broadCAST September 2018: Back at It

Well, it is September 2018, and at the time of this writing and publishing; Happy Labour Day! Yes, it is that time for "back to school" and, in many ways, "back to work" at a renewed level in many cases. That is where we are, at least in the Northern Hemisphere me thinks. Certainly, you may find that as a bit of a running theme in this issue of The broadCAST?.

The broadCAST? is still a monthly weigh in of thoughts and perspectives by our now 12 members of The CAST?.  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. 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. They each bring great value in service to their respective work and audiences.

Personally, I love working with them.

Yes, 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. We invite you to check out:

• August on magnificence
• our July broadCAST on carpe diem
• our broadCAST for June where we placed some hopefully healthy bugs in the ear
• our broadCAST for May on may it be 
• in April, on Easter Eggs
• ?March, on thoughts on moving forward. 
• and, February, on love.

That is a bit of an archive to catch you up a tad... and we suggest that you stay tuned for more! For now, let's get at it for September. Indeed, let's get back at it!

TRENT LANGDON on education and identity

This month, I choose to offer you this video contribution on the "New Year". There will be more to follow in the next issue of The Leaducator. 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 on education and excellence

School is back in session for nearly everybody at this point, and it is time to tackle the biggest myth still practiced by students all over the globe. Of course, I refer to the fine art of learning through osmosis. Since I am focusing on the beginning of a new school year for thousands of students of all ages, I’d like to address both students and parents – perhaps especially the parents today. Let’s take a look at the magical practice of osmosis… 

OSMOSIS – Definition: (2nd of 2) The process of gradual or unconscious assimilation of ideas, knowledge, etc.

So, is it true? Can a student really learn things through osmosis? Take a good look at that picture one more time. Better yet, imagine the following scenario for me: You are worried about your upcoming History test (or you are worried for your child’s upcoming test) and it is critical to get every extra advantage possible. In order to get that extra oomph, a student will take the History text book, (which is probably 4 inches thick and bound with granite), and place it carefully in a pillowcase and put on the bed. Perhaps the student will even ensure they use it as a pillow so the text book is touching their head (you know, in order to minimize the distance the ‘answers’ need to travel). Surely when the student awakens, knowledge will have seeped in slowly, but surely, into their brains. Sound outrageous, preposterous even? Stop chuckling – this scenario plays out every day somewhere in a student’s bedroom. Okay, maybe not using the text book as a pillow, but they are using their textbooks as paper weights or door jams. Go ahead, take a quick break from reading this broadCAST and go check to see where the back pack is located. (You know the books are all in the backpack – if you can find it). I’ll wait right here while you check…

Did you find it? It was by the front door wasn’t it! Perhaps you are lucky and the back pack found its way to the bedroom, where it will lay undisturbed until tomorrow morning when it is once again lugged around campus. (Unless, of course, it is ‘forgotten’… by accident… I swear!) This scenario happens every single school day. If osmosis is going to take place, it will have to be from student’s textbooks ‘bleeding’ information into the air where it swirls around and hopefully smacks them in the face at some point. The real issue at hand boils down to three things:

• Time Management: Schedule time to specifically and deliberately read a class text book - especially if chapters are assigned!
• Preparation: Prepare days in advance (weeks even!) for any exams that are scheduled.
• Execution: Execute student study plans and assigned homework on time, every time.

If you need ‘proof’ that this works… A recent study conducted by every teacher in the history of mankind, shows that when a student schedules time to read their text books, prepares for exams, and executes their study plans, ‘Osmosis’ is no longer required as learning technique. Weird how that works… :-) 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

JAMIE McCABE on everyday creativity

Oh September, I remember when you would come around and how exciting it was to go back to school as a child. There was nothing better than new supplies. Fresh papers and pens in a clean backpack. It was like a new start every year. I mean, September IS the new January! As adults, we too should get excited about September. I love buying a new notebook and pen to brainstorm with. This helps me get into the flow as I begin to create my new fall routines. This is also the time of year when I start looking into the next years goals and visions. So head out and grab your new supplies, put that pen to paper and get inspired by the fresh pages that are just waiting for your ideas to come to life. Happy September - 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

JOEL SWEENEY on everyday communicating

Check out my September contribution on video right here. My broadCAST message this month is about the importance of making your voice heard. We all have a Circle of Control and a Circle of Influence that we need to be aware of when we make our voice heard. The Circle of Control means that we are the decision maker. It is important that we make the necessary decisions and that we communicate with the appropriate people.  The Circle of Influence means that someone else is responsible for making the decision. Our role is to be an influencer. It is important that we provide our input so that the decision is an informed one. We need to recognize that the decision may not be one we agree with. We need to take satisfaction in the fact that we lived up to our responsibility to provide our input. 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

LIZ BURT on life and health hacks

Fall comes early to Calgary and the weather has already started to cool off a little. September has always been one of my favourite months. I used to love back to school season because it felt almost like a new calendar year; full of possibilities and a fresh start. My summer, like many, flew by too quickly and now it’s time to regroup and focus on the fall season. I’m looking forward at the last four months of 2018 with more goal setting and more discipline than the hot sunny and extra busy days of summer allowed for. I think many people look forward to September as a time to refocus and get back to work whether they have kids going back to school or are going back themselves. After a heatwave summer, cooler temperatures are also a great reason to spend more time exercising outside! What do you have planned for fall? How will you regroup and refocus on your goals?.... Liz. :)

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 on HR and career

The job seeking seasons... Like everything else, job seeking is better done at certain times of the year. Throughout this blog I will explain why this is so, and how knowing this information can benefit you in your job search. So, let's break it down….

