Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. Winston Churchill.

Like a pair of giant needles, technology and globalization have knitted us together. Whether we live in Toronto, Toledo or Timbuktu, our world has become a global village, increasingly interdependent, interconnected, demanding we broaden our world view, like it or not.

Broadly speaking, a world view is a set of expectations and biases we have formed that shape how we see and feel about people in other nations, even in our own neighbourhoods – each of them with their own world view.

Accommodation isn’t always easy but as distances continue to shrink, it is good to remember that, regardless of where we stand on the globe, most people are just trying to get through the day, striving to live out their personal destinies and be the best they can be.

We are not the same, of course. Our cultures, religions and societal differences can make strangers of us all – but only if we let them.

The songs we sing, the stories we tell, sounds and words that to others may sound foreign, even threatening.

Still, particularly at this time, as the world continues to get smaller, meaner and less inclusive, more than ever, we need to look into our hearts and make a greater effort to narrow the gap.

And to be reminded that a stranger is only a person whose song or story we have never heard, if only we are brave enough to listen.

Hmm… over to you.

Stay safe. Stay interest. Stay interesting.

I hope to see you again soon.

Are you searching for a new path and trying to make sense of these changing times? Need someone with whom you could do some strategic thinking? Read my approach to coaching. FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION text/call me directly 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Nothing is hopeless that is right. Susan B. Anthony

These are perilous times in many parts of the world.

Dark storm clouds of negativity and pessimism are gathering. The winds of change are howling, but as much as the pessimists would like us to believe otherwise, the skys will clear.

They are doing their best to crowd out the optimists and forward thinkers.

Don’t let the pessimists win. Keep on fighting.

The winners in life cultivate optimism. And they never give up.

Pessimists, by their nature, are destructive, unsure of their abilities, closed to new ideas and ways of doing things, disrespectful of others, and fearful.

Optimists, on the other hand, are helpful, open to new ideas, inclusive, sharing, respectful of others, caring, forward thinking and unafraid of the future.

No matter the challenge, the optimists embrace the future and always find a way to look on the bright side.

Hmm… over to you.

Stay safe. Stay interesting. Stay interested.

I hope to see you again soon.

Want to take your business and personal life to greater heights? Need someone with whom you could do some strategic thinking? Read my approach to coaching. FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION text/call me directly 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Almost always the creative, dedicated minority has made the world better. Martin Luther King Jr.

New ideas are today’s coinage. Whether you are working for yourself or on contract to an organization, they are the life blood of growth. And they flow directly from creative thinking.

Ah, you may think, but I’m not creative. Think again.

Consider these three common misconceptions about creativity:

1. I am not creative. Not true… we are all creative. Some are just more creative than others. We all have creative ideas. It is just that over time, from the moment we started out as children and grew into adulthood, we have learned to censor our ideas, fearful of being scorned or ridiculed.
2. Creative people always have good ideas. No they don’t… creative people always have ideas. Some are good, others not so much. Many are good but not practical.
3. Constructive criticism will help you improve on an idea. No it won’t…innovative ideas need to be encouraged and nurtured.

It’s never too late to start something new.

If you’ve been sitting on a great idea, hesitating to unpack it, don’t let the naysayers and doubters dissuade you.

Who knows where it may take you…you’ll never know if you don’t try.

Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay connected.

I hope to see you again soon.

Want to take your life and personal life to the next level? Need someone to share your thoughts and feelings with? Read my approach to coaching. FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION text/call me directly 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow me on LinkedIn.

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. Benjamin Franklin.

Learning new things gives us a feeling of accomplishment which, in turn, boosts our confidence in our own unique capabilities.

Maintain an open, curious mind.

In our fast changing world lifelong learning is one of the most effective ways of dealing with change and is essential to our living the best versions of ourselves.

Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay connected.

I hope to see you again soon.

Find the present is overwhelming? Need someone to share your thoughts and feelings with? Read my approach to coaching. FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION text/call me directly 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The purpose of life, after all, is to love it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear, for newer and richer experience. Eleanor Roosevelt.

The other day, someone asked me, “What is leadership all about, what’s the secret to it,” they wondered?

I have been writing and thinking and talking about leadership for a long time. I’m not alone. Writers, consultants and coaches, of all stripes, have been writing and speaking in-person and online, podcasting, selling books, addressing the subject as if it were some kind of arcane, mysterious secret.

Truth be known, though, there is no secret.

Whether we are talking about leading others or yourself, leadership comes from within.

Each and every day, leaders screw up their courage, go out the door and deliver their service or product to the world. They take action, continually analyzing what went well or not so well.

They reflect upon what happened and then, learning from the experience, make the necessary corrections, do what they instinctively know they need to do, all the while constantly reaching out to help their audience meet their aspirations or goals.

It’s as simple –  and complicated as that.

Their goals and aspirations are rock solid. They stay tightly focused. They don’t allow themselves to get distracted. They know why they are getting up every morning. That knowledge is the fuel that feeds the flame and keeps hope alive.

They keep on learning, they are always hopeful and they never give up.

Sure they make mistakes, stumble occasionally and at times are scared to death, but they go out and do it anyway, come hell or high water: Heart and mind totally engaged.

If you’ve been holding back, secretly harbouring a dream, give yourself permission to live it. Now, while you can.

Take the first step. Vow, today, that enough is enough.

Get going. Nothing builds self confidence and fosters self esteem like personal accomplishment.

Decide to be real. To be you. Really.

Do what you love. Go as far as you can. When you get there, you’ll know what to do next.

Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay connected.

I hope to see you again soon.

Want to rethink your direction?  Need someone to share your thoughts with? Read my approach to coaching. FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION text/call me 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn.