broadCAST July 2018: Carpe Diem

It is July 2018; halfway through the year and a time of celebration in Canada and the USA. In Canada, we celebrate Canada Day, formerly known as Dominion Day. In the US, it is the month of Independence Day. With that in mind, our unofficial theme for this month is Dominion and Independence offered as a twinned concept, if you will. Dominion can be defined as supreme authority. Independence can be defined as self governing. Think of these together; of carpe diem and being the captain of your soul, and life as you live it.

The broadCAST? is a monthly weigh in of thoughts and perspectives by members of The CAST?... and, on occasion, special guests.  As noted 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. They have an opportunity to share their earned insights right here, 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. They each bring great value in service to their respective work and audiences. 

But, before we get to thoughts directly and indirectly around Dominion and Independence this month, check out our broadCAST for June past where we placed some hopefully healthy bugs in the ear. Yes, we are now half way through the year! The broadCAST? is growing in vision, going forward... looking to become a source of diverse perspectives for world embracing and engaging educators, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders... around this world. Back in May, we offered thoughts on may it be. In April, we offered some Easter Eggs. In March, there were thoughts on moving forward. And, the month before that, on love. Stay tuned for more!

Now, let's get to it and July.... and see what is in store. For now, let's see what The CAST? of Epic Engage? might want to say and share for July.

THE CAMPUS CORNER…

Trent, Ray and I are offering a section called The Campus Corner where we each offer a short tip or idea on teaching or learning or some aspect of education and leadership; one simple idea from each of our bodies of expertise or experience... to add value and/or constructively challenge us all. While our perspectives are drawn from our experience in education, they are offered as applicable to life long learning for us all.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN SAYS

First, I invite you to read this on what I call the twin intelligences. Within, I offer, "Imagine the capacity to discern and create as two powerful wings; as two powerful intelligences. Imagine their twinned capacity to seek out full information, and be innovative in solving problems." Imagine indeed. Imagine Discernment and Creativity practiced daily in your own life. Imagine critical thinking being part of how you take in the world and the information that almost seems to bombard us all these days. Imagine what discerning on that information might look like.

Then imagine what Creativity might look like in practice, in terms of forging your discerning and thoughtful path forward. Ponder how you might take your thoughtful, mindful and discerning evaluations and answers of where thing are and chart your own course forward with same, fully grounded that you have done your due diligence in this world of competing "opinions" and you are working with what you have best come to honestly and truthfully conclude... not as some knee jerk reaction but as well earned wisdom. Imagine.

Indeed, it is not unlike an icebreaker, dealing with the formidable ice and yet charting its course and slicing through with well grounded certainty. That process requires Courage and leads to Confidence and a rare Certitude. As an educator, Discernment and Creativity are a powerful combo; no less so as an entrepreneur or emerging leader. They engage us to be thoughtful visionaries at school, work, business and community. They engage us to take back our power to find our own best path of understanding and to be an example of same for others. The world needs more Discernment and Creativity in these days.

You can play your part. Engage it, and enjoy it... the world and your corner of it deserves it. Enjoy July, Barry.

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 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. www.epicengage.com

TRENT LANGDON SAYS

I have spent much time pondering the completion of another school year, that June is pride month and the US / global political climate.

With that in mind and more to come, this time of year I reflect upon the school year... the primary meter stick being the number of students I challenged to think for themselves. But this awareness does not occur naturally. It requires a continuous and strategic message (on the part of the adult facilitators / teachers) of critical thought based on history, sound facts, and safe expression of your interests. It is also driven by a realization that adolescents yearn for clarity and identity. I will be sharing more on this in the next edition of the Leaducator and bringing the message home; on the ground. Stay tuned, please. In the meantime, check out our June edition of Leaducator here. Yours in integrity... Trent.

Trent Langdon invests in the identity and resilience of the Learner and the Educator. He is a ‘helper’ by temperament and training, actively championing integrity-based living in youth, educators and the community for more than 2 decades. Trent guides and accompanies you on your path of self-exploration, emotional blue-printing, and interpersonal skill development to build your own purposeful legacy.  Ultimately, he is a family guy, certified school counsellor, peer-elected professional leader, community volunteer, and proud contributor to the Epic Engage? team. Check out Trent’s blog.

