broadCAST April 2020
Barry Lewis Green
Educator, Speaker, Coach, Writer, Creator ... advancing Character Leadership and Education ... to move forward together, stronger ... engaging change.
Well, what a month it has been since our last broadCAST in March. These are historic times, and we offer thoughts around that and more... here this month. In February's issue, we explored Love. I personally recommend both most recent issues as a read and reflect. Going forward, The broadCAST? is focused on advancing thought and conversation around the global goals. Each month, our broadCAST Team will bring their expertise and perspective to advancing same, directly or indirectly. The broadCAST? remains a monthly weigh in of thoughts and perspectives by our contributors. As noted so very many times in the past:
- "these wonderful people are independent experts in their own right, and I am humbly proud to say friends of mine. Here, they have an opportunity to share their earned insights, for you, each month. And, as we have said many times before, we encourage you to connect with these experts on their respective bodies of work and how they might be of service to you. Think of The broadCAST? as a "news and views" letter ... intent on bringing value added and even fun to your life at work and beyond. Intended for educators, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders, it has something for everyone... and we encourage you to share it."
That all said, there are now a core four with Jon Butler, Dawn Gough, Trent Langdon and yours truly, Barry Lewis Green. The rest of the team are recurring contributors and we look forward to insights each month. And ... we have some new friends and talent. Let's get at it.
On Character Leadership, BARRY LEWIS GREEN
Wow, yes... what a month, historically. I have been writing a daily series of blogs on character in the face of crisis. You can find them here... links within links. They started with a post on Soulful Leadership. Indeed, and even before that, they were born of my own decision to self isolate and lockdown some 39 days ago now.
All of this is to say that crisis does not simply build character; it reveals it.
Tomorrow, I will be taking a deeper dive into Decisiveness, that capacity to "cut the cord" if you will. It is the capacity to call upon any and all virtues when they are needed. I liken the virtues to a manual transmission gear shift.
When we need each, we call upon each; not unlike an arrow in a quiver, or a speed on a gear shift. We call upon or practice Compassion when it is needed. We can do the same for Courage, Fortitude, Wonder and Zeal.
They are all practiced. And that requires the decision to practice them, when needed. Practice them. Make your decisions. Burn the ships.
Barry Lewis Green is ultimately a vocalist, strength coach and educator. His work is about exploring, identifying, practicing and mastering our strengths of character. His book Human Being Being Human speaks to that. and that is why Barry is The Unity Guy?. EPIC Engage? is an extension of The Unity Guy?. The Epic work is all about building strong, united and inspired cultures lead by character… at school, work and community; where everyone matters and contributes everyday. Barry Lewis Green on LinkedIn.
On T.H.E. Community Mindset... JON BUTLER
Episode 2 of broadCAST Live is in the books! Check it out. During the last show, I announced that I will be separating myself from the day-to-day at my business, LunchIn , through a new partnership. I was hoping to have more to share at this point, but COVID-19 has slowed things down quite a bit. What I can say, though is that, since shifting my focus away from LunchIn, it’s like a weight has been lifted. That’s a pretty powerful statement, given that this business has consumed a lot of my life and finances over the past five years. There will be more to come on this story as it evolves. I’m going to use my broadCAST blog and the broadCAST Live series as a platform to share my story through this big change, so stay tuned.
If nothing else, I’m hoping that my experience can help someone else out there. Key lesson learned: Every now and then, take a look at everything you do. If something is weighing you down, maybe try bringing someone else in. Get creative, and together, you might be able to find a way out without giving up.
- Jon Butler was born and bred in St. John’s and is especially passionate about helping to build the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Newfoundland & Labrador. After graduating from MUN in 2009, he spent the following 9 years building a career as an entrepreneur. He has started companies in both Ottawa and St. John’s, and most recently, a food business called LunchIn. Jon has also launched Get Started Café; an initiative that offers a new approach to professional development, leadership, and community impact. He believes that thinking like an entrepreneur can help anyone become empowered at work, enact social change, and find purpose. Jon Butler on LinkedIn.
On the Environmental... DAWN GOUGH
At Epic Engage, we are all about Character Leadership and doing things that support the United Nation’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development. This global pandemic has thrown us into a very challenging time period which none of us have ever experienced.
How do you determine the character of an organization? What kind of company do you want to do business with? To work for? In times like these, it is easier to figure out.
To determine a company’s character, watch closely how they behave during this pandemic. Were they slow to react to protect the health and safety of their workers? Are they taking advantage of people’s vulnerability? Overcharging for essential items? Or are they giving back to the community, donating to local charities, demonstrating leadership, and showing that they are committed to putting people first?
The ISO 26000 standard on social responsibility above is for companies that are committed to operating in a socially responsible way and who measure that as a success factor. This global standard can help companies to translate the Global Goals into action - goals like ending hunger and providing decent work that supports economic, social, and environmental growth.
