We just passed April 1st a day when we closely examine the stories told to us to be sure there are facts to back up them up. None of us want to be caught off-side as an April Fool. We’d do well to carry this vigilance throughout the year as stories without facts are little … Read more
Recently, while describing a film to a friend I referred to it as a lesbian love story. Sensing that wasn’t quite right I then followed up with the query, “Perhaps I should have said that it is a passionate love story between two women?” To this, she responded, “Why does it have to include gender … Read more
To be meaningful and memorable, people must first ‘get out of their own way’. This feat was exemplified in the performances of both Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in the recent hit film La La Land. Although it is likely that neither would have described themselves as singers, dancers or in Gosling’s case a piano … Read more
The recently released film Arrival, casts Amy Adams as Louise Banks, a linguistics expert who must translate sounds emanating from heptapods (seven-limbed aliens) who have landed on earth. Recruited by the American government Banks is tasked with finding out “what they are doing here?” Unarmed, she bravely removes her hazmat protection and through facial expression, … Read more
The morning after the US election, on an early bird flight, I chanced upon an acquaintance, a prominent Canadian businessman. He was singing the praises of Donald Trump while I was still smarting at the lost opportunity of having a woman leader of the free world. When I told him that I couldn’t abide a … Read more
At TIFF 2016, the Irish-German film star Michael Fassbander discussed his acting career with a live audience. Of particular interest was the discourse regarding his role in the 2008 film Hunger. In it he plays the character of Irish republican Bobby Sands, who in 1981, led the inmates of a Northern Irish prison in a … Read more
Since the inception of film, seldom have women, minorities or even nonconformist males held the center of a story, serving instead as the adjunct or love interest. Rarely the subject, most often the object. Subtlety, through the years we have been indoctrinated to view the world through a patriarchal lens. In virtually every sector those … Read more
Without question, having a mentor will enhance the effectiveness of our leadership skills immensely. This is especially true when the methods and management style of the mentor differ and contrast from our own. It is only when we challenge our conditioning by accepting new and different approaches to work and life that we truly grow. … Read more
Many successful executives will credit a mentor; an advisor, a teacher, someone who kept them engaged while they advanced their careers. Maybe even someone who opened doors as they learned the ropes. This is especially true for women. Today, forward-thinking companies realize that mentorship helps close the management gender gap. The most successful way for … Read more
For my male readership, here is a reminder to keep tucked away in your back pocket. Balanced leaders make better leaders. To be more successful you’ll stand a better chance if you stop following outdated stereotypes that subscribe to the masculine, tough-guy style of leadership. This does not mean that you must give up your … Read more
