[FLR] Booing or Building – Choosing Growth Over Frustration

Happy Friday,

To be frank,?I have been disappointed with how we have reacted to our American neighbours.

Due to ongoing trade negotiations, we've even seen American sports teams booed in Canada.

I get that we are not happy with the current circumstances; over 70% of our trade is with the United States.

But does being angry with professional athletes (many of whom are Canadians) help us move forward??

We can either react emotionally or use this as an opportunity to improve, collaborate, and build a stronger country & future.

Finding Opportunity in Uncertainty

Leadership is often tested not in moments of stability but in times of uncertainty. As we navigate the ongoing trade negotiations, it's easy to get caught up in the politics, the speculation, and the frustration.?

But as leaders, we have a choice: we can focus on what's outside our control or ask a better question—where are the opportunities for us to grow and thrive?

This moment demands an entrepreneurial mindset that embraces the "Yes, and…" approach.?

It acknowledges the complexities of the situation and asks,?What's next? How do we adapt? Where can we add value?

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A Mindset Shift: From Reaction to Innovation

Yes, a trade negotiation is happening, and there are challenges and uncertainties. But instead of waiting to see what happens, we can look ahead.?

The best leaders and organizations don't just react to change—they anticipate and leverage it.

Canada's internal trade is worth?$200 billion annually, yet barriers that limit economic growth and collaboration remain.

As President of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat | Secrétariat du Conseil du Trésor du Canada , Anita Anand, recently stated,?"Removing internal trade barriers is a crucial step toward a more prosperous and competitive Canada."

The United States and Canada have also delayed their tariff introductions for 30 days to enable further negotiations.?

This delay gives businesses a short window to assess and strategize for upcoming changes.?

This presents an opportunity to proactively adapt and explore new avenues for resilience and growth.

Focus on What We Can Control

Uncertainty is inevitable. Growth is a choice.?

We can spend our energy debating what should or shouldn't be happening or focus on where we can take action.

• What new challenges do our customers and partners face that we can help solve?
• What internal improvements can we make to be more resilient and innovative?
• Where can we work smarter and strengthen our position for long-term success?

Choosing to Lead

This is a pivotal moment, not just for us but for our country. It's a time to step up, innovate, and strengthen our economic and business ecosystem.?

Consider this: internal trade barriers still exist within Canada—why can't we buy BC Wine in the LCBO ??

This negotiation reminds us to remove & focus on our limitations and build a more connected and confident economy.

Let's take this as a challenge to think differently, act decisively, and seek opportunity in the face of change.

That's what leadership—and an entrepreneurial spirit—is all about.

Let's focus on what we can control.?

Let's choose to grow.?

Let's choose to become better.

Along the road with you,

Alan

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