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...]
Why Solutions Fall Short: When Understanding Isn’t Enough
For all our passion for solutions - whether to reimagine industries, improve personal lives, or reshape the world around us - the path to real, impactful change is far from simple. Solutions fail, not because we lack effort or intent, but because we often overlook some fundamental truths. In the … [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...]
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...]