There’s an illusion we all grow up believing: that success is a meritocracy, neatly charted out by hard work, good grades, and the occasional stroke of luck. But careers, like life itself, are more nuanced, more unpredictable, and more demanding of our ability to adapt, recalibrate, and redefine … [Read more...]
You Can’t Give an Inch: Lessons in Strategy and Resilience from the Australian Cricket Team
In the world of high-stakes competition, where every moment is magnified and every misstep exploited, there is no better case study than the Australian cricket team. Whether it's the Border-Gavaskar Trophy or any other format, Australia’s approach to the game is a masterclass in resilience, … [Read more...]
The Daily Joys That Outlast Annual Rewards: A Reflection on Leadership and Culture
Four years into leading corporate services at the Ottawa Community Foundation, I find myself reflecting on what truly defines fulfillment at work. This isn’t a question I’m approaching for the first time. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve had the privilege of leading teams across diverse roles and … [Read more...]
The Rhythm of Trust: How Cadence Creates Culture
Life often feels like a series of unpredictable, fragmented moments - constantly shifting, constantly demanding our attention. In a world full of noise, we tend to search for something steady, something we can rely on. We seek rhythm, the kind of quiet consistency that reminds us we’re moving … [Read more...]
Why Your Value Proposition Matters: The Key to Winning Opportunities
When it comes to securing a role, the art of persuasion lies in one powerful question: What value do you bring to the table? Employers are not in the business of handing out jobs - they’re in the business of solving problems, growing their operations, and driving success. No matter how stable or … [Read more...]
Rise Above the Noise: Mastering the Competitive Mindset for Job Market Success
In a world drowning in surplus, survival isn’t about simply existing - it’s about standing out. Whether it’s products vying for attention, ideas competing for adoption, or people striving for opportunities, the principle remains the same: excess creates noise, and success belongs to those who rise … [Read more...]
Elevate Your Circle, Elevate Yourself: The Hidden Power of Influence
"Surround yourself with people that push you to do better. No drama or negativity. Just higher goals and higher motivation. Good times and positive energy. No jealousy or hate. Simply bringing out the absolute best in each other." – Warren Buffett Warren Buffett’s words offer a compelling … [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...]
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...]
Embrace the Provocative: Why (and How) Challenging the Status Quo Can Be a Badge of Honor
Being called "provocative" often carries a stigma. For many, it brings to mind images of disruption, conflict, or pushing too hard. But here's the truth: being provocative, when done with intention and care, is one of the most powerful ways to inspire change. It’s not about causing chaos for its own … [Read more...]
The Art of Slowing Down: Why We Need Long Form Reading in an Age of Speed
In today’s world, speed is king. We consume information the way we consume fast food - quickly, easily, and often with minimal satisfaction. Podcasts, video summaries, bite-sized blog posts, and endless social media scrolls all promise to save time. After all, time is money, right? So why would … [Read more...]
Leadership by Elimination: The Wisdom of Knowing What to Leave Behind
Leadership isn’t always about having the answer; it’s about having the discernment to let go of everything that clearly isn’t the answer. We often associate leadership with bold, visionary choices, the kind that change the course of a company or a team. But just as often, the hallmark of great … [Read more...]
Beyond Strategy: Mastering the Five Dimensions of Real Transformation
When it comes to organizational change, most people think about strategy—those neatly prepared documents brimming with analyses, projections, and roadmaps. But here's the truth: no matter how brilliantly a strategy is designed, it often falls short when faced with the complexities of human nature … [Read more...]
The Five Anchors of Mastery: Becoming the Ultimate Strategy Consultant
Consulting is often seen as a balancing act - an intricate dance of strategy, insight, and human dynamics. But those who rise to true mastery know that it’s more than just juggling competing interests or managing a series of processes. It’s about embodying a level of versatility that allows you to … [Read more...]
The Heartbeat of Strategy: Beyond Metrics and into Meaning
In today’s business environment, it has become almost second nature to assess strategy by financial metrics alone - profits, ROI, and shareholder value have become the cornerstones of strategic discussions. Yet, relying solely on these numbers to determine success risks missing the very foundation … [Read more...]