- Dawn Gough is about environmental excellence, change through policy, social responsibility, and long-term sustainability. As an environmental professional, policy writer, and management system consultant, she has enjoyed forging environmental initiatives and providing environmental oversight for 20 years. She leads with knowledge of federal and provincial regulation, industry best practices, and the ISO standards. Dawn believes real change that improves workplace safety and prevents harm to the environment is initiated from the top down and from the inside out. With a Master of Technology Management and Lead Auditor certification for Integrated Management Systems, Dawn inspires the leadership of socially and environmentally conscious companies. Dawn Gough on LinkedIn.
On Reverberations... TRENT LANGDON
[‘That Discomfort You’re Feeling is Grief’...Scott Berinato (Harvard Business Review ( March 23, 2020)]
Once in a while, you come across a thought or idea that rings home, sticks with you for days, and lights a spark that you truly need in the moment. Well, Scott Berinato’s post of March 23rd did that for me.
Let me explain.
Being a Guidance Counselor in a large junior high school, we received word on Monday, March 16th, that the school year was suspended ‘indefinitely’ due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The obvious scrambling to make the necessary arrangements occurred as the situation required ... however something was not sitting correctly. It is still not sitting correctly. Something was missing.
It was not until I read the this article that things began to make sense. I was able to label it! I WAS GRIEVING! Now the challenge is dealing with the grief of losing the school year, losing daily contact with my students and colleagues, and worrying endlessly about how my ‘vulnerable’ students are doing during this time of crisis.
When I first read this article, I immediately shared on several social media platforms. From the response, the value to other educators has been enormous...I hope it can provide some form of understanding and comfort for you as well, as you attempt to find some meaning and or clarity related to our collective experience.
Thank you Scott...
- For 25 years, Trent Langdon has invested (and greatly appreciated his experience) in public education, youth care, and organizational governance. He is a nationally-certified school counsellor, teacher, and ‘peer-elected’ leader, promoting the human connection, integrity-based leadership, and the power of relationships. Trent works to build the personal identity, skill-set, and resilience of students, educators, community leaders, and professionals. He is a ‘helper’ and ‘educator’ by temperament and training, addressing the challenges of adolescence & young adulthood, interpersonal communications, and organizational culture. He is a family guy, speaker, child and human rights advocate, and community volunteer. Trent Langdon on LinkedIn.
Each month, going forward, we will continue to have rotating and recurring contributions from members of the broadCAST Team. The Rotation this month...
On Wellness and Youth... Raven Warren
We welcome Raven to the fold. A long time and inspiring friend, Raven offers...
Then & Now – Processing a Global Pandemic: Calling this a roller-coaster would be a monumental understatement. Our minds are processing global devastation daily and our bodies are exhausted. Many of us are grieving, the loss of lives and also what we once knew – safety and familiarity. Yet, there is a bittersweet longing for something new in sight. Amidst the uncertainty, a collective display of solidarity reminds us we are innately resilient and compassionate, and we are one.
There are days colored by inspiration. We have learned new skills and revisited talents we seldom enjoy. We have connected with the arts, self-reflected, and engaged in conversation about a future that is brighter. We have thoughtfully enriched our bodies with nutrition and physically activity. We have observed the smell of fresh air, the extraordinary sight of a sun busting through the clouds, and the sounds of animals joining us for a new season. Signs of new life – symbols of hope and growth.
There are also days weighted by despair. We long to connect with loved ones or desperately seek solitude. We have consumed more comfort food and tv than recommended, stared into the elements with tired eyes, or napped in the dark during the day. This is also growth. Every cell in our body is adjusting to adversity. When we think “I am not strong, productive, or positive enough,” let’s remind ourselves: we are bad-ass soldiers and we are surviving. Soon, we will thrive.
But, when the dust settles, what will thriving look like? Will we return to “normal” or are we eager for more now? With so little clarity about tomorrow (frightening blank slate; a double-edged sword), we can challenge our fears by exploring untethered perspectives, and creating a new imaginative chapter, as we ask ourselves, what kind of world do I want to live in and what will my contribution be?
- Raven Warren is a Mother and Wellness Advocate with 10 years of experience providing therapeutic support to children, youth and adults, as a Child and Youth Care Worker, Counselor and Program Coordinator. She has a B.A with a major in Psychology and a M.Ed in Counseling Psychology. She has developed and facilitated group workshops and individual sessions on topics including Trauma Informed Care, Healthy Relationships, Managing Stress and Anxiety, Art-Informed Therapy, Social Issues, Interpersonal Communication, Career Counseling and Crisis Response. Engaging in a Person-Centered and Strength-Based approach, Raven is passionate about providing accessible, culturally sensitive and individualized support to marginalized populations. Raven Warren on LinkedIn.
