I’ve taken a train maybe a dozen times in my life. On the few occasions it happened, it was usually the most convenient, economical, or timely way to get somewhere, and every single time it was uneventful, pleasant, and completely forgettable. Trains have just never been my first choice. If distance is the deciding factor, […]
Planes, trains, and yes, more trains Read More »
Summer is a time to step away from the daily grind and, hopefully, enjoy some vacation time, since those of us in Canada know the season can be too short. Our family just wrapped up a whirlwind tour through Europe. It was a fantastic two weeks and gave our two teenagers their 1st introduction to
The Bill Never Came (And That Was the Point) Read More »
There is something quietly disorienting about walking a university campus with your son as he tries to figure out his future, knowing you stood at almost exactly the same crossroads nearly 40 years ago, just as certain, just as much in need of recalculating. My wife and I have now toured Waterloo and Western with
Dogs, Data, and Decision-Making: Lessons from My Two Goldens What my goldens have taught me about signals, noise, and business intuition Golden Retrievers have a way of teaching you things you didn’t know you needed to learn. I’ve had two of them in my life, one in the past, and one currently. Loyal, loving, chaos-inducing
I was a child of the 70s, and even now, decades later, Christmas morning still lives vividly in my memory. I can see it clearly. It is 3 or 4 am, far earlier than any reasonable hour, and I am already awake. My feet barely touch the floor as I run down the hall and
Christmas Memories Read More »
Canadian Thanksgiving has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute we’re squeezing the last bit of sunshine out of summer days (and it’s been a great last two weeks), and the next, the air turns crisp, the leaves trade their greens for golds and reds, and we realize, oh right, it’s Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Thoughts: No Parades, Just Pumpkin Pie Read More »
If you’ve felt a subtle shift lately, with conversations increasingly turning toward touchdowns, fantasy football, and Super Bowl predictions, you’re not alone. Sure, hockey holds a special, almost sacred place in the Canadian heart (Go Flyers!), but there’s no denying the unique thrill the NFL generates each year. It’s that time when casual fans and
Why Sundays Become Something Different in the Fall Read More »
“Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” That C.S. Lewis quote has followed me around like a gentle nudge on the shoulder throughout my career. As someone who straddles the line between my pointed, efficient German heritage and the more relaxed, community-minded culture of my Nova Scotian roots, I’ve come to
Leading with Less Ego: The Strategic Strength of Humility Read More »
What follows is a series of short articles I posted recently on LinkedIn about my journey in coming to terms with the phrase “personal brand” and identifying what that theme is for me. I hope you enjoy the read. Personal what? If I’m being honest, I’m one of those people who, when I hear people
No, I’m not referring to that ’80s one-hit classic (bonus points to those who remember the band’s name). In the middle of the ikigai circles is that unique core or center where everything is achieved for life satisfaction (or so the theory goes). After discussing my unique skills and interests, I’m left to write about
Meeting in the middle Read More »