RAY HOLLISTER SAYS

As we head full force into our summer break, July represents not only the beginning of that summer break but also the beginning of our freedom and independence from school, homework, rules, and those pesky tests. We have so much to be thankful for and to celebrate in our lives. None, however, are as sweet and savory as our freedom. For a great many of us, that freedom extends to far more than we realize precisely because we are free. We have the freedom to do as we want, say what we think, go where we please, buy whatever we want, see and associate with whomever we desire. But do we ever stop and truly think about the enormity of all that freedom? I strongly encourage you to have as much fun as you can pack into your summer break. But while you do so, take a few moments each day to truly consider the magnificence of your ability to do so. Thousands upon thousands have given their all - their very lives - to give you the freedoms and luxuries you now enjoy. HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!! 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

CREATION CORNER…

Jamie, each month, offers a thought to ponder on Creativity; drawing on her longstanding expertise and experience in advancing same in others. 

JAMIE McCABE SAYS

How important is art? What a great question, I’m glad you asked! Lol. It was a typical day at Clay Cafe, so I thought... I received an email about a guy who wanted to get two tickets to our wheel class. He asked me to hold them and he would be right in. I could tell from his “energy” there was more to his story. He told me how he’s been going through some rough things and he just wanted to make his kids smile again for bit and forget about “the worries.” While I don’t know what those were, I felted compelled to check in on him to see if his goal was achieved. His response melted me. "My son tagged me in with my daughter while he watched us. I can tell you, I haven’t smiled in months. I haven’t laughed since I don’t know when, but the three of us had a blast and I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time!" Mission accomplished. Art can brighten your day, make you smile and reconnect to those that matter most. Get creative today, Jamie.

Jamie McCabe is all about creativity and connection. She is on a mission to bring people together through art and exploring their creative side at Clay Café Avalon. Jamie became an entrepreneur and opened the paint-your-own pottery studio in 2008 and has seen many memories painted there since then. She works with children and schools where she provides after school art programs. She believes we should color outside the lines more and embrace our inner artist. At Clay Café, it’s not about painting the perfect piece, it’s about painting the perfect memory. www.claycafeavalon.ca

COMMUNICATIONS CORNER...

Joel addresses matters of leadership and communications… interpersonal, in groups, through presentations and technology… and draws upon his decades of experience and observation around how we find our message and voice. 

JOEL SWEENEY SAYS

I invite you to check out my video message here. On July 1st, Canada will celebrate its 151st birthday. If you are Canadian there is much to be grateful for indeed.

A few years ago my wife and I completed a 4 month trip across Canada. We went from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador to Victoria, British Columbia. We got the opportunity to experience first hand what this country has to offer. We reconnected with family and friends; many of whom we hadn't seen in 30+ years. Those connections were magical. In addition, we got to make new friends; not just fellow Canadians... people from all over the world. We were inspired by how highly they spoke of Canada. Our travels took us to 10 provinces. Each one had its own unique charm, character and beauty. On July 1st, I will be taking time to reflect on the many things for which I am grateful. Whether you are Canadian or not, I encourage you to take some time over the coming days to celebrate what you are grateful for... 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

CRAZY COOL CORNER…

Liz and Tracy (welcome Tracy!!!) contribute on life hacks for living a cool LIFE… at work and beyond... simple tips for better living.  

LIZ BURT SAYS

Here’s mine! Happy Canada Day!! As someone who’s done a bit of traveling and explored many different countries, I’ve reflected a lot on the differences between our lives here in Canada and the lives of people elsewhere. I’ve been inspired by what people in poorer countries make out of what little they have and how charming some modest accommodations and restaurants can be. Some people can be so happy with so little, and here in Canada we can sometimes be driven by over consumption and having “nice” things, a better car or a bigger home, that we forget to be grateful for what we have. The gratitude effect has been a guiding principle in my life for a while now, and it’s changed my outlook and made me feel very content. I speak of this today, on Canada Day, because I want to share a message of gratitude for the peace, wealth, abundance and unity that we have here in our gorgeous country. Happy Canada, neighbours. I hope you all take the time today, and everyday, to count your blessings and give thanks for this wonderful place that we call home.

Liz Burt is about real and healthy results. She is a master motivator. She is also a marathoner and marketing specialist living in Calgary, AB. She holds a three-year diploma in Business Management and Marketing, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, and will begin her MA at the University of Alberta this spring. In addition to being wild about learning and running, Liz is also an avid traveler and has backpacked through twenty countries in the last few years. In her professional life she loves working with small businesses to develop simple and effective marketing and communications plans that achieve real results. She is creative, a bit of a health nut and loves to share her healthy passions in her blog. Liz is a goal setter and risk taker. She loves coffee, cooking, and great conversations. She gets huge joy in helping people and small businesses achieve their goals and are always ready to lend an ear and share advice. lizburt.wordpress.com

TRACY CARBERRY SAYS

Hi everyone! Happy to be here. Each month I will share some thoughts on career and HR, based on my experience, education and life perspective. This month, I offer tips and tricks for online job applications to seize the right opportunities for you.

