library Card to sign into Kanopy.
  • Learn online courses on digital creativity – graphic design, web design and more. Free with your Library Card.
  • Kids and families can listen to a story by phone any time of day for free by calling the library’s Dial-a-Story (416) 393-5400 in 16 languages.

Even during these extraordinary and difficult times, we can still almost find whatever we need at the Library. Even those with modest incomes and no wi-fi hover near their Library branch to catch the Library’s wi-fi connection. Again, we cannot thank you enough.

But did you know the Toronto Public Library have become pop-up food banks?

Yes, TPL’s Ellesmere Road distribution centre is now a food warehouse, helping the Daily Bread Food Bank , North York Harvest Food Bank, and Second Harvest get food out to those in need. In a week, 10 out of 100 TPL branches are now food banks and still scaling.

Library volunteer

To no surprise, a call to action for Library staff to be volunteers was filled within an hour. Who else knows their communities best? And it’s no secret that a Librarian’s superpower is infinite compassion. Librarians, as your 2013 Entrepreneur-in-Residence and now guest speaker, I’ve witnessed on several occasions your patience and your grace when helping everyone and anyone. You are the most humane of us all.

Thank you for keeping us well-fed and well-read … and safe! We truly cannot thank you enough, Librarians, but know we appreciate all that you do as our most vital community hub. Stay safe and see you again soon!

25 Hard-earned Lessons Learned – One soundbite at a time

photograph of a heart as a snack
Photo Credit: Russ and Reyn
toilet paper on a chair for taking

In these uncertain and unprecedented times of social distancing and self-isolation, we still have so much…even toilet paper!

I don’t get it. Maybe it’s because I was born and raised in a small town, pop. 34,000 called Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. Google it! I had it all on the prairies – big open sky, flat prairies where you can see forever, and the friendliest people in the world. Why would I leave? The answer can be found in a number of boxes.

baby in a makeshift playpen a chip box
Fulfilling a prophecy

In fact I paid a tribute to these boxes in my commencement address titled “On Boxes and Belonging” for the 2018 graduating class of internationally educated and trained professionals at Ryerson University’s The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education.

Unpacking and packing these boxes meant carrying and storing hard-earned lessons learned from country to country. Learning weighs a ton so I’ve curated my top 25 hard-earned lessons learned so here you go, one soundbite at a time in random order because life is random.

Lesson 1 – Schedule time to dream. Freely.

You don’t need to be a billionaire to do it. No one can buy time. Give it a try. Time gives us creativity.

Lesson 2 – Reflection does not mean reliving the past.

My two guest speakers this week reminded me to remember and share my lessons learned…so here they are.

Lesson 3 – Mentors are everywhere.

You don’t need to always ask. You just need to listen well to find them. Be respectful and reasonable because they mentor many.

Lesson 4 – Doors always appear.

If you are present, you will see opportunities and have a choice to walk through the door or not.

Colour blind?

Lesson 5 – Be “colour blind”. Not everyone is.

People will judge you by the way you look. Those who aren’t “colour blind”, tread carefully. Don’t let them stop you from being who you are.

Lesson 6 – Listen, always listen. Listen to both your heart and your head.

Learn to trust your instincts. If you feel queasy and uneasy, heed the red flags. But if your gut says go, then run and don’t look back.

Lesson 7 – Know what makes your parents happy.

It’s not always about you. After all, they gave you life.

Lesson 8 – Wear even walk in another person’s shoes.

Of course, they won’t always fit but only then you will know empathy.

Lesson 9 – Draw and know your line in the sand. Now.

Know in advance so when you’re asked to cross it, usually in crisis situations, you won’t hesitate and know what to do.

Lesson 10 – Know when to quit. It’s ok.

Seth Godin, Marketing Guru calls it “The Dip”. Stop when all you have is a hammer and everything starts looking like a nail.

Lesson 11 – Handle unbridled passion with care. It needs the cross and skull bones hazard label.

Don’t get burned. Passion is poison if you let loose. Be alert. Always!

Lesson 12 – The toughest battle will be the one you have with yourself.

Put pride aside so that you can put food on the table. Ask for help. Help is everywhere – open heart, open mind, and open arms.

Lesson 13 – Always be a student.

Be it washing dishes or windows, creating software or songs, look at life like a student. Don’t think you are the smartest person in the room. Learn more.

Lesson 14 – Know how to fall. Properly.

You will be caught. Get up again.

Lesson 15 – Adapt. Accept. Grow.

Nothing is forever. Unless it’s change. “Perspective is the function of experience.” ~ Brené Brown, Professor, University of Houston. Adapt to change and gain more perspective.

Lesson 16 – People can be anything but predictable.

Dig a little deeper and go beyond the surface to spot patterns in behavior. But don’t bet the farm on it. People are unpredictable.

Lesson 17 – Grace is not just a name but a virtue.

What comes with growth is grace.

Lesson 18 – Remember it takes two to tango.

When you think you have all the bases covered, especially in crucial conversations, keep finding other ways to connect and increase the probability of understanding.

Indra Nooyi – Former CEO Pepsi

Lesson 19 – Know the politics. Don’t play them.

“Be aware of politics but don’t play them.” ~ Indra Nooyi, former CEO at Pepsi. Where are the “landmines”? Find great mentors to help you avoid them.

Lesson 20 – Common sense is not common. Everyone has limits.

No one is perfect. Loyalties affect livelihood and there are limits to how much one can do to help. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Look for goodness in others.

