Journey Update

Impactful Experience

Last week, I had the incredible privilege of being selected as one of twelve candidates from across Canada to participate in the Regenerative Capital Group's CEO-in-Residence (CIR) Decision Week in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. This immersive week offered an unparalleled opportunity to learn from renowned leaders, network with extremely talented individuals, visit local regenerative businesses that have proven profit and impact can coexist, and learn about regenerative lenses’ applied to business.

The program's structured curriculum, featuring expert sessions and hands-on workshops, pushed my boundaries and challenged me to think differently about leadership, communications, culture, and impact-driven business practices. The calibre of the guest speakers and the diversity of perspectives shared were truly inspiring, leaving me with a wealth of knowledge and new ideas.

Besides the formal learning, the most profound value came from the lifelong friendships forged throughout the week. The program fostered an open and honest environment, allowing us to share our experiences, challenges, and aspirations in a safe space. Those who know me well would tell you I actively seek out uncomfortable situations, as they are the foundation for growth and learning. Decision Week lived up to that expectation, providing daily opportunities to push my boundaries and think bigger as I continue my journey.

The RCG team faced a difficult decision over the weekend. They had to select five candidates for their 2024 cohort, knowing that all twelve of us would be successful if chosen. I returned to Alberta with the runner-up distinction, narrowly missing a top 5 placement. While many athletes proudly display their gold and bronze medals, silver medals often get relegated to a drawer. Bronze medals are celebrated for making the podium, gold medals are the ultimate prize, and silver is seen as a mere reminder of falling short of the highest honour. However, I have a different perspective and have proudly placed my silver medal on my office bookshelf. When life presents a silver medal, it always comes with numerous benefits beyond and different than those associated with a gold medal.

This transformative week has further fueled my ongoing mission to acquire a good Canadian SMB. My vision remains focused on being a long-term owner-operator and creating both profit and positive societal impact. Preserving the legacy of established businesses while guiding them toward a thriving future is a value of mine.

For business owners seeking a committed and purpose-driven successor, I invite you to connect. 

For investors seeking to create a lasting impact with a long-term view, I encourage you to reach out. 

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this remarkable program and excited to watch and support the selected CIRs as they find, acquire and successfully operate their SMBs.

Resources & Content

A few picks to provoke thought

I am not an expert in Regenerative business practices. There are experts who can speak more intelligently about the subject. The way each person thinks about regenerative businesses is going to differ as there is not a matter of applying a framework. It is evolving, emmergence, an essence.

• Conway Fraser - Managing Director of Fraser Torosay™, a strategic engagement and communications company based in the Waterloo Region in Ontario, Canada. Conway delivered a full day of valuable communications training. He is also on my call list the next time I have a high-stakes presentation or interview. His book Leaders Under Fire is on my to-read list

• Jim Moss - Jim delivered an energizing session on the foundations of good culture and positive psychology. I’m waiting for his list of top psychology books to hit my inbox. Fun fact, Jim owned the name “The AXE” during his Lacrosse days.

• Doughnut Economics - Kate Raworth - Ted Talks video. Designing an economy to thrive. Thought-provoking.

• The Tipping Points of Climate Change: How Will Our World Change - Article about 9 tipping points that are impacting the future world. Also a good Netflix documentary:

  Breaking Boundaries

  The Science of Our Planet

  www.netflix.com/title/81336476

  

• Biomimicry is about valuing nature for what we can learn, not what we can extract, harvest, or domesticate. In the process, we learn about ourselves, our purpose, and our connection to each other and our home on earth.

• Ray Anderson and Interface is an example of a business that has been applying a regenerative lens to its business.