On Education... RAY HOLLISTER
With the current Pandemic raging globally, I want to encourage every student that has been affected to find ways to turn this to your advantage. It is far too easy to devolve into depressing thought patterns and focus all the ‘lost’ activities or programs that will be missed. I strongly encourage to ‘stay in the NOW’ – don’t live in the past of what could have been, and don’t worry in advance of a doomed future that hasn’t occurred. Instead, take each day as an opportunity to fine tune your learning skills. There truly is power in the concept of taking things day by day; shifting your strategies as new concepts produce results. Thousands of students all over the world are coming to grips with the potential of having ‘in person’ schooling cancelled for the remainder of the year. This has already happened in several school districts in several states in the U.S. But in the mix of all this is also the reality that for at least a few months, virtually everyone will experience a form of Home Schooling that a large number of people have never experienced, or even considered. These are interesting times to be a student. This requires new strategies to carry forward. Here’s the good news: NOW is the time to make those changes you’ve been thinking about. NOW is the time to forge a new path to scholastic excellence. NOW is the time rise and soar. The key word here is NOW! Keep your focus in the present – BE present. Cheers, Ray
- Ray Hollister is all about strength, excellence and potential. In fact, he has a very special connection with students – he’s helped thousands achieve average scores of over 90% for 20 years! His love of learning… and his ability to teach anybody the same easy strategies he used to study far less than everyone else while maintaining outrageously high test scores… quickly earned him a lot of ‘friends’ seeking his advice. Ray has personally conducted numerous studies to develop an intense, focused, and results oriented program for college students. With the success of that program, Ray set his sights on helping younger students in Junior High, High School, and those just entering University. The end result is a program that will help any student – especially YOU – learn more, study less, and earn consistently high grades. www.rayhollister.net.
On Communications... JOEL SWEENEY
Here is the link to my video contribution for April’s broadCAST. The topic for this month's broadCAST is communication. Communication is more important now then ever. How do we make that happen in light of the current challenges we face as a result of coronavirus and covid-19?
Fortunately we are blessed with technology that allows us to continue to communicate with one another. We have social media; Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and the list goes on. We have video technology; Face Time, Facebook video, Skype, ZOOM and many others. All of this technology affords us the opportunity to connect with one another even as we remain isolated in our homes.
Many of us have extra time as a result of what has been happening. I encourage you to take advantage of the technology and the extra time to reach out to individuals that you may not have connected with in a while. Schedule time in your calendar. Put a bit of structure back in your life. Have a virtual tea or coffee chat. Both you and the person you are connecting with will appreciate it. All the Best … Joel
- Joel Sweeney is all about effective communications. He has been speaking, training, coaching and writing about it for over 20 years. He is the author of The Wedding MC Handbook and Little Helpings of Food for Thought. His third book, The Speaker’s Tool Box – Perfecting the Craft of Speaking, was released in the 2015. He is the owner of Professionally Speaking (established in 1995). Joel helps entrepreneurs and business professional become effective, engaging and confident speakers. www.JoelSweeney.com.
Motivating Memes... MARK BLACK
- Mark Black, CSP is all about wellness and resilience. He is a Heart and Double-Lung Transplant Recipient, 4-time marathoner, resilience expert, speaker, and coach. Mark helps people “Thrive in Challenging Times”. A Certified Speaking Professional, Mark has inspired more than 100,000 people in more than 350 presentations. At 23 Mark faced an unimaginable challenge. His doctor informed him that his heart was failing. Without a rare and dangerous heart and double-lung transplant he would not see his 25th birthday. Three years later, after receiving his second chance at life, Mark ran his first marathon. Mark spends his free time with his beautiful wife and two kids. www.markblack.ca.
Meaningful Music... SHEENA GROBB
Have a listen to Gonna Make It.
- Sheena Grobb Singer/Songwriter and Speaker… is humbly amazing. “It is without a doubt a masterpiece of songwriting and soundscape. Really incredible, soulful music. She will definitely get a huge audience in time, trust me.” Alex Wharton, Abbey Road Studios. A songbird from the age of two, songwriter at ten, with 3 albums under her belt, a nomination for the Western Canadian Music Awards, and over 500 tour dates across Canada, the US, and the UK, Sheena Grobb (one of Canada’s best kept secrets) is spilling over. With the release of her newest album, The Breakless Heart, mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London, and a life changing music video created by Lindsey Nelko (past choreographer with So You Think You Can Dance), Sheena is embarking on her most meaningful project yet – The Living Compassion Project? – inviting others to “unlock their lives” through sharing their stories… as she begins to share hers. www.sheenagrobb.com
QUOTE for the MONTH
- Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. --- John F. Kennedy
MUSIC of the MONTH
- The Album Naive by Andy Grammer
- The Album Attention Attention by Shinedown (all about change)
- And look for our relaunch of ROCKfox Unity Radio
VIDEO for the MONTH
THANKS and WISHES
Thanks yet again for engaging us! Do please stay tuned!
And share!!!
We do invite you to connect with our contributors. They are remarkable and diverse people to know and with whom to work. Many of them are part of our new SPEAKERNET too.
Either way, let us keep doing this!
Barry Lewis Green, The Unity Guy
The FREEPIC Forums?
We invite you to catch up and check out some of our back issues:
- December (and November) 2019: Back!
- October 2019: On Thanks and Fear and More
- September 2019: Getting Started
You can also check out other free resources and services right here.
... and we are ever thankful for the global goals. Connect soon!
