In a world saturated with noise, where attention is the currency everyone’s after, clarity has become a rare but invaluable asset. Whether you’re pitching a product, leading a team, or simply sharing an idea, how quickly and effectively you communicate can make all the difference. An Instant Clarity … [Read more...]
The Poetry of Clarity: Crafting Value Propositions That Speak
In a world that often celebrates complexity, the beauty of clarity shines brighter. As businesses, leaders, and creators, we’re constantly challenged to answer a deceptively simple question: Why should someone choose us? Beneath the layers of branding and marketing lies a truth - people don’t buy … [Read more...]
14 Topics for Professional Success – For International Students and New Canadians
The purpose of these topics is to: Topic 1 - What to Expect in Canadian Interviews - Manu Sharma Topic 2 - How to Present Diverse Skills Effectively to Employers - Manu Sharma Topic 3 - Checklist for Presenting Diverse Skills on Your Resume - Manu Sharma Topic 4 - Sample STAR … [Read more...]
Beyond the Blueprint: Crafting a Strategy That Breathes
In boardrooms and brainstorming sessions, strategy often gets boxed into a predictable process: analyze, plan, execute, repeat. This neat, linear approach promises order and control. But the moment these plans meet reality - markets shift, competitors pivot, customers evolve - that structured … [Read more...]
The Grit Behind the Glee: Cultivating Entrepreneurial Toughness
Entrepreneurship is often glorified as a glamorous journey of innovation and freedom. Yet, behind the allure lies a stark reality that separates dreamers from doers: a unique form of resilience known as entrepreneurial toughness. This intrinsic strength is not merely a trait; it’s a necessity for … [Read more...]
Ties That Lift or Chains That Bind: Choosing Associations Wisely
In life, associations are inevitable. From friendships and business partnerships to mentors and colleagues, the relationships we allow into our world shape us more than we often realize. Sometimes, a powerful association carries us beyond our perceived limits, revealing new layers of potential … [Read more...]
The Art of the Arc: Embracing Trajectories over Blueprints in a Complex World
In the rush of modern life, filled with deadlines, demands, and a relentless stream of change, we’re often tempted to find comfort in a fixed plan - a defined path toward a neatly imagined outcome. Planning, of course, has its place. But in a world ruled by complexity and unpredictability, rigid … [Read more...]
Building TalentBridge: Core Pillars of Innovation, Creativity, and Resilience
From 2008 to 2012, I had the privilege of leading the TalentBridge program at OCRI, dedicated to developing practical innovators - young individuals from Ottawa ready to think creatively, adapt swiftly, and drive meaningful change. Our foundation at TalentBridge was built on a few key principles … [Read more...]
Adaptability and Resilience: The New Blueprint for Success in a Changing World
A recent conversation with Michael LaChapelle on strategic design reminded me of the sheer importance of adaptability and resilience. There’s a certain allure to making plans. Plans give us order, predictability, and a map to follow when the world feels chaotic. They’ve been the bedrock of … [Read more...]
The Art of Asking: Why the Future Is Less Reliable than the Past
When we seek to understand the complexities of human behavior, leadership, or even the way we manage our daily lives, we often fall into a familiar trap: asking about the future. “Would you use this feature?” “Could you see yourself making that change?” We aim to predict, believing that tapping into … [Read more...]