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...]
12 Subtle Signs of a Life in Harmony: Guide Posts for My Own Journey
There comes a point in life when you no longer feel like you're chasing something. Not success, not validation, not even happiness. Instead, you wake up one day with a sense of ease - a deep breath that tells you you're in the right place. It's the moment where the pursuit ends, and fulfillment … [Read more...]
Financial Planning for a Mid-Career Sabbatical: Building Confidence for Your Mid-Life Break
In my article from April 2024, Take Mid-Life Long Breaks: Why I Advocate for Two Sabbaticals in Your 40s and 50s, I shared my personal journey of stepping away from work for a sabbatical in my early 40s. That break wasn’t just a pause in my career - it was a pivotal moment that allowed me to … [Read more...]
The Illusion of Idealism: Why Workplaces Aren’t Families and Why That’s OK
This morning, a LinkedIn post referencing a tweet from Adam Grant caught my attention. It talked about how workplaces are better seen as communities and should not be considered your family. Reading through it, and reflecting on the idea, I felt compelled to sit down and write a response. There … [Read more...]
Plant Trees, Not Landmines: The Leadership Choice You Make Every Day
In life, we walk paths without fully considering the impact of each step. And with every decision, we either create smoother journeys for others or leave obstacles behind. This is not just a metaphor for leadership - it’s a reflection of how we shape the spaces around us. Those in positions of … [Read more...]
The Art of Saying Less: How Simplicity Inspires Understanding
There’s a counterintuitive principle that plays out in both life and business: the more you simplify, the more others comprehend. The “simplicity paradox” is not just an observation - it’s a cornerstone of communication, leadership, and problem-solving. In a world driven by complexity, where … [Read more...]
10 Networking Strategies That Worked for an Introvert like Me, and Could Be Equally Useful for Others
Networking can be a daunting task, especially if you're an introvert. And I am as introverted as we come ^_^ The idea of working a room, delivering a rehearsed pitch, or initiating small talk may feel uncomfortable. A lot of this pressure and discomfort around networking comes from the … [Read more...]
Starting with WHY: An Engineer’s View of How to Make Sense of Life
Life, like engineering, is full of complexities. But over time, I’ve learned that the real challenge isn't in solving the problems themselves - it’s in understanding why they exist in the first place. For me, this principle of starting with "why" isn’t just a tool in my professional toolkit as an … [Read more...]
Lighthouses, Not Tugboats: The True Role of Mentors in Building Your Own Path
Mentors are often seen as the guiding lights on our journeys - the wise ones who share their experiences, offer insights, and help us avoid costly mistakes. But mentorship isn’t about receiving a set of ready-made answers or a clear-cut map to success. It’s far more nuanced than that. To truly … [Read more...]