• January and February – A new beginning. Due to the start of a new year, companies often review their budgets and sales forecasts during these months... therefore allowing them to evaluate their plans and establish a better understanding of what they need vs. what they can afford... in many cases, allowing them to add additional resources to the mix. These two months are considered the best time of year to look for long term, full time positions. However, because managers are returning from holidays, things are considerably slow and therefore usually takes a few weeks to re-organize schedules and get back to the normal speed of workflow. With that said, keep an eye on the company’s job board and send your resume in during the middle or latter part of January.
• March, April, & May – Plant your seed of opportunity. With the rush of the new year past, so is the splurge of new job opportunities. With that said, hiring managers will now have longer advertising periods, whereby they can establish a larger pool of candidates to choose from. This may be a disadvantage for a job seeker depending on the qualifications of others and the level of competition. On the other hand, hiring managers may have a sense of urgency to fill positions by May, due to managers preparing for their summer vacations, or the release of new company plans - all of which will help you land that offer.
• June, July, & August  - The job seeking vacation. As summer heats up, the availability in career options cools down. Most hiring managers and recruiters switch their focus to analyzing the local market trends, preparing reports, and evaluating future needs. Many companies will already have their human resource budget spent by this time of year, limiting their abilities to hire. Therefore, applicants will find it more challenging to find valuable opportunities during the summer months.
• September & October – Crisp, clean, and refreshing. As the air becomes cooler and the summer comes to an end, there is always something refreshing about entering the fall. People return to work and school after vacations and things get back to a normal rhythm. It's during this time that hiring managers set their sights on the tasks at hand. They find more time for interviews, applicant screening, and onboarding processes. The Autumn hiring season has somewhat of an urgency with it, which can be a benefit to those who are seeking employment. As the end of the year approaches with positions not filled, the hiring manager runs the risk of losing the position entirely, due to the assumption that the position is redundant.... therefore encouraging the hiring manager to fill vacant positions as soon as possible. 
• November & December – The freeze! Everyone knows that as the holidays approach productivity starts to slow. In the HR world this is not only because our personal tasks of buying gifts and planning parties have increased, it is also because during the last 2 months of the year budgets begin to get tighter therefore forcing HR to wait until the new year and new finances to expand the human capital.

This information may be most useful for those who already have a position and may be looking at changing gears in the near future. However, for those who are seeking employment now, don’t be discouraged if you find yourself looking for a position during one of the slower employment months. There are always opportunities popping up, and as long as you are continuously connecting with and expanding your network, your chances of landing that exciting new position are extremely high! Tracy.

Tracy Carberry is a pro, on realworld human resource 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.

SUSAN DAY, The Office Yogi, on yoga and health

Check out my video this month. As we head into a busy time of year, it's even more important to cultivate focus and concentration so that we don't feel pulled in any more directions that we already are. How often do the days feel busy and before you know it, it's Friday again? Focusing and being mindful can help you find more time in your day and will help time feel less like it's zooming by. Not sure if you've heard the latest but multitasking doesn't work! In this month's video we flow to work on focus and finding a sense of calm in the body and mind. Give it a try and let me know what you think! 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.  

SUSAN KENNEDY on MILLENNIAL PARENTING

And just like that, back-to-school season is upon us! I interviewed some teachers to find out what they need from us, the parents, to help them run a smooth ship this week and beyond. Here are their top tips:

• Talk to your child about the importance of an education rather than telling them how much fun they'll have. So many kids begin the year expecting a day-long party and find it especially boring when those expectations aren't met.
• If you have something important to relay to the teacher (for example, "don't send Johnny home on the bus today, his Nan is picking him up") write a note rather than telling him or her at drop-off. The first several days are so hectic and your teacher is still trying to learn everyone's name and face.
• Foster independence. Encourage your child to dress themselves, brush their own teeth and help pack their lunch. These little lessons can go a long way in making your kids feel comfortable without you and can help your teacher save valuable instruction time by not having to help 25+ children with every task.
• Have conversations with your kids about treating others with respect and kindness - and better yet, demonstrate it daily through your own words and actions.
• Talk to your children about being their own person. There are going to be a LOT of different personalities, needs, strengths and weaknesses in their class. Let them know it's OK to be different, as long as they try their best.