Lesson 21 – You don’t need much to be happy.

What does happiness mean to you? Not your parents, not your spouse or partner, not your friends or your colleagues. What does happiness mean to you?

Lesson 22 – No learning is lost.

Even when you come in second. As a striver, it’s hard not to come out ahead or on top but you move on.

Lesson 23 – Don’t look away from the truth.

Even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts. The truth circles back so you get a second chance to learn … even a third.

Lesson 24 – The Universe will unfold as it should.

Timing is everything. Know when to go with the flow and when to course-correct.

Lesson 25 – Believe.

MLK and Thich Nhat Han
Young Martin Luther King & Thich Nhat Hanh

Believe the universe is interconnected. If you do harm, it will ripple like a pebble striking water. If you do good, it will travel the same path and last for an eternity.

“The source of love is deep in us, and we can help others realize a lot of happiness. One word, one action, or one thought can reduce another person’s suffering and bring them joy. One word can give comfort and confidence, destroy doubt, help someone avoid a mistake, reconcile a conflict, or open the door to liberation. One action can save a person’s life or help him take advantage of a rare opportunity. One thought can do the same, because thoughts always lead to words and actions. If love is in our heart, every thought, word, and deed can bring about a miracle. Because understanding is the very foundation of love, words and actions that emerge from our love are always helpful.” “Peace is Every Step” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh .

3 Important Lessons Learned on International Women’s Day 2020

IWD 2020 Celebration
Maya Kolaczynski McKinsey Canada

Stunned, we listened intently while our keynote speaker, Maya Kolaczynski from McKinsey Canada gave us the stats and facts from McKinsey’s report:  “Women Matter – The present and future of women at work in Canada” June 2019.

I was still reeling from the stats as I sat with our panel which followed Maya’s talk last Thursday at JLabs Toronto’s “International Women’s Day: From the Classroom to the Boardroom – Navigating Your Career as a Woman”. How could so little change from 40 years ago when I was an earnest young tax auditor at the start of my career? What lessons did I learn from my time at JLabs Toronto?

IWD 2020 – Lesson #1

The “leaky” talent pipeline reminded me that the under representation of women has been around for a very long time – 40 years and counting? The report showed modest progress since 2017 toward gender equality at the entry level. But the biggest gap still exists between men and women beyond the entry level

“None of the companies on the TSX 70 index – a cross section of the largest and most heavily traded Canadian stocks – listed a woman as its CEO.” 5.

IWD 2020 – Lesson #2

I have been and still am a strong proponent of mentorship, having developed a successful professional mentorship program for newcomer professionals. But I had neglected to also include sponsorship.

And although I also understand the importance of sponsors, I was abruptly “woke” when Maya presented the power of sponsorship on one’s career.

“Sponsors play a critical role in an employee’s career development and advancement … sponsors will introduce their proteges to influential connections, highlight their work to senior leaders, and recommend them for jobs and promotions.”

IWD 2020 – Lesson #3

The moment I made this immediate and gigantic mind shift towards sponsorship, I realized how I can help young women plug “the leaky talent pipeline”! Young women like our emerging and new scientists in the audience and who introduced themselves and overwhelmed me with their honesty, transparency, and vulnerability. Their authentic desire to up-skill was refreshing and I left the event knowing they will leave the world a better place. And there is no time like the present!

My sincere thanks to Amanda Raponi and #JLabs for hosting this special IWD event, Caitlin Gagnon, our moderator Global Head of Executive Search-Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, and my co-panelists: Jennifer Moody, COO Morphocell Technologies, Drew Taylor, CEO & Co-Founder, Acorn Biolabs and Marian Nakada, VP, Venture Investments, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JDCC for sharing their sage advice, and Maya Kolaczynski for sharing McKinsey Canada’s “Women Matter” report. #womenhelpingwomen #menhelpingwomen #whywenetwork  

Parasite – The Brilliance of Bong

Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up! It’s uncomfortable counting the minutes because the hours, days, years just don’t seem to be enough.

There’s SO much left to do. People to meet, projects to finish, films to watch. Who knew that the Academy Award-winning film, “Parasite” would be voted the best picture not only of 2019 but also in my humble opinion, of all time?

Humanity is full on in “Parasite” as we watch the two families, the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim family, swerve, collide, back up, only to do the “dance” again and again.                                                                       

“You’re not good enough. You’re not smart enough. You’re not like me,” They tell him, with that extra little jab and twist. Sometimes you start believing Them instead of believing yourself. It happens when you lose your livelihood, your faith, and your self-respect. It happens in a heartbeat. and it happens to us all … and more than once. Survival means focusing on today, the present, because tomorrow may never come. “Survival of the fittest” takes on a new meaning after adversity strikes. Your world suddenly shrinks and fits on a pinhead – shelter and food first. The Kims know it all too well.

Mr. Kim’s ability to feed his family defined his self-worth as he tried to perfect the art of folding pizza boxes. The Wealthy Parks turned their noses up, complaining about “The Smell”, the smell of poverty, the smell of Mr. Kim, so offensive to The Wealthy Parks.  This constant shredding of dignity in front of Mr. Kim is visceral and unrelenting right up until the end of the film when you shall see what remains.

It reminded me of the lyrics of Joni Mitchell’s song “Big Yellow Taxi” – “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” But I won’t spoil it for you. Just know the “Brilliance of Bong” shone brightly. You may need your sunglasses. And you won’t be disappointed.