There are many opinions when it comes to online application forms. However, in this day and age, most businesses use them for their conveniences. Unfortunately, these conveniences can sometimes be limitations for job seeking candidates. After doing some research of my own, I have assembled some tips and tricks to help ensure you have the best chance of getting your application past the online stage and reaching a hiring manager.

• Housekeeping!! To start your employment search, you need to clean up your social media profiles. Managers creep to ensure your values align with the company’s.
• Qualified? Take a thorough read of the job description. One of the biggest problems hiring managers have is the number of unqualified applicants applying for any given position.
• Simple is best! Ensure the headings you use within your resume are traditional and something that an ATS system will understand. Therefore, your information will not be overlooked.
• Key words are key! Your resume, cover letter, and application questions should include words from the job description that will also be identified by an ATS system.
• Necessary vs. unnecessary? Read and edit your answers to ensure they are brief and efficient.
• Don’t forget your cover letter – very important! This is your chance to show your personality and that you bring something that others can’t.
• No blank spaces! Take your time. Have all your information on hand, and ensure you answer all questions.
• Spell check is not always your friend. You need to proof read, checking for spelling and grammar mistakes is essential but beware - spell check is not foolproof.
• Submit is not the last step! Completing an online application form is the start of your process, not the end. Ensure you follow up with the company to express your interest and professionalism.
• Always keep copies. Its important that you keep a record of where you apply and copies of the job descriptions, so you have the correct information WHEN opportunity calls!    

Go get it... and all the best, Tracy.

Tracy Carberry is a pro, on realworld leadership. Bringing her background in community leadership and human resource development over the last 12 years, she is that people person who communicates, connects and coordinates; and gets results. Whether with the Virginia Park Community Center, Young Adult Cancer of Canada, Enactus, Academy Canada, MoMondays or Epic Engage, she demonstrates real on-the-ground leadership and brings it every time with an understanding that people matter, and they matter to our success. Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn today.

MUSIC, MESSAGE and MORE…

Going forward, Mark, Sheena and Susan will be contributing quotes and music and more respectively in our section called MUSIC, MESSAGE and MORE… to lift the mind and heart. For July…

SUSAN DAY, The Office Yogi, SAYS

This video is a seated flow where we move through the different movements of the spine. With summer comes gardening, hiking, rowing and many other activities that might be new or something we haven't done in awhile. Try this 8 minute sequence and take some time to really tune into how your back and spine feel. If you would like to linger longer in certain poses or do them multiple times, please do! The purpose of yoga is not to get our body into different poses but to use those poses to get into (and tune into) our bodies. Enjoy! Susan.

Susan Day Susan lives by the motto ‘simple yet effective’. Small actions can lead to big results… mentally and physically. Susan is an experienced yoga teacher, former IT professional and creator of The Office Yogi. She is first and foremost a student of yoga and is living proof that it can change your life. Susan has been teaching full time for almost 5 years and teaches a variety of classes from chair yoga to yoga for runners. She loves to see how simple breath work and movement can change how a person feels physically, their energy levels and frame of mind. Susan’s latest adventure is in the online space. Her membership site, The Office Yogi, is helping people in offices access yoga and it’s benefits easily and effectively. She is on a mission to create a culture of workplace wellness warriors… one deep breath at a time.  

MARK BLACK SAYS

Mark offers motivating thoughts in visual form. Ponder them. This month...

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

SHEENA GROBB SINGS

Moving forward, Sheena shares in song, and message; this month a message on integrity and reslience. Check out her beautiful and powerful song Get Out Alive about that integrity and resilience, strengths in claiming your life. 

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

MORE NEWS GOING FORWARD

For August, there is even more news to come. Our intent continues to be to serve with thoughts and perspectives that can help at school, work, business, community and life.

We invite you to continue to ride with us... and share the thoughts around. 

For now, here is our closing...

QUOTES of the MONTH

• “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - Mahatma Gandhi
• “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” - Mother Teresa

VIDEO of the MONTH

Carpe Diem

SONGS for the MONTH

• The Power to Dream
• The Light
• Hall of Fame
• Brilliant
• Rise Up
• The Hero Within
• Because We Believe

Thanks for engaging us this month. May you find your best path to Dominion and Independence, while being an example and help to the world and your corner of it..

We invite you to connect with our contributors. They are remarkable people to know and with whom to work. Until next month...

Carpe diem!

Barry Lewis Green, The Unity Guy

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