I am often reminded of the power of taking a few moments to simply stop and breathe. Recently, I completed a 21-day meditation challenge. Every day for 3 weeks, I woke up, fed the cats, put the coffee on and then sat in silence for 20 minutes. I was amazed at what it did for my patience, my creativity and the level of intention that I brought to my work. It also gave me a keen awareness of when I…
Business Building, Coaching Tips, Inspiration From Nature, Self-Improvement
We love nature. I mean LOVE nature. Have you heard that already? Well, it’s because it’s true! Whether it’s a walking meeting around the block, a park bench coaching session, a hike while brainstorming, or an island retreat in Muskoka, we LOVE trying to activate an element of the outdoors. That’s why we’re always so excited to hit Muskoka each year for a series of Fall retreats, to spend time transforming in such a beautiful space, during such a transformational…
It’s overwhelming trying to boil down my coaching adventure to Uganda to a couple of blog posts.Words don’t seem sufficient in trying to describe the people, places, and emotions I experienced during this entire journey. The overall experience of coaching the young people of Nikibasika was both enriching and enlightening. I was excited to meet the young people who I’ve been raising money for several years now… but nervous whether my coaching skills would jive with this group. I committed to…
Recently, I found myself enjoying a Sunday afternoon concert with one of my best friends – FRED PENNER! Yes, that Canadian childhood favourite, Fred Penner. My girlfriend and I danced and sang along to our favourite songs from days gone by. And it was a TRIP to watch a bar packed with parents and kids experience this afternoon of whimsy. When he sang his songs, I listened to his lyrics… sharing, kindness, being silly, equality, sandwiches… all of the good…
Inspiration From Nature, Leadership Insights, Self-Improvement
Just a few short weeks ago, the EDGE3 team came together in west Toronto to host another “Ultimate You” retreat. The guests signed up through our network to participate in a day of self-exploration, coaching, action planning, and connection with an amazing group of people. This retreat marked the first time our entire core team (shall I call Dave, Megan, Sarah and I the “fab four”?) had the opportunity to work as a collective on the same project – what…
Dave and I were doing an interactive coaching workshop with a group of people that worked in a highly creative field, and wanted to dial into one another to catch up with everyone, share successes and carve out greater efficiencies. We did a lot of different exercises, activities, and reflections to help uncover the roots of their success, and set benchmarks for continued excellence. And then something beautiful happened. We asked the group: what skill would you love to share…
My intentions for a perfect morning of air travel came to a sudden halt when the check in machine spit out a receipt saying, “We cannot complete your check-in, proceed to the TICKET counter,” NOT the “Proceed to GATE” message I was looking for. I missed my flight. That’s never a good feeling. It gives you a sinking, churning-in-your-gut sensation… similar to bungee jumping – but not nearly as much fun. I took my disappointment to the counter, acknowledging that…
Inspiration From Nature, Leadership Insights, Self-Improvement
Sometimes I wish I could be more like my technology; when not performing optimally, just power off or unplug, then restart in hopes of better results. For people, it SHOULD be as easy as turning off and starting again – “I’m going off the grid so I can face the world again, refreshed!!” – it’s sadly not, for many of us. Aside from why you don’t really NEED a reset, or HOW hard it would be to do that, are…
Every day we have a free, all access pass to the greatest show on earth. Some of us view it from our window, while the rest of us can go for a short walk to capture an unobstructed view. Two shows daily, and no need to RSVP, or order tickets. There is no expectation other than to pause and take notice. The curtain rises in the morning and the sun hits the stage for a breathtaking opening act. What am I…
I’ve always believed that the smallest gestures with the purest intention can make the biggest difference. That is why I continue to participate in the TriAdventure and to support the Nikibasika program; a small but mighty group committed to a powerful cause. In August, I’ll be joining a team of athletes to swim 3km, run 15km, canoe 15km and cycle 140km to fund an orphanage in Uganda. For the first many years the event provided these 51 vulnerable kids with food…