Good luck this week and happy parenting! Susan.

Susan Kennedy is a mom to two little kids aged 2 and 5. She is a scientist by training but now spends her days taking care of her two children and running an educational services business. Susan is also a trained birth doula and is involved in the Doula Collective of Newfoundland. Susan loves to speak about anything parenting-related, especially the intersection between technology and parenting and millennial parenthood. She is the founder of Apparently Tech, a new technology company focusing on app development in the Family and Lifestyle category. Connect with Susan on LinkedIn.

HOLLY McCUE on social media and storytelling

The best stories, always come from our own experiences. Simply, you can’t make up a “great” story, it just comes naturally. This is equally true when it comes to social media. Some businesses make the mistake of thinking they have to “make up,” their story... who they are, what they represent, the type of experiences their customers should expect to have. In reality (yes, even online reality), it’s far better to share those personal and candid experiences. That’s why testimonials have always been such a key factor in promotional and marketing materials for businesses throughout the years, and even still today. As humans, we rely on other people's experiences as our deciding factor for whether we will, or will not, enjoy a product or service. When preparing your social strategy, ensure you are providing some real content (real experiences). This could be a range of things, from customer testimonials of products to employee experiences with customers throughout the day of business. People want to hear your story, but more importantly, share in your experience. They just need that face to connect to! Don’t get caught up in the analytics, if you don’t have the content to back it up! Always remember: it’s content first, numbers later.

Holly is a creative enthusiast and the co-founder for Social On Site, Inc.; a mobile social media marketing agency that focuses on humanizing and showcasing, the uniqueness of brands through their own social platforms… bringing a new meaning to "storytelling”. Having graduated from Memorial University with a BBA degree, she developed a very distinct business approach in association with her passions: painting, writing, photography and psychology. Understanding people and serving a fresh perspective, is what Holly values most. Connect with Holly.

MUSIC, MESSAGE and MORE…

Going forward, Mark and Sheena will be contributing quotes and music and more respectively… to lift the mind and heart. For September…

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 in a new song called Bull Dog. Have a listen, then go for 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

BARRY LEWIS GREEN and character matters

This past month, I shared this on WELCOME HOME. In it, I wrote,

• "I have no dreams or desire for extremes of wealth. I seek only to work at what I deeply love, in service, for the rest of my life. A simple, modest home and cool little car... with Panda and people I devotedly love... living as an educator and entrepreneur making a difference in a world that needs a difference made. The work with The Virtues Project this past week and the 16 years before this makes my heart humbly pound for what it can do individually and in relationships, in the classroom, on campus, in business and community. My work as an educator speaks to my heart. My passion for the possibility of momondays, Deliver, Speakeasies and Thinking CAPS speaks to it. My writing, cartooning, singing, dancing and creating does too. I seek no dreams of retirement for why would one retire from that which they love? No life of "hustle"... but a life of joyful service and excellence. Yup, I only seek to do what I do, love who I love, serve who I serve and live as Barry. My only prayer is this... and for a world of people who understand and enjoy the same. Peace."

What am I suggesting here? As you enter this new season, have a read of WELCOME HOME. There is alot in there; and I humbly suggest it to be worth the time. Try it on. But specifically and here, I am suggesting that you consider where you must needs place and put your best energies this Fall. Even ponder your Ikigai. Where will your best and laser focus be? For me, I have created my Fall Vision Board, getting clear on my most important activities and accomplishments. They are in line with my own work this Summer on alignment and focus. Indeed and in deed, it has been a process of getting clear and aligned at a new level.

That alignment required Truthfulness and Discernment.

The result is greater clarity. Such clarity I find to be purposeful, powerful, and joyful. And, doing the work to get such clarity is important. Life is all too short, no matter how long we have. It is wise to decide where you will invest your talents, capacities, joys and energies or you will fall prey to distraction; and regret. It is important to find your best dance. Take the time to consider what truly matters heading into the Fall... and rise. Keep your feet on the ground and your eyes on the prize. Happy September! --- 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

MORE NEWS GOING FORWARD

With the above in mind, I personally invite you to an event that honors the spirit of a young girl who understood this.

This is a labour of love, purely... and will be focused on just what I am suggesting above. Risking the shameless plug (but not, as this is all for Nevaeh), you can get your tickets HERE. Our intent continues to be to serve with thoughts and perspectives that can help at school, work, business, community and life. And we are launching momondays St. John's with that in mind and heart. It is all with the intent of celebrating and advancing the living of life. All that being said, we do invite you to continue to ride with us... and share the thoughts around. 

QUOTE of the MONTH

Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. --- Rumi

VIDEO of the MONTH

• On Motivation

SONG for the MONTH

• Back to Life

Thanks for engaging us again this month. We invite you to connect with our contributors. They are remarkable and diverse people to know and with whom to work. Until next month...

Barry Lewis Green, The Unity